Today, my long lasting, ever-able car found another use. My beloved 1986 Ford Escort 1.4 GL Estate in champagne gold has almost reached legendary status. Not only do you all know who Ernie the Escort is (unless you a new reader, in which case, welcome), but so does just about everyone in my social circles. In fact, if you search Google for Ernie the Escort, he is the first result, and the first two image results.
Since buying my car for £300 in 2005, my car has risen to every challenge thrown at it. It has been a mini(mini)bus, a van, a long range kayak transporter, a mountain driving car, an off-roader, an ambulance, a police car (albeit only in videos), a band car, and very nearly a submarine (see a post from a few weeks back). But today, Ernie become something else: a break-down recovery towing vehicle.
My slightly mad Uncle had to get rid of his wife's car, down to a scrap dealer. It had been sitting so long that it wouldn't start, and the brakes were ceased. So, using my car (and the tow rope I always have with me) I heaved the car off of it's ceased brakes. Then I towed the car for a while. As we were driving along, every now and then, my Uncle's car became very heavy. Why? Was Ernie finally giving up? No, my mad Uncle was trying 'bump starting' the car as we drove along. It worked, but I swear that my clutch has never smelt like that before...
As it turns out, my car will soon be something else soon. A continental cruiser. We are being forced to go to the Alpes in a few weeks, and in an effort to travel cheap (and for me to find some enjoyment) we're driving. In Ernie. Yes, my 22 year old Escort will be covering over 700 miles to Grenoble in Southern France. If anyone wants to leave a snide comment about breaking down, don't bother. 1 - I am 100% sure that we're going to get all the way there, and all the way back. 2 - I've already heard them all. Thanks friends and family for all your faith...
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I happen to have owned (: an 87 escort estate 1.6 Diesel and know how versatile these things can be (even when carrying it's own replacement panels). I no longer have KDF aka "Gurgle" (car horn was dying) as it was stolen mid november and burt out it is not a CAT A write off because of them. We have atleast beenable to take the hoses off the engine due to the fact that the 1.6 diesel is a rare engine and that i'd bought a 4 door hatch the same year and model as KDF. I hope you continue to have better luck with your car Ernie than i did with KDF.
here is my e-mail address if you want pictures before and after the burning:
darthbabo@hotmail.co.uk
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