[crembz]

I really should be more specific when talking about escorts huh?

Thanks for the info all. I'm checking out all the links that have been posted.

Seems like rust is the only major problem, thought that would be common with almost all older vehicles.

@jpblue1000 what would your alternative be over an Escort?

My decision points so far have been:

Want something I can get on club reg.
Want something I can have as my 'toy car', slowly restore/modify etc.
Prefer something that will likely increase in value
Wouldn't mind something with a carby ... never owned a carby motor in the past
Possible engine swap

My shortlist looks like (not that short)

Ford Escort Mk1 or Mk2 (stick with pinto or SR swap)
Ford Capri Mk1 or Mk2 (can't find any)
Ford Falcon XB/XC (slightly out of budget to get something road registered not falling apart)
HQ/HJ/HX/HZ Kingswood (same problem as XB/XC)
Jag XJ6/12/S (complicated old motor sounds like a nightmare)
MGB
Datsun 280,120Y,1600 (sr engine swap)

More modern options:
MX5 (cheap overall to get on road, SR20 swap)
Nissan S13/R32/early R33 (quickest bang for buck)
E36 (ls engine swap)