African Muscle Cars - Forum

Can't remember now if it had the Cologne V6 or the Cosworth. Henry seems the guru on these things.

I don't remember that Escort as having a V6 in it. I always thought of it as a Cosworth. What say you Henry?

Not even a 'drop in the ocean expert' compared to HenryK on Ford, but i am sure the VD Merwe Escort had the Cologne V6 in it... - HenryK will be able to clarify...

I remember the vd Merwe V6 Escourt. It ran well but never really finished a race. There was always some sort of problem with it. I think it ran the at same time as the Tredia turbo.

Don't think it was either! The Escort was Cosworth GAA V6 if I remember, based on the Essex block but that's where the Ford connection ends. 4 valve per cylinder heads on etc. They look rather intimidating, a belt driven frenzy of 3.4 litres, typical Cosworth with steel everything and around 400 BHP on it's mechanical fuel injection setup. Cosworth built about 100 off these engines as kit delivery to customers. Also an option to the Formula 5000 of the 70's in the USA I seem to remember, you took the pushrod V8 at 5l or you could run this GA at 3.4. Rare pieces of iron, typical Cosworth built for purpose as opposed to beauty. Keith Duckworth was a genius of engine design, he developed the DFV F1 engine before he was 34! 155 victories under that ones belt, I don't think it has been bettered yet, doubt it ever will with the pace teams change things now to stay on top. Strangely, the GAA uses 2 identical heads, both banks interchangeable (like to see how this works?) Have one lying around looking for a home? I'll take it thanks, love to build a KS Escort replica.(one that will stay together:) )

So, this was the Cosworth V6?

Certainly looks like it. looks like the Kolbenschmidt script on the front spoiler and the side air scoops for the remounted radiators. Yeehaaa! Car magazine had an interview some time back with Van and I am sure he said Bernie Marriner had this car destroyed after they were finally done with it.

333 - you may well be right. This Cosworth V6 story rings a bell

Hi 333

Dennis you are 100% correct regarding the v d Merwe Escort.

The GAA engine was awsome and won many races.


But what few people remember is that while Ford (Bernie and his crew) were building the V6 Escort Sarel used and interim car for the Manufacturers challenge.


This was a 2 litre BDA engined Escort. Basically an old rally Escort lowered and fitted with wide wheels and slicks.

The Leeuwkop picture posted is of that 2 litre Escort and not the V6.

Even with the 2 litre engine he could give the Chevy V8s a run for their money around tighter circuits like Killarney.

Yes Henry, now I remember.

I was at Kyalami sitting at Leeukop when that picture was taken in 1979. Sarel stayed with the V8's and Fiat Ferrari for a couple of laps and then lost ground. He the started show-boating as you can see from the picture and spent the rest of the race going round corners sideways. He was very entertaining.