This one-off Frua-bodied Escort is an historical mystery. No definitive answer exists to the question: why did Pietro Frua restyle an early Escort? Did Ford commission it, or was a private party responsible for the car? We can only speculate, but a few strands of the story reach back to Frua’s mid-career, when he sold his company to Carrozzeria Ghia. That was the late ’50s. Frua split with Ghia in 1960 to found his own firm once again. Then, in 1970, Ford bought Ghia. No doubt, Frua came into contact with Ford personnel more than once. Still, it seems inconceivable that Ford would use a designer other than its own captive – Ghia – to create a concept car from the Escort. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo was shown at the 58th Salon de l’Automobile in Paris, on Frua’s stand, not Ford’s. These musings lead to a tentative conclusion that the Monte Carlo was commissioned by a wealthy private patron, like the Maserati Quattroporte “Aga Kahn” that sat next to it in Paris. Whatever the case may be, this lovely Escort will be auctioned at no reserve – listed as lot number 106 at Bonhams’ Chéserex, Switzerland auction scheduled for June 29, 2025 – with an estimate of $ 62,000 – $ 74,000. (Note that the catalog previously listed this car as a ’71, but the description was changed to match the VIN which indicates it was made in ’75. Research calls the car a ’71.)

The car’s first owner, reportedly the wife of a Swiss architect, drove it until about 1980; it subsequently changed hands among collectors several times. Power is supplied by Ford’s 1300 cc Kent four-cylinder, good for about 70 hp. The engine is backed by the Escort’s standard four-speed manual. We’re not told whether the car currently runs. An appraisal issued in 2017 rated its overall condition as “good”, but eight years have passed since then …

The interior is typical of the early Escort, with bucket seats in front and similarly supportive rear seating. Note the curvature of the gauge panel – a feature designed to enhance visibility that was becoming more popular at the time. Other views show a nest of wiring behind and below the dash, perhaps related to a repair or installation of an after-market radio. Wear is evident on all surfaces, but the upholstery remains intact. The trunk could use a good cleaning, and its rubber seal is shot.

A restoration was performed in 2003, when the color was changed from a brown metallic to russet. The body is straight but paint nicks are evident here and there. While Americans are usually unfamiliar with Ford’s earliest Escort, European production of the compact family car began in 1968 and it arrived to enthusiastic reviews. The little sedan was rapidly adopted onto the rally circuit, winning all sorts of rallies with all sorts of engines. Scanning listings for first-gen examples shows that even mundanely motor’d cars with Ford bodies can sell in for £15,000 or more. This one-off example, dressed by Frua, should sell for more than twice as much.