1981 Ford Escort SS Commercial
The World Car.
That’s what Ford called the Escort when it debuted as a 1981 model, in reference to Ford’s international presence with this namepla te. Although there had already been an Escort running around Europe, this version was different, all-new and geared toward the U.S. market. On paper, the car looked like a winner: front-wheel drive, overhead cam,1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and a choice of a two-door hatchback or a four-door wagon.
There were five trim levels offered: base, L, GL, GLX and SS. Base models were devoid of frills and fancy trim and loo
ked rather plain as a result. The L added pinstripes and some chrome around the grille. The GL’s upgrades included body-side moldings, wheel trim rings and more chrome accents. GLX versions added more feature content like low-back bucket seats, center console, wood-tone dash trim and interval wipers. A sporty Escort SS received blackout trim instead of chrome, tape graphics, full instruments and a sport suspension.
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