I bought a banged up 1974 Escort Mk1 when I was just 16 years old.
It may have been a write-off from being rolled over but it was definitely repairable.
Dad and I replaced the roof, fixed it all up, repainted the car and added a set of mags, extractors and a Weber carby.
A few months later, I wrote the car off myself – this time running it into the back of a truck that had been parked just over the crest of a hill.
Compared to modern cars, the Escort crumpled up like wet tissue paper. (image: Survivor Car Australia)
Thankfully, we all survived but the Escort had had its day.
After two serious accidents it was time to let the Escort go.
Memories from David Peterson.
Source: Survivor Car Australia.
What's your favourite 'fixer-upper' story? Tell us in the comments.