Ford Escort 4-door MK3 in Brazil

It's still not so unusual to find some old cars being daily-driven in 3rd-world countries, such as Brazil. The MK3 Escort, specifically, was introduced there in '83, a 3-year delay in relation to its European counterpart, only in hatchback and cabriolet bodystyles, and was fitted with Renault Ventoux engines instead of Ford's own CVH, with a 4-speed manual transmission for the 1.3L and a 5-speed for the 1.6L, and both engines were available either as gasoline-powered or in a dedicated-ethanol version. The 4-door hatchback is the most rare bodystyle for the MK3 in Brazil, and was more targetted to export markets, not just regional markets in Latin America. Surprisingly, the Brazilian MK3 Escort was also available in Norway and Denmark, but not in the French Ultramarine Department (French Guyana) which shares a border with Brazil.

Volkswagen Gol Fourgonette

Yesterday while I was walking with my dog in my hometown, I've spotted this Volkswagen Gol Fourgonette from the '90s, still used as a delivery van in a supermarket. The floorpan layout of the Volkswagen Gol was basically the same as the Volkswagen Passat B1, with the Gol platform designated as BX. This very same layout lasted until 2013, mostly with cosmetic changes.

This fourgonette version was available from early '80s until '96, always with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine (initially the air-cooled boxer, and lately the Ford-sourced CHT which was itself based in the Renault Ventoux engine) and a 4-speed manual transmission. Its 420kg payload, and the 1200-litre maximum volume at the cargo compartment, sure doesn't sound so impressive, but it's OK for some light hauling while still ensure some protection from the weather elements. Had also been popular as a service vehicle for telephone companies and other public utilities, due to its relatively low cost and a relatively safe storage for the tools.