Yes it does have a turbo, which obviously helps on the nippy front as well

Geez I’m gutted with what I’ve flogged for a few quid back in the day
Mk 1 escort £30
3 x Mk4 cortina’s at best £200 each
Mk1 fiesta sport scrapped
Mk 1 Astra sport. froze the engine.
Mk 2 Orion scrapped

I suppose I’m not alone but worth dollar now

Ditto (the shorting in the rain with the distributor at the front i.e. virtually the same engine as yours) with my first car, a 1967 ('E' Reg.) Austin 1100, bought for £100 after I passed my test on 17 August 1977, aged 17. I therefore always carried a can of WD-40 or Damp Start with me. The joy of cars back then was the ability to maintain them yourself and sort out the majority of problems. One little tip that was a game-changer in the cooler months was to cover the engine with a blanket overnight. From that day on, the car never failed to start first time, even on the dampest, coldest mornings. I realise this advice probably comes a bit too late for you though!

Palace since 19 August 1972. Palace 1 (Tony Taylor) Liverpool 1 (Emlyn Hughes)

I know mate, cars I had or by the time I’d finished with them were never worth much.

When I was learning to drive back in 81, i yearned for a silver Capri like Bodies on the professionals, I ended up with my uncles mk 3 Cortina!! I never did get a capri which I’ve always been a bit gutted about.