Keep it, I've had 5 Escorts over the years...Bought a brand new RS2000 back in 79 met Rolly not long after as I blew the diff trying to get to do 0 - 100 in under 10 sec haha and had Rolly work on it in about 81, twin 45 Webbers, roller cam, shot peened rods etc etc. My ex nearly got run off the road because she blew the doors off a XA GT and the guy driving wasn't too happy, I had it for 12yrs and sold it for what I paid for it.
You are very lucky to have an auto shell as they have a much bigger tranny tunnel so less need for modding the floor for the bigger box, Celica 5 speed was the most popular mod back in the early 80's, C pillar is a pain, I restored one 25 years ago and had new/better C pillars grafted in then filled the gap under the vent so no more water could accumulate.
As said, speak to Rolly and ask him what he thinks, he used to have a yard full of bodies etc but I haven't been there for a few years.

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Beaten up old 98 Gen 2 Liberty, 13.0, stock V3 STI running gear.
07 Transit motor home
69 VF & 70 VG Valiants needing full restoration
Yamaha Zooma 50cc rocket hopefully going with the Transit.