There doesn't seem to be too much work to rebuild 'er. If you get into contact with the DMV during the build up(before, during and after), you can sucsesfully rebuild the title to a normal state.
It'd all depend on the price really. If it's somewhat resonable, I'd just repair as much as you could, replace what had to be and respray it.
If it's a steal, I'd put a different body kit (maybe just side skirts...) and replace what had to be and respray it.
An '01+ Escape 3L would drop right in (with your 2.5's 'tin' and what not) if you kept the plastic U/LIM.
