1975 Ford Escort RS 2000

Lot details
Registration No: GFL101N
Chassis No: BFATP500103
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

The Ford Escort was launched at the 1968 Brussels Motorshow. Acutely aware that the Cortina was in the autumn of its competition career, Ford's competition department had been developing a race/rally version of the model throughout 1967, and had their Twin-Cam variant ready to roll. The company was duly rewarded too, winning the World Championship for Makes in both 1968 and 1969. Among the Escort's most memorable early competition wins was, however, the model's domination of the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally - the 1860cc push-rod engine cars finishing 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th. To capitalise on the success, Ford created the limited edition AVO-built Escort Mexico in time for the 1971 season. Its specially strengthened Type 49 shell was fitted with Rallye Sport suspension and brakes and powered by a 1600cc 'Kent' engine. The model was even given its own dedicated race series - the Mexico Challenge. By now, the 1600cc BDA-engine RS1600 was taking over from the Twin-Cam and it was in June 1973 that the company announced the RS2000. It also utilised the two-door Type 49 bodyshell and, with its very 'roadable' 2000 OHC 'Pinto' engine, slotted in nicely between the Mexico and the all-singing, all-dancing RS1600. With 100bhp on tap, the newcomer could sprint to 60mph in 9.1 seconds and on to a top speed of over 106mph.

The 1975 right-hand drive example offered features Orange paintwork and a Charcoal-coloured interior. It is said to have been extensively restored between 2005 and 2006 and purchased by the vendor the following year. He enjoyed it throughout 2008 and 2009 but has been unable to use it since - 'GFL 101N' is therefore currently on SORN. The seats have recently been reupholstered and re-strapped and the vendor now considers the car to be in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. A fine example of an increasingly sought after model.