Lot details Registration No: UDH172M Chassis No: BFATPS00267 Mot Expiry: July 2006
Introduced in June 1973, the Escort RS2000 MKI was the last model to be built at Ford's legendary AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations) Plant. Based around the same strengthened 'Type 49' monocoque bodyshell as its predecessors, the newcomer boasted equally predictable / entertaining handling thanks to the provision of Macpherson strut independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, servo-assisted disc / drum brakes and rack and pinion steering. An unusual tortoise / hare hybrid in that it essentially combined the pace of the highly-strung RS1600 with the reliability of the more pedestrian Mexico, the RS2000 was powered by the Blue Oval's new 1993cc SOHC four-cylinder 'Pinto' engine. A difficult installation - Ford's engineers only managed to shoehorn it in place by removing the standard fan assembly (substituting a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe instead) - the 'Pinto' developed some 100bhp and 108lbft of torque. Somewhat at odds with its ability to sprint from 0-60mph in 9 seconds and onto 108mph, the RS2000's well appointed interior made it a surprisingly agreeable motorway companion.
Finished in red with black Recaro seats, this particular example is described by the vendor as being "good throughout" with regard to its engine, transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Said to have "recently been fitted with a new clutch and five-speed manual gearbox", it also benefits from a "very torquey motor" which "pulls like a train". Riding on RS Alloys, its similarly branded steering wheel is offset by the cabin's "full wood trim". Reportedly "enormous fun to drive", this subtly uprated RS2000 is offered for sale with MOT certificate until July 2006.
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