Ford Escort RS1800, 1975
Ford Escort II
Ford Escort II•
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Chassis No.: BBATRL08628
Engine No.: RL08628
Not Sold
- Variant: Saloon
- Transmission: Manual
- Body Colour: Diamond White
Confirmed as the first production example of just 109 Mk2 RS1800 Escorts manufactured, winner of numerous Concours d'Elegance and universally regarded as simply the best example in existence.
In production from March 1975 to September 1977, the Mk2 Escort RS1800 can be considered as a BDA-powered Mk2 Mexico sharing the same heavy-duty body shell, brakes, suspension, split-propshaft, differential and rear axle. Essentially a road-going version of Ford's highly successful rally car, it was powered by a powerful 1,835cc 16-valve Cosworth BDA and was intended primarily for motorsport not mass appeal, consequently selling in limited numbers with just 109 examples finding homes. This particular car, #BBATRL08628, has been confirmed by the late Dave Robinson, RS1800 Registrar, as being one of the earliest examples produced in 1975 and almost certainly the first production example.
For many years it was believed to have been lost after a move to Malta when it was three years old however thankfully it resurfaced many years later and was repatriated back to the UK. Unfortunately it was incorrectly registered by the DVLA and issued with a 'P' registration, something that was quickly addressed by Dave Robinson reuniting the RS with its original registration suffix, KPR 111P, the number it proudly retains to this very day.
As an early build, there are several distinctive features which separate it from later cars including the white rear spoiler with Ford stamp, the single hole rear light on the rear bumper, side repeaters on the front wings, and chrome reclining handles on the front seats, all of which have been restored to 'as new' condition. A remarkable attention to detail is evident everywhere particularly when it comes to historical accuracy with period correct Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tyres, an original specification Motorcraft battery and the correct radio which still springs into life.
The rebuild has taken over a decade and has been completed to concours standards by Neil Arnold at Auto Restoration in Stockton-on-Tees with the services of the ex-Richard Burns' mechanic, Kevin Franks, being employed to rebuild the engine, gearbox and rear differential to period correct specification. Purchased by our vendor in 2009 with the intention of simply building the very best Mk2 RS1800 he could, it's safe to say that he has undoubtedly accomplished that with numerous successful endeavours on the show field resulting in over 200 awards to date.
These include Concours Car of the Show at the RSOC National Day 2022, Gold Cup recipient for the last two years, and overall RSOC Concours Car of the Year, reflecting the almost obsessive journey to achieve perfection. Much of the time spent involved the sourcing of period correct components and making a decision about how far to go when it came to breathing new life into a 40-plus year old bodyshell, however fate intervened fortuitously when a genuine new/old stock Sport shell reared its head and this now forms the basis of this outstanding RS1800 providing further originality to the car as it sits today.
Such is the quality of this restoration that it has recently been immortalised by Corgi who have produced a limited edition 1:43 die cast model of KPR 111P. To fully appreciate the exceptional attention to detail and the outstanding overall quality of finish and fit, we welcome and encourage your early inspection of what is almost certainly the very best Mk2 RS1800 extant. Images credited to: Adrian Brannan for. Classic Ford. magazine.
https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/1975-ford-escort-1800-rec15876-1-nec-1125?pn=0&el=34270&pp=0
