Ford Escort RS2000, 1975
Chassis No.: BFATPS00370 • Exterior: Sebring Red • Interior: Black • Rare original AVO car • One of the last R2000s to leave the production line in Aveley, England • Registered with the AVO Club in the United Kingdom • Right hand drive • 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine • Lombard RAC Rally 07 livery • Original Sebring Red exterior • Black interior • Wood trim • Bucket seats • Console clock • Fire extinguisher • Cibie driving lights • Chrome bumpers • Minilite wheels • Roadhog Supreme tires • Full-size spare tire • Includes original wheels, RS center caps, carburetor, intake, and radiator • Extensive receipts and UK MOT results dating back to the early 1980s The moment the British-designed Ford Escort hit the road in 1968, its delightful road manners made it a winner with family motorists and excited sporting motorists who quickly spotted its enormous competition potential. In short, the Escort put Ford on the rallying map and remained a force into the 1980s. Perhaps most epic was Hannu Mikkola’s famous victory in the 1970 London-Mexico World Cup Rally. In no time, Ford produced a detuned 1600cc road-going Mexico model to commemorate the victory. At the other extreme was the complex RS1600 homologation special. That left a gap that was ably filled in 1973 by the RS2000, which was more powerful and more refined than the Mexico. With its 1993cc/100 HP Ford Pinto 4-cylinder engine, it could nudge 110 MPH. On the other hand, the RS2000 was also less temperamental than the tricky RS1600, with which it shared the much-strengthened competition body shell. The RS2000 was more than a happy medium, appreciated equally by sporting road drivers and privateer competitors who campaigned them with considerable success. MkI RS2000s are a relatively rare sight in the U.S., as nearly three quarters of the 5,334 made were produced in Britain for the right-hand drive market. This is such an example, produced at Ford of Britain’s famous Advanced Vehicle Operations plant, which also made the competition cars. As such, it’s not to be confused with the countless versions dressed up as the real thing. Neither has it been stripped bare like so many RS2000s that have been campaigned to death. Instead, it is well-equipped and remains largely original, while a quartet of driving lights and performance wheels hint subtly at its potential. Indeed, as presented, it remains true to Ford’s original brief: a hugely engaging road car that will un-fussily humble flashier machinery and, at the same time, punch well above its weight in competition. https://www.mecum.com/lots/405520/1975-ford-escort-rs2000/
