1971 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600

• The Escort 'RS1600' was developed using the BDA engine that was essentially a detuned Formula 3 unit
• As well as higher performance engines and sports suspension, these models featured strengthened Type 49 body shells, making them ideal for rallying
• Only 1,137 RS1600s were ever produced, so are now very collectable
• Supplied new on 24/7/1971, and immediately exported to Malta where it was to remain until 2005
• Imported to the UK by Mike Butler. Painstaking nut and bolt restoration that was not finished until 2013
• Still in Ermine White and still married to its original engine, gearbox and internal trim
• Rare opportunity to acquire a BDA-engined Mk1 Escort RS1600 carrying the most appropriate registration number

Ford had, for a number of years, used active participation in Motorsport as a means of getting their showroom doors swinging, and 1968's new Escort was to prove no exception. Popular at club level in every discipline of the sport, it was at an International level that the name Escort became synonymous with winning. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s-early 1970s, and arguably, the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally being driven by Finnish legend Hannu Mikkola. This result and the ensuing acclaim prompted Ford to produce the famous Escort Mexico road version in honour of the rally car.

One step up from the Mexico, the Escort RS1600 was developed using an engine that was essentially a detuned Formula 3 unit designated BDA (Belt Drive A Series). Both the Mexico and RS1600 were built simultaneously at the Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) facility located at the Aveley Plant in South Essex and, as well as higher performance engines and sports suspension, these models featured strengthened bodyshells, making them ideal for rallying. Only 1,137 examples of the RS1600 were built but even today they remain popular in the historic rallying scene with their reputation for a great balance of power and handling, making them a true driver's car. The BDA engine emits a distinctive and appealing growl, which can be heard for quite a distance when the vehicle is being driven hard.

Most unusually, when this RS 1600 was supplied new on 24-7-1971, its first owner chose to export the car to the island of Malta where it was to remain until 2005. Having covered just 42,000 miles out there, with little evidence of any rust or corrosion, it was imported to the UK by Ford enthusiast Mike Butler who then restored the car painstakingly through a nut and bolt process that was not finished until 2013. Today, it remains in its original colour of Ermine White and happily still married to its original engine, gearbox and internal trim.

In the history file we can see evidence of the monies spent and also a list of the 'rolling roads' visited  in order to get the engine running as sweetly as it does today. It's supplied with a Ford workshop manual for the RS1600 as well as lots of bills and receipts and a fresh MOT valid until 27-09-2022.
This is a seriously rare opportunity to acquire a BDA-engined Mk1 Escort RS1600, carrying the most appropriate registration number, and fresh from six years of slumber as part of our much respected late vendor’s Ford collection.