1972 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 Custom

• 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
• Meticulously restored car with its correct shell. In incredible show condition on the RS1600 Register
• Previously owned by marque expert and proprietor of ASM Restorations, Andrew Stapley
• Accompanied by plenty of invoices for parts and labour, as well as a copy of the original buff log-book

The original Ford Escort was introduced at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968 and soon became a commercial success. Ford had, for a number of years, used active participation in Motorsport as a means of getting their showroom doors swinging, and the 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 1960's early 1970's, 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. As well as higher performance engines and sports suspension, these models featured strengthened bodyshells, making them ideal for rallying.

Even today, Mk1 Escorts are still very popular in the historic rallying scene with their reputation for a great balance of power and handling, making them true driver's cars. The BDA engine emits a distinctive and appealing growl, which can be heard for quite a distance when the vehicle is being driven hard.

The car presented here is a 1972 Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 in simply stunning condition. As one of just 1,137 RS1600's ever produced, this example was built at Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) factory in December 1971. It was originally supplied by Tate Cars Ltd. in Leeds in April 1972 and has seen just four keepers since that time, with the current owner being an avid collector of rare and immaculate Fords. Photographs in the history file document the comprehensive works carried out by highly regarded ASM Restorations. There are also plenty of invoices in the paperwork for parts and labour as well as a copy of the original buff log-book. The car is recorded on the RS1600 Register and is simply as good as you're ever likely to find.