1973 Ford Escort Mk.1 MSA/FIA RS1600 Grp2

This stunning Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 is a newly built Grp2 tarmac specification rally car constructed to the latest FIA/MSA regulations by world renowned Northern Irish rally preparers, McGeehan MotorSport. Derek McGeehan heads up the company (who are 6 times Irish Tarmac champions and have been National champions with WRC, Group N, Group IV and historic cars) and he told Silverstone Auctions in April 2013 that this car is built to their ultimate specification at considerable cost. It has yet to be used competitively.

The engine is a top-spec 1975cc Ford BDA unit built by the ultimate Ford engine guru, Alan Sherwood, with rare Lucas fuel injection on throttle bodies (ex-Kinsler) and giving over 260bhp on his dyno, (dyno sheet supplied) It is running on L1 rally cams and a 4 in to 2 in to 1 stainless steel exhaust. This is coupled to a ZF quick release gearbox with a new ZF bell-housing and AP twin plate hydraulic clutch.

The body-shell is a soda blasted and professionally re-painted genuine Mk 1 Ford AVO shell, fully strengthened and gusseted, with a welded in T45 Custom Cages FIA:MSA cage with sill bars, a HANS bar and cross diagonal door bars. An AHF professional fuel system and dry sump oil system are both installed in the boot.

The rear suspension features the ultimate set up of a fully floating Atlas axle with 5.1 ratio LSD, heavy duty half-shafts, heavy duty 6 link axle with correct and 'FIA/MSA legal' short links fitted, coil overs and plastic leaf springs. McPherson struts are on the front with Bilstein shock absorbers and a double width front anti-roll bar.

Complete with an aircraft spec wiring loom, latest competition seats and harnesses, heated front screen, trip meters, plumbed-in fire extinguisher, gauges and 'Works spec' dash and interior, the car is ready to compete either on tarmac as presented, or in the forests with minor suspension changes.

The car is currently shod in FIA legal Soft Pirelli tarmac-spec tyres (225/45:13) and brand new Minilites wheels. Additionally the car will be sold with four new Pirelli forestry MSA Spec tyres (185/70/13) on new Minilites, plus four Dunlop MSA compliant tarmac tyres (185/70/13).

To summarise, the build quality of this project is exceptional throughout. Every component is of brand new high quality material and to ultimate "RS1600 Works Spec'. Validated dyno sheets and authentic receipts will be available to view with the car.