1973 Ford Escort RS1600

This original RS 1600 was built in November 1973, and first registered in February 1975, and is one of the last RS1600s ever assembled.

In the mid-1990s it was professionally rebuilt for competition purposes as an exact replica of the famous Roger Clark RS 1600 MkI "LVX 942J" for renowned rally driver and collector, Roy Cathcart. Staying in his collection and unused, it was eventually sold to Neil Calvert in 1999 and used in the inaugural MSA British Historic Rally Championship in 2000. (against our MD Nick Whale!)

Neil won class C4, finishing third overall in the championship, and was only to use the car twice more - the 'Bulldog' rally and the Roger Albert Clark rally - both in 2004.

Kept carefully in dry storage until 2009, it was then sold to our vendor who commissioned top International historic rally team, 'Dansport' of Chesterfield, to professionally convert the car to the ultimate 'Safari' specification for participation in the 2011 London-Capetown rally.

The shell was sent to Gartac Engineering who converted it to left-hand drive, fitted a Safari-spec roll cage, and then added long-range fuel tanks and full Safari-spec suspension. The modifications and upgrades are to the highest of standards and the full specification can be supplied on request to our offices. However, here are some highlights:

2.3 Litre 'Pinto' built with a heavy duty block, steel crank and rods, forged pistons, competition valves and camshafts, a 10.7:1 compression ratio, heavy duty AP clutch, 5 speed T9 Helical c/r gearbox with alloy casing, fully floating rear axle, 5.1 CWP and Gripper half shafts.

AP Racing vented discs with correct pads, electric power steering with 2.5 turns lock to lock, full Proflex suspension, adjustable pedal box, Motordrive composite seats with new harnesses, quick release spotlights, 10mm endurance sump guard, integrated roof rack assembly, carbon roof scoop, Safari bull-bar with modern headlamps etc. etc.

The specification is massively comprehensive and will be supplied to any potential buyer, as will the spares list and a copy of "RS The Faster Ford" by Jeremy Walton and "Escort Performance" by Dennis Foy - both of which this car features in. They have even made a model of this car which is available through Trofu models.

Sadly, the 2011 London to Capetown rally was cancelled and, as a result, the car has never turned a wheel in anger remaining quietly indoors ever since in professional dry storage, not an appropriate fate for such an immaculately prepared, stunningly presented example of the 'Golden Years' of British Rallying!

Offered today fully prepared with zero competitive miles, it represents a very special opportunity to acquire an ultimate Safari spec Escort at a small fraction of its original build cost.