1974 Ford Escort RS 2000

The Escort RS2000 was the last car to be introduced to the AVO production range, introduced in the June of 1973. The car fitted nicely into the AVO range with its performance almost comparable to the complex RS1600, but with the reliability and ease of maintenance of the Mexico. The car used the same type 49-body shell as the Mexico and RS1600. Fortunately, there was a new engine in use at Ford, the 2-litre overhead cam Pinto design, which Ford then decided to use instead. Fords then had the major problem to persuade the new bulky Pinto engine to fit into the engine bay, which was something it had never been meant to do. The only way of achieving this was by discarding the engine driver cooling fan and replacing it with a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe fan. The engine produced 100bhp (2bhp more than in the Cortina). The gearbox was the German type e-box and was totally different from the RS1600. They used a final drive of 3.54:1. The car was launched in England on 11th October 1973 priced at £1586.This 1974 Ford RS 2000 is an ideal introduction for any peddler, young or old, into the world of historic rallying. Built around a seam welded and strengthened body shell, the specification is rather impressive. It boasts a: 14-point roll cage, marathon rally seats, alloy sump guard, world cup spec suspension with Bilstein dampers, quick rack, 60 litre alloy fuel tank, braided lines, Group 1 vented front discs, recent re-loom and drycell battery. The engine is a freshly rebuilt Pinto that develops a healthy 140 bhp with a gas-flowed head, Schmitt pistons, 4-2-1 Ashley manifold and is mated to a 5-speed STD Sierra gearbox. Finishished in Signal Yellow, the car is registered on the V5C document as a Ford RS2000 that was first registered in 1974 and comes with FIVA papers. The last keeper used the vehicle for events such as the Promax World Cup Rally in 2001 and a number of local rallying events. Since then this Ford has been maintained by respected specialist Gareth Williams at Sweep Motorsport. Gareth is happy to talk to prospective buyers and provide an objective evaluation on the car's condition. Offered at a most realistic estimate, it would cost many many thousands of pounds to build an historic Mk I Escort to this specification. We encourage any inspection and buyers are encouraged to contact the office before the auction to arrange a viewing.