1974 Ford Escort RS 2000 Mk1

• The Escort RS 2000 was the last car to be introduced to Ford's Advanced Vehicle range
• Total rebuild by ASM Classics and restored to factory standard specification
• Finished in Olympic Blue with a lovely interior. Showroom quality engine bay
• Very rare Green Glass option remains fitted
• Approximately 200 miles since completion and as clean underneath as it is on top
• Your earliest inspection is encouraged and welcomed

The Escort RS2000 was the last car to be introduced to Ford's 'Advanced Vehicle' range in June of 1973 and dovetailed nicely with its performance almost comparable to the more complex RS1600, but with the reliability and ease of maintenance of the Mexico. The car used the same Type 49 bodyshell as the Mexico and RS1600, however, there was a new engine in use at Ford, the 2-litre overhead cam, 100bhp, 'Pinto' design, which seemed, on paper, ideal for the RS. Fords then had the major problem of persuading the new bulky Pinto engine to fit into the engine bay, which was something it had never been designed to do. The only way of achieving this was by discarding the engine-driven cooling fan and replacing it with a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe unit. The most appropriate gearbox was the German 'E-box', which was totally different to the one fitted to the RS1600, and the final drive was 3.54:1. The car was launched in England on 11th October 1973 priced at ú1,586.

Andy Stapley of ASM Classics, a well-respected authority on all things Ford has been responsible for the restoration of this remarkable RS 2000 to a standard rarely achieved. The car had languished for many years awaiting its turn to be put back on the road and consequently, it had suffered in the meantime with extensive restoration being required. Andy Stapley was commissioned around 2014 to take on the project and, with the job assessed and works commenced, it clearly became evident that a 'total' build was required. Halfway through the rejuvenation, the project stalled unfortunately and the RS was put on the back burner once again. Eventually, a new custodian was found and work commenced in earnest. With ASM being the go-to company for projects of this stature a decision was made to complete the rebuild to factory specification and as it would have rolled off the production line in 1974, without modification, which is becoming the norm for so many of these 1970/1980's Fast Ford restorations. However subtle enhancements have been hidden within the vehicle such as an alloy radiator and a Kenlowe fan, discreetly fitted and made to look like the original spec. items. Once complete, and after only covering some 10 miles, the factory-fresh Ford was sold on to its present owner to take its place in his impressive Ford collection.

The standard of the RS 2000 on offer here, is quite simply stunning, from the Olympic Blue exterior finish through the immaculate interior to the detailed engine bay and perfect underside. The restoration has been carried out to a very high standard, panel fit is superb throughout, the chrome work is bright and untarnished, and the doors open and close with a solid thud with no sign of droop or misalignment. Internally the cloth seats are in excellent order and are complemented by superb door cards and carpet set. Even the very rare option of 'tinted green glass' is still in place. Having covered only a very few hundred miles since completion, a further period of running in is recommended before the real enjoyment commences.

This Mk1 RS would be most welcome at any Ford event or in fact any other motoring event such is its quality. With so many vehicles of this era receiving partial or amateur restorations, this stand-out example ticks all the boxes and then some. If it's the best that you had in mind, then look no further. All credit to ASM for the quality of the finished article that would be almost impossible to replicate within the sensible estimates guided here.