1977 Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom

It was back in 1970 that Ford introduced their Rally Sport models - the RS range. Originally designed as a way of building limited numbers of homologation specials for serious competition use, it soon grew into a major marketing opportunity and one that Ford grabbed with both hands. By 1976, when the RS2000 Mk2 was launched, the term 'RS' had grown to mean something a bit special.

Unlike the Mk1 Escort which was designed by Ford of Great Britain, the Mk2 was a much more sophisticated design that was jointly developed with Ford of Germany. Based on a standard Mk2 two-door saloon shell, the RS2000 used the familiar 2-litre, inline four-cylinder, SOHC Pinto engine mounted longitudinally in the bay driving the rear wheels. A single, twin-venturi 32/36 DGAV Weber carburettor was fitted with the option of a 'Group 1' dual Weber 40DCNF or IDF set up. The front suspension used independent MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and, at the rear, traditional leaf springs with telescopic dampers were utilised. Front-mounted discs and rear drums were used and 4-spoke alloy wheels came as standard. Its biggest distinguishing feature was a 'droop snoot' polyurethane nose housing four headlamps which gave it a rather aggressive look. The new car was capable of 110mph with 0-60mph taking 8.9 seconds, not too shabby in 1976 and which, combined with the car's distinctive looks and that shiny RS badge, set Ford's showroom doors swinging.

In late 1978, the Custom Pack became an option and included Fishnet Recaro seats, full door cards, clock and pod centre console, 6J x 13" alloys, boot carpet, remote drivers door mirror and the back panel around the rear lights was painted black.

This absolutely superb example of this highly sought after British classic was first registered on 8th December 1977. Finished in Midnight Blue with a black interior this RS2000 Custom has been fully restored, which appears to have been completed to a very high standard, in 2021. This matching numbers Ford has only covered some 300 miles since restoration and therefore needs to be handled with care over the short term as everything is still tight on the vehicle. Supplied with a V5C registration document and an advisory-free MOT certificate valid until 14th October 2025 with a very detailed history file and an odometer reading of 90,180 miles at the time of cataloguing