1978 Ford Escort RS 2000 Mk 2

• Built to period Group 1 spec
• Subsequently owned by Ford enthusiast and used at Club level for Sprints etc.
• Total restoration with a photographic record
• Featured in Fast Ford Magazine
• Your earliest inspection is encouraged and welcomed

Unlike the Mk1 Escort, which was designed by Ford of Great Britain, the Mk2 was a much more sophisticated design jointly developed with Ford of Germany. Based on a standard Mk2 two-door saloon shell, the RS2000 used the familiar 2-litre, 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 40 DCNF 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 four-spoke alloy wheels came as standard. Its biggest distinguishing feature was the 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.

This original RS2000, first registered in 1978 and finished in factory black, has led an interesting life. With the Ford Motor Company as its first owner, XPB 142S was used as a factory demonstrator to help market the 'Group 1' tuning parts that were available from Ford dealers at the time, hence the upgraded brakes, suspension ( Bilsteins and single leaf springs ), anti-roll bar, twin downdraught IDF Webers, bespoke inlet manifold and large bore exhaust.

Its second owner was believed to be a 'privateer,' enjoying the car to the best of his abilities for the next twenty-five years in rallies and sprints and picking up the inevitable battle scars along the way! Moving forward to 2009, an enthusiast with a serious Ford affliction, came across the little black RS in need of some attention and offered for sale as an MOT failure. A decision was made and the car was purchased with a serious case of rejuvenation in mind and so the road to recovery began, resulting in what has been described by several Classic Car Specialists as ''one of the finest examples in the country''. The rebuild left no stone unturned, a full-body strip and rebuild followed with attention to detail being at the forefront of the builder's mind, even down to replacing the factory spot welds where ever possible, a total engine overhaul incorporating a new Stage 3 head, new pistons, 'Tuftrided' crank, a new pair of 44 IDFs, new Gartrac rear suspension, Bilstein dampers, LSD, gearbox overhaul and the list goes on! Internally much of the original trim was kept as it had weathered remarkably well but the seats were replaced with RS1800 items for an added air of period authenticity. The condition today remains outstanding with superb attention to detail throughout and your early inspection, pre-sale is recommended. Currently available as the current Ford fanatic owner and collector is emigrating providing a rare opportunity to purchase an outstanding Mk 2 RS 2000 with a tale to tell.

Accompanied by invoices from years gone by, Fast Ford magazine featured article, numerous period pictures including sprints at Goodwood, rebuild pictures, tax discs and MOT Certificates.