1980 Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom

When the Mkll Escort was launched, the RS name continued with the Cosworth-engined RS1800, produced in tiny numbers. More widespread Rallye Sport production was initiated with the RS2000 of 1976 which substituted the diva-ish Cosworth unit for a sturdier 2-litre inline four cylinder, SOHC, 'Pinto' engine, which was mounted longitudinally in the bay, and endowed the car with a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds and a 108 mph top speed. The engineering prowess continued, with the gearbox bolted to the rear of the engine and power fed to the diff by a prop-shaft and then in turn to the rear wheels. A single twin venturi 32/36 DGAV Weber carb was fitted with the option of a 'Group 1' dual Weber 40 DCNF or IDF. The front suspension used independent MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and the rear suspension used leaf springs with telescopic dampers. Front mounted discs (solid) and rear drums were used and four-spoke alloy wheels came as standard.

In September 1978, Ford introduced the RS2000 "Custom" which came fitted with "Fishnet" Recaro seats, full door cards, clock and pod, centre console, 6Jx13" alloys, boot carpet, remote driver"s door mirror and a black panel around the rear lights. In 1980, an RS2000 Custom was an extremely aspirational purchase, with the distinctive polyurethane "droop snoot" front end and air dam, distinguishing it from any other Escort.

The car presented here is a 1980 Ford Escort Mkll RS2000 "Custom" and is unlike any other example we have ever seen, being in remarkably original and unused condition, with just 927 miles covered. It is offered from one of the most respected collections of Ford cars in the country and has survived in an "as new" time-wrap state. In its original Diamond White paintwork, there are even the PDI marks on the underside and from-the-factory sponges on the doors!

The car was ordered new through T.C. Harrison Ltd. (Ford) in Derby on the 27th June 1980 by Mr. F.N. Dunstan of Nottingham, He knew exactly what he wanted, specifying Diamond White paint with Chocolate Brown upholstery, with no radio or aerial. He used the car infrequently, selling to his friend in 1988, having covered just 700 miles. The friend was a Ford collector and placed the car into an air-chamber as part of his collection. The car was then acquired by our vendor almost eight years ago, as a one-off example that he had admired and coveted greatly. In all his years of collecting and viewing Ford cars, he says he has never seen another quite like it, a truly untouched part of Ford"s RS history, even down to the new car smell inside! Silverstone Auctions welcome any inspections of a car that we are privileged to present.