1983 Ford Escort RS1600i

• A true homologation-special model; rare, coveted and this example is certainly best-of-breed with just 8,156 miles
• Registered on the 01/05/1983 and with just a single owner ever since
• Converted to Turbo Technics specification by the original supplying Ford dealership, with associated receipts
• Supplied with its original book-pack
• Rarer than an S1 RS Turbo and arguably more collectable
• Finished in Diamond White with an unmarked Shark Grey cloth interior

Since its first appearance in 1971 (on the Mk1 Escort) 'RS', for 'Rally Sport', has been associated with Ford's most performance orientated models.

One of the most exciting models in the Escort Mk 3 range was the XR3 (later XR3i), a high-performance derivative powered by a tuned version of the new 1.6-litre CVH overhead-camshaft engine. It was the XR3 that provided the basis for the fuel-injected RS1600i, which was one of the first designs developed by Ford's newly instigated Special Vehicle Engineering department (SVE).

The Ford Escort RS1600i was built purely to meet Group A homologation regulations. The RS1600i was based on the XR3 but featured fuel injection - several months before that car - and more body addenda to differentiate itself from the series production car it was based upon.

Compared with the XR3/XR3i, the RS1600i had a raised compression ratio, 'hotter' camshaft, solid tappets, a larger exhaust system, and twin-coil ignition, while the five-speed transmission had lower overall gearing for better acceleration. The suspension was up-rated appropriately, boasting reduced ride height and KONI shock absorbers among other improvements, while the RS rolled on 6Jx15" alloy wheels. Recaro front seats were a notable feature of the best-appointed interior in the Escort range.

When it was launched, the RS1600i was the first genuine challenger to the Golf GTI, offering more power, and significantly developed suspension - so it could outgrip the Wolfsburg icon. But due to limited numbers and high price - as well as being sold through Rallye Sport dealers only, it was subsequently rare and much sought-after.

Highly effective in touring cars back in period, these cars hold a special place in Ford’s back-catalogue.

‘Turbo Technics’ opened its doors on June 1st 1981, at the beginning of the turbocharged car era, on an industrial estate in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire. Initially formed to build on the general interest in turbocharging as a means of increasing performance, the first product from the TT stable was a turbo system for the British Leyland Metro, with support from BL, including a full centre-page spread in their dealer magazine! This was quickly followed by a turbo kit for the original Golf GTi 1600, in conjunction with the German tuning company Dr Schrick.

Soon afterwards, Ford Motor Sport asked TT to develop a turbo kit for a one model rally series based on the Escort 1600. TT developed this into a turbo system for the XR3, and Ford used TT’s manifold and turbo design in the iconic RS Turbo.

The car here is offered from a prominent Ford RS collection in the UK and was first registered on the 1st of May 1983 and has had just a single owner ever since. Interestingly, it was converted to Turbo Technics specification by the original supplying Ford dealership, showing the appropriate additions under the bonnet, with associated receipts.

Supplied with its original book-pack and finished in Diamond White with an unmarked Shark Grey cloth interior, this is a homologation-model Ford fit for any collection and will not disappoint.