1979 Ford Escort Mk2 Rally Car

Background:

The history of Ford's most famous moniker, RS (Rallye Sport), originated from Ford’s successes in the mid to late 1960s with cars like the Lotus Cortina, the GT and the Mk1 Escort Twin-Cam models. Seeking to maintain its performance edge, Ford decided in early 1970 to establish a dedicated team for future performance models, leading to the creation of the Ford AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations) department. Vehicles were then distributed through the Rallye Sport RS dealer network.

Success came quickly, with the newly introduced RS1600 winning the 16,000 mile London – Mexico World Cup Rally. In a short space of time, RS models began to dominate both on and off the track, with the Escort Mk1 RS1600, Capri RS2600 and RS3100 claiming three RAC Rally wins and three European Touring Car Championship titles.

In 1975, with the introduction of the Mk2 Escort, the BDA-engined RS1800 began to truly dominate, winning the RAC Rally in consecutive years from 1975 to 1979, as well as securing the 1979 World Rally Championship Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles.

The Car:

This car was built with a near no expense-spared approach, with the aim of competing in either FIA 'Group 4' or Clubman rallying. Since completion, it has covered a mere 50 miles and is now offered at a fraction of the build cost. It is based on a genuine RS2000 shell and is registered as an RS2000.

At the heart of the build is a 50 mile-only Mitchell & Gould Cosworth BDG engine, built from scratch by Wayne Mitchell at a cost of £25,000. Images of the build are shown in the picture gallery. The car features meticulous attention to detail, using only the highest-quality components. The full specification is as follows:

• FIA-spec Mitchell & Gould Cosworth BDG engine – 262bhp at the crank
• Bilstein shocks all round, with wide-platform shocks on the front and coilovers on the rear
• Heavy-duty Quaife 5-speed gearbox, built by MST
• ZF limited-slip differential, with genuine Ford 4/6 crown wheel and pinion
• Quaife 2-pin half shafts
• Semi-floating Watts linkage rear suspension
• Safety Devices roll cage
• AP 4-pot front brakes, with Ford rear brakes
• Fully adjustable front suspension arms
• 7J Minilite rims
• OMP seats and belts, both of which are in date
• Adjustable bias pedal box

We understand that to convert the car to FIA Historic 'Group 4'-specification, only a 4-speed gearbox and a change of brake callipers would be required.

Location: Monmouthshire

Seller: Private

Photos: Vendor supplied