1974 Ford Escort RS2000 MkI

The Escort RS2000 was the last model to be introduced to the AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations) range in June of 1973 and dovetailed nicely with its performance almost comparable to the complex RS1600, but with the reliability and ease of maintenance of the Mexico. The car used the same (Type 49) body shell as the Mexico and RS1600 and it was decided to fit it with the new 2-litre overhead cam Pinto engine. Untypically for Ford, this decision took no account of the fact that the bulky Pinto was simply too large to fit into the engine bay and after much head scratching the only solution was to discard the engine driven cooling fan and replace it with a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe unit. The Pinto, in standard form, produced 100bhp (2bhp more than in the Cortina), and this was fed through a German 'E-type' gearbox (totally different from the RS1600) and a final drive of 3.54:1. The car was launched in England on 11th October 1973 priced at £1,586.

This particular Escort RS2000 (now known as the MkI), is an original, UK supplied right-hand drive car delivered new through Ford Main Dealers, Stormont of Tunbridge Wells on 5th November 1974, and one can only imagine the new owner's pleasure as the Bonfire Night fireworks were reflected in the sparkling Stardust Silver paintwork of his brand new car. The interior is finished in Black with Charcoal cloth and a polished wood fascia panel. This car was given the registration number 'GKM 148N', which it still wears to this day having never been changed in its 42-year history.

After a series of owners and a period of over 10 years in storage in the early 2000s, it was eventually bought by our vendor, himself a serial Ford owner, who immediately set about returning this RS2000 back to its former glory. Whilst a full restoration was not necessary and was therefore not on the cards, our vendor chose to preserve rather than over-restore, what is a very original car, and for this we applaud him! New old-stock front wings and a bonnet were sourced and were fitted carefully, and painted along with the roof. Rarely do you see Escort bodyshells that retain their original rolled arches, seals, inners wings and chassis rails, but that's where 'GKM 148N' shines through. Peer underneath and the car still wear its original underseal! The original bumpers and rear light surrounds were re-chromed, the original front and rear seats were reupholstered and the brake callipers were overhauled and refitted, in keeping with the philosophy of this sympathetic refurbishment. Finishing touches such as window rubbers and chrome surrounds complete the look.

Supplied with some MoTs, the first of which dates back to 1989, when the car had covered 32,351 miles and another from 1997 when it had reached 74,587 miles we believe, but cannot confirm, that the current odometer reading of 80,438 miles is accurate. Contained within the history file is the original service book showing 2 stamps from the supplying dealer, an original brochure, drivers manual and a host of tax discs.

Another Escort project and a lack of space have forced the sale of this very useable car and one that our vendor will be sad to see depart his garage. Supplied with a V5c and an MoT until 13th July '16, this rare Stardust Silver RS2000 represents the chance to own a period Fast-Ford that is now becoming a collectors car in the wider classic car market. On the button and ready to go, you could be driving this to the National RS Day at Donington Park this summer! Form an orderly queue here......