1973 Ford Escort RS2000

Lot Number: 484

1973 Ford Escort RS2000

An older restoration that remains absolutely pin-sharp RS2000 in great colours, magazine-featured and on offer from long term private ownership.

  • ESTIMATE: £32,000 - £38,000

+ buyer's premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT)

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LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Saturday 23rd August, 2025 at 12.00pm BST at The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN

  • Body Colour

    BODY COLOUR
    Olympic Blue

  • Drive

    DRIVE
    RHD

  • Registration Number

    REG NUMBER
    TNK 400M

  • Odometer Reading

    ODOMETER READING
    4384 Miles

SUMMARY

An older restoration that remains absolutely pin-sharp RS2000 in great colours, magazine-featured and on offer from long term private ownership.

DESCRIPTION

The Escort RS2000 was the last car to be introduced to Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) range in June of 1973 and dovetailed nicely with its performance almost comparable to the more complex RS1600, but with the reliability and ease of maintenance of the Mexico. The car used the same Type 49 bodyshell as the Mexico and RS1600, however there was a new engine in use at Ford, the 2-litre overhead cam, 100bhp Pinto design which seemed, on paper, ideal for the RS. Ford then had the major problem of persuading the less than slender Pinto engine to fit into the engine bay, which was something it had never been designed to do. The only way of achieving this was by discarding the engine-driven cooling fan and replacing it with a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe unit. The most appropriate gearbox was the German 'E-box', which was totally different to the one fitted to the RS1600 and the final drive was 3.54:1. The car was launched in England on 11th November 1973 priced at £1,586. The RS2000 once again proved to be a quick and delightful car to drive, whilst being more accessible to buy and still offering customers a great choice in terms of colours and options.

Offered here at one of Europe’s best attended classic motorsport events, the Silverstone Festival 2025, is this Mk1 RS2000, finished in Olympic Blue with a black interior – arguably the most fitting colour combination. This example comes directly from a private Collection of RS models, having been carefully sourced by our vendor, a well regarded Ford Motorsport enthusiast and long standing member of the RS Owners Club. Prior to that, it formed part of another RS-focused Collection and may now be ready to join the next.

This magazine-featured RS2000 benefits from an older restoration that has aged well, with uniform panel gaps, an excellent paint finish and bright chrome work. The engine bay is particularly well presented, indicating that mechanical work, including the engine rebuild, was carried out to a similarly high standard. Wiring is clean and well routed throughout and the car starts instantly, producing that distinctive RS exhaust note.

The original type 4-speed gearbox selects gears with precision, while steering remains weighty at low speeds but becomes direct and responsive once moving. This is an honest, analogue RS that delivers a proper period driving experience.

Offered at a realistic guide, this is a smart, well sorted example that’s ready to be used, enjoyed and appreciated at events for years to come.

SPECIFICATION

Lot Number
484
Make
FORD
Model
RS2000
Variant
RS2000 MK1
Registration Number
TNK 400M
MOT Expiry
05/03/2022
Chassis Number
BFATNC00142
Transmission
Manual
Body Colour
Olympic Blue

GALLERY

SPECIALIST

Consignor

For further information regarding this lot please contact Steven.

Email Steven
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Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 25th August. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.

Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.

For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.

If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before 9am on 25th August, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.

Did you know that you may be able to finance your upcoming auction purchase? Our exclusive finance partner Apollo Capital are able to organise fast pre-approval for car funding on the latest interest rates and terms, minimum £50k lend.

An agreement in principle could see you arrange a finance package so the funds are ready to be paid out when you’ve bought your dream auction purchase. Please speak to their experts for a quote on 01423 590242 or visit apollocapitalgroup.co.uk/iconicauctioneers/.

Oracle Finance

A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.

For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers

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