The history of Fords most famous moniker, "RS" or Rallye Sport, came as result of Fords successes in the mid-late 60's with cars like the Lotus Cortina, the GT and Mk1 Escort Twin-cam models. Wishing to maintain the performance advantage, in early 1970, Ford made the decision to create a dedicated team for the future performance models and the Ford AVO (Advance Vehicle Operations) department came to fruition with cars being distributed through the Rallye Sport 'RS' dealer network. Success was almost immediate, with the newly introduced RS1600 winning the 16,000 mile London - Mexico World Cup Rally.
Within a short time RS models were beginning to dominate both on and off the track, with the Escort mk1 RS1600, Capri RS2600 and RS3100 winning 3 RAC Rallys and 3 European Touring titles and in 1975, with the introduction of the Mk2 Escort, the BDA engined RS1800 began to completely dominate, wining the RAC Rally on consecutive years, '75-79 as well as winning the '79 World Rally Championships drivers and manufacturers titles.
With the RS1800 being built primarily for competition purposes Ford needed an 'RS' for the masses and in January 1976 the Escort mk2 RS2000 was introduced. Powered by a 2 litre SOHC Pinto engine, driving the rear wheels through a 4 speed gearbox the RS2000, with a 110bhp and near 110mph top speed, was easily identifiable to RS fans as a result of having the, now famous, Polyurethane nosecone with quad headlamps, known as the 'Droop Snoot'. During its 5 year production cycle the RS2000 saw only a minor of number changes, the biggest of these coming in '78 when Ford now offered the RS2000 in two trim levels, the 'basic' model or 'custom' specification, these levels of trim being offered until production ended in 1980, with the introduction of the mk3 Escort.
Registered on the 1st August 1978, we're delighted to offer this exceptional, early example of the Ford Escort RS2000 Custom, with the car being built with the following specification:
- Matching numbers 2 litre SOHC Pinto engine, mated to 4 speed manual transmission.
- Black paintwork (code A).
- Recaro Interior with 'Fish-net' headrests in Black (code A7).
- Slant nose / Droop snoot front panel.
- RS rear spoiler.
- 13" RS 4 spoke alloy wheels.
- 'Custom' trim level - full door cards, glove box, centre console, clock, drivers side 'remote' mirror adjustment, boot carpet.
Owned by a classic car enthusiast and restorer this RS2000 has over the last two years been restored with an approach to producing what we feel is one the finest examples of the marquee available, with works including:
- Complete body strip down, any poor body work has be professionally attended too, with a real focus on originality ensuring wonderful panel gaps throughout, followed by a bare shell respray in correct factory black with clear-coat lacquer. The paint finish is mirror glass smooth, with a reflection to match with the underside having the additional benefit of correct underbody anti-corrosion protection!
- All mechanical components stripped, checked for wear and either restored or replaced. The drive-train alone looks stunning, detailed correctly in every respect save for an upgrade alloy 'Ford RS' rocker cover and polished air filter for the twin-choke Weber.
- Radiator re-core.
- Suspension fully stripped and rebuilt with new shock absorbers, all bushes front / rear replaced, many upgraded to Polyurethane, all joints / bearings etc checked for play and replaced as necessary. All components painted or powder-coated.
- Rebuilt braking system including new disc / pads, calipers, brake master cylinder, servo etc.
- New OEM clutch.
- New fuel tank
- New 'Ashley' exhaust system.
- All fuel lines, brake lines, hoses replaced.
- All new window rubbers and seals.
- 13" RS 4 spoke alloys diamond cut and fitted with new Firestone tyres.
- Interior completely stripped, new carpets, seat covers, roof lining.
- New RS2000 decals as per factory specification.
With an exceptional level of detail, this car will not disappoint any way! Walking around the car, it's as if she has been stored away in secret, hidden out of sight since 1978. The doors open with a reassuring 'click' on the handle and nestling into the figure hugging Recaro fishnets, any enthusiast, or owner of a certain age, will be transported back in time as the 2 litre Pinto engine bursts into life, the exhausts distinctive sound (on blipping the throttle) reminiscent of hours spent in muddy fields waiting for the RS boys to flash past.......fear not, this car won' see a muddy field! Depressing the clutch and engaging first gear on this early Custom model and with a few revs applied the car pulls away smoothly. Each gear change and squeeze of the throttle presses the occupants firmly into the Recaro seats, the drive-train is just wonderful, suspension firm, brakes reassuring, we must admit its a real temptation to just 'chuck' the car side-ways into a corner or drift on a round-about, but the truth be told, this car is just too good and she's more likely to enjoy being cossetted in a collection, only venturing out on the nicest of days.
Beautifully restored, this RS2000 is just as you would hope it be and with a real attention to detail she looks stunning, drives wonderfully and is now ready to finds its rightful place in any classic car / Ford enthusiasts collection.
