Highlights

Car 75 from the AVO factory, confirmed by the original records
Matching engine and chassis numbers
Older, fastidious restoration, still in superb condition
All original, no reproduction parts
Full engine rebuild 3k miles ago
Long MOT to October 2025
Olympic Blue and desirable factory Custom interior

The Appeal

Ford had a few goes at creating the ultimate fast Escort, but it was with the RS2000 that it succeeded. More reliable and drivable than earlier models, in 1973 this ultra-light 110bhp road rocket really was the most fun you could have on four wheels. Since the engine rebuild, rolling road testing produced a figure of 160bhp - at which time the engine wasn't even fully run in. We're advised that it goes even better today...

These cars are the jewel in Ford’s classic crown. Good, genuine ones are rightly in high demand. This 1973 RS2000 is both those things.

It is car 75 of the AVO production run and it is highly original. What you see in the photographs are genuine rather than reproduction parts. It retains its matching numbers 2L Pinto, which was fully rebuilt 3,000 miles ago by Anglian Engines.

Although an older restoration, the popular Olympic Blue paintwork remains very well-kept. Inside you’ll find a correct RS interior that has been enhanced by some choice factory-fitted options such as the Custom pack with unpatterned trim, Recaros, wood veneer and six dials.

The specification is similarly impressive. The vendor has owned the car since 2009, and it is fair to say he hasn’t spared any expense improving and maintaining this utter gem of a car. It is a mark of his fastidiousness that the car was put through a voluntary MOT just prior to sale - it passed with flying colours.

Is there an earlier, more genuine RS2000 than this available on the market right now? We’re not sure. Here’s your chance to rediscover one of the best fast Fords ever made - or find out what all the fuss is about.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 12th October 1973
Car number 75 built by AVO
Always dry stored by current keeper
Seven registered keepers from new
Current keeper since 17th October 2009
History from 2008 onwards with highlights shown in photographs
Owner's Club AVO wallet and duplicate handbooks
Factory parts catalogue and RS2000 history booklet
Now showing 160bhp since the engine rebuild
Old MOTs to verify displayed mileage
Car shows 36,031 miles on odometer
Vendor tells us that only genuine rather than reproduction parts have been used
Engine rebuilt around 3,000 miles ago by Anglian Engines in late 2009
MOT history shows very sparing use since 2008
V5C in current keeper’s name
Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Current MOT to 2nd October 2025 with one minor advisory
36,001 miles showing on test and now showing 36,031 miles in photographs

Spares included as shown in photographs:

Original carburettors
Original manifold
Original air intake
Full set of graphics (boxed)
Original RS Alloys with Yokohama tyres fitted

The Condition

Classic Olympic Blue paintwork with blue side stripes in very good condition
Car was professionally repainted 30 years ago and shows only light aging
Some light marks and ‘fish eyes’ to be expected due to age of paintwork
Bodywork presents very well with usual Escort check areas appearing in good order
Fitted with genuine Superlite alloy wheels in very good order with Falken quality tyres
Very attractive car including purposeful quartet of Cibie driving lights
Underside in very good condition with underseal treatment (applied sixteen years ago)
No structural advisories on current MOT
Vendor tells us that the car has ‘no rust’
Highly preserved RS interior with plethora of desirable optional features listed below
Fitted with optional six point roll cage

Interior features:

RS roll top Recaro seats
Original RS unpatterned carpets
Fully under layed carpets
Original unpatterned door cards and trim
Custom pack wood trim including front doors and glove box
Six dial clocks with RS-only 130mph dial
RS centre console
Genuine Kienzle clock
Genuine original Motorola radio with one speaker
Parcel shelf
RS 3 spoke steering wheel
Long type cigar lighter
Inertia seat belts in front only
Optional 6 point roll cage
Original factory wind deflector on wiper

When you immerse yourself in the world of Mk1 RS200s you quickly realise that there are RS2000s and then there are cars like this one. Key to its appeal is the specification and remarkable originality. And, of course, it is a very early low-number car.

Classically finished in popular Olympic Blue with correct side stripes, it was resprayed 30 years ago, work that has stood up remarkably well thanks to the care and sparing use of its long term keepers. Across the panels and underside it is very well kept with evidence of undersealing below and no structural advisories on the current MOT.

Inside is where the appeal dials up a further notch. Eagle-eyed RS2000 enthusiasts will spot an array of desirable factory features, including several Custom options. That these - such as the Keinzle clock and Motorola radio - remain with the car is quite a feat considering the passage of 51 intervening years.

The RS2000 is, of course, a car designed to be driven. But this one is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for its road-going abilities.

The Mechanics

Original matching numbers 2L Pinto 4cyl Ford engine
5spd manual gearbox
Engine rebuilt 3,000 miles ago in 2009 by Anglian Engines with a power output of 160bhp (prior to completion of running in period)
Standard specification engine with well-specified running gear detailed below
Very well-maintained car which is supported by MOT history
One very minor advisory to note on current MOT
The vendor demonstrates that the car drives faultlessly, with vast reserves of performance and sublime handling

Specification:

Original matching number 2L OHC Pinto engine with standard bore
Engine rebuilt in late 2009 by Anglian Engines
New cam and followers
Gas flowed big value head
New pistons rings, rods and all bearings and bolts
Original crankshaft
High-pressure oil pump
Lightened and balanced big wing aluminium sump
Aluminium alternator bracket
RS 2000 only twin 45 DHLA Dell’Orto carburettors fully rebuilt 2016
Foam filters over polished trumpets
Mechanical fuel pump
Standard Webber 32/36 carburettors and manifold linkage
Injen air intake
Correct blue air box included
Janspeed mild steel 4-branch manifold
Janspeed full stainless steel twin box
Big header radiator re-cored
Reconditioned uprated core thermo switch
Working thermo electric Kenlowe fan on original bracket
6RA relay switch on dashboard to operate manual fan
Full SAMCO classic black hoses
Stainless steel clips
Aluminium gearbox bellhousing as fitted to RS only
Single piece balanced prop 3.45 diff
Front rolled top mounts
Wedged Bilstein struts
Bilstein shocks with uprated springs
Rear turreted vertical Bilsteins
Anti-damp bars
Panhard rod
Decambered leaf springs
Genuine Ford insulator pads and U bolts
Front Wilwood four-pot calipers
Vented grooved discs with Goodrige brake hoses on front
Rear standard drums with Goodrige hoses
Dual system servo assisted
H4 headlights
Genuine Cibie Oscars 2 up 2 down - these run off genuine Ford Lucas 6RA relays mounted on offside front inner wing
Battery mounted in boot

The vendor tells us:

“This car is superb in every way no faults. It is number 75 of the AVO-built cars with matching engine and chassis numbers. No reproduction parts at all. Highly original including factory wind deflector on wiper blade. It is not concours, but vary hard to find a low number one like this.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..