Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 22nd of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. Unlike the Mk1 Escort which was designed by Ford of Great Britain, the Mk2 was a much more sophisticated design that was jointly developed with Ford of Germany. Based on a standard Mk2 two-door saloon shell, the RS2000 used the familiar 2-litre, inline four-cylinder, SOHC Pinto engine mounted longitudinally in the bay driving the rear wheels. A single twin-venturi 32/ 36 DGAV Weber carburettor was fitted with the option of a 'Group 1' dual Weber 40DCNF or IDF set up. The front suspension used independent MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and at the rear traditional leaf springs with telescopic dampers were utilised. Front-mounted discs and rear drums were used and 4-spoke alloy wheels came as standard. Its biggest distinguishing feature was a 'droop snoot' polyurethane nose housing four headlamps which gave it a rather aggressive look. The new car was capable of 110mph with 0-60mph taking 8. 9 seconds, not too shabby in 1976 and which, combined with the car's distinctive looks and that shiny RS badge, set Ford's showroom doors swinging.
This very rare ‘Pre-Custom’ RS2000 is finished in Venetian Red with a Black Beta Roll Top interior and is largely original and as it left the factory making it a very attractive proposition to any Blue Oval aficionado. Well known to the RS Owners Club, this particular example was acquired by the present owner as soon as the opportunity arose and added to his ever revolving collection of desirable Fords. Part of its appeal was that, upon close inspection, all the panels appeared to be original without any signs of rust or previous repair, a rare beast indeed and pleasingly the majority of mechanical components were also factory original, adding to the car's desirability and of course its value.
The one area that did not meet our vendor's requirements was the interior, which had not faired well over the years, so the decision was taken to address the situation and fit new 'Roll Top' seats front and rear which, with the original black headlining and the white needle clocks, provided the perfect finish to this already outstanding RS. Now fully recommissioned mechanically and riding on fully refurbished wheels fitted with new tyres, we understand that the Escort is driving without issue and is now ready for its next custodian.
With the Performance Ford market moving at a pace with no signs of slowing down, we suggest that this outstanding RS2000 will be welcome within any Collection or be equally at home out on the open road, on the show field, or even pressed into action in the Concours arena. The choice is yours and with that in mind we welcome and encourage your early inspection to satisfy yourself that your search for the ultimate RS2000 has reached fruition.
