Highlights
- Authentic and ‘correct’ restoration during 2018-19
- Presents in stunning condition throughout
- Fresh MoT awaits new keeper
- Just five keepers since new
The Appeal
When it comes to Ford, many hugely successful cars spring to mind. One is the highly popular and durable Ford Escort, which enjoyed a 36-year production run through six generations from 1968 until 2004.
Codenamed ‘Erika’, the third generation Escort was launched in September 1980. The Mk3 was a completely new design and included significant engineering advancements such as front-wheel drive and all-new CVH overhead camshaft engines built in Wales and all-round independent suspension.
Flash a cursory glance at this Strato Silver Mk3 Ford Escort and you could easily mistake it for a humble XR3i. But this is no ordinary version of the blue oval’s family favourite. The striped bonnet graphic, deep front spoiler, seven-spoke alloys and rear wing mark it out as the rather special, Cologne-developed RS1600i, of which just 8,659 examples were made for all global markets.
History and Paperwork
- Acquired as an unfinished restoration in 2018
- Underwent a full and authentic restoration during 2018-19
- Just five keepers during its forty years
The car’s data plate tells us that this striking Escort RS1600i came off the line at Ford’s Saarlouis plant on Tuesday, 4th May, 1983. Following its delivery to Doe’s Motors in Witham, Essex, it received its first UK registration two weeks later on the 18th May, to Mr R Holder of Frinton-on-Sea.
During the intervening forty years, the car has been enjoyed by just five keepers, the current of which acquired the car as an unfinished restoration in June, 2018. A self-confessed ‘conehead’ regarding performance Fords, the current keeper immediately set about its ‘total and correct’ restoration, undertaken by Ford Parts R Us of Weston-super-Mare, which concluded in early 2019.
Accompanying the sale will be the V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name, a long MoT to August, 2023, the original Ford Car Owners’ Handbook, a supplementary ‘Operating Guide’ for the RS1600i, the fully-stamped service history book to 65,000 miles in 1990 (after which it was believed to have been ‘laid-up’. In addition, there is a small file of service and maintenance invoices from its previous life, along with historic MoTs and tax discs.
The Interior
- Presents in exemplary condition throughout
- Correct ex-factory ‘RS Velour’ cloth covered seats front and rear
- Original RS steering wheel retained
The interior of this RS1600i is as correct and authentic in detail as can possibly be attained currently, down to the ‘nth’ degree.
The front Recaro and rear seats are covered in the period-correct ‘RS Velour’ cloth likely taken from the very last bolt of ex-factory material in existence. The door cards, headlining, uncut rear parcel tray and carpeting all present in showroom condition and the unblemished dashboard and instrumentation are fully original, down to the orange and red ‘econolights’ on the rev counter and the slightly sun-bleached yellow instrument dials.
All the electrics are said by the vendor to be in perfect working order, as are the instruments and dials on the dashboard. The factory-fitted Ford radio/cassette is original but is believed to be unconnected.
Aside from the natural patina on the original RS-embossed steering wheel, no interior blemishes were evidenced by our photographer during the photoshoot.
The Exterior
- Smartly presented in its ex-factory colour of Strato Silver (Code J9)
- Brightwork and RS-defining decals in perfect order with no blemishes
- Original 15-inch Ford Motorsport alloys
Strikingly presented in its ex-factory colour of Strato Silver (paint code J9), this RS1600i is in truly extraordinary condition all around its exterior. The car’s brightwork is in original showroom condition, as are the correct black RS-defining decals.
The smart and correct 15-inch Ford Motorsport alloy wheels are in as-new condition and are shod with a new set of Bridgestone Turanza T005 rubber all-round, as is the matching spare secured under the boot floor.
At the front, the headlight lenses are crystal clear and the new – and again correct – plastic indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of UV-bleaching. The same may be said for the original rear light clusters and a cursory glance along each flank shows no evidence of collision damage.
All apertures – including the sunroof – open and close as smoothly as they day they were fitted and all body panels run straight and true. Fitted is the correct four open-slot front grille specifically deployed on all RS1600i models (regular Escorts had two open slots).
The Mechanics
- Two spare keys
- Rebuilt 1.6i engine – driven just 25 miles since 2018-19 restoration
- Pristine engine bay, underside and running gear
- Long MoT awaits the new keeper
At the photo location, the naturally-aspirated 1.6 in-line four fuel-injected engine started first and every time and settled into an appreciative idle. The five-speed manual transmission connected smoothly and the clutch engaged with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The engine and surrounding bay is pristine and contains many ‘correct’ details pertaining to the RS1600i, namely the offset battery tray and protective Ford rubber lid (to prevent shorting by contact with the bonnet), the de rigueur twin coils, radiator header tank and ECU bulkhead grommet, all as pictured in the gallery below.
Driven just 27 miles since its post-restoration MoT in January, 2019, the vendor reports the car to be in ‘as-new’ mechanical condition with steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear performing as well as their respective engineers intended over forty years ago.
Like the visible parts of this car, the underside and lower side sills present in pristine condition. With apologies to the car, the adage of ‘I would eat my breakfast off it’ springs to mind. In addition, there is absolutely no natural oxidation evident to the underside mechanicals that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Summary
The Mk3 Ford Escort (1980-1986) was voted ‘European Car of the Year’ in 1981, fending off stiff competition from Italy's Fiat Panda and British Leyland's Austin Metro closer to home. It was the most common type of car on British roads in December 1989, with almost one and a half million examples registered.
No, Princess Diana didn’t own or drive this particular Ford Escort RS1600i (that we’re aware of, anyway). Truly pristine examples like this car presented here rarely come to market. Its bodywork and mechanicals have received fastidious attention to detail ensuring that every RS1600i-specific detail is not only present – but also correct.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
