1974
1600
Other
Petrol
100 Miles
Saloon
Manual
Used
1
January 24th 1974
In Free Circulation
Boasting rear wheel drive and a punchy motor in period, the Escort RS1600 was a highly sought after car. Its light weight and lively handling characteristics meant it was hilarious on the road, but was also prime for converting into something for competition. The Escorts campaigned by Ford in period were truly incredible machines, and did spectacular things all over the world. Those rally cars were the inspiration for the Mk1 Escort RS.
Only 1,137 Mk1 Escort RS’ were built, and plenty were converted into rally cars and then crash, which makes this one pretty rare. If you’re after a competition car with some proper heritage you can’t go far wrong with a Mk1 Escort.
This MK1 Ford Escort RS1600 was rebuilt to historic specification in diamond white over red. It features an early Formula Atlantic Cosworth engine with a rare iron block rebuilt by Jondel Race Engines, and has only run 200 miles.
The engine itself is spectacular. Jondel’s work on the 1600cc Cosworth motor means it now develops a staggering 180bhp at the wheels thanks to its iron block, alloy head (with matching manifolds), twin Lumenition ignition, twin 40 Webers carburetors, twin facettuel pumps, and aluminium sump guard.
Its bodyshell has been refurbished in diamond white and red, which certainly makes it stand out. As well as its aesthetic changes, it’s undergone structural adjustment as well. It’s been strengthened, seam welded, has a wide tunnel and arches, arched, with safety devices and a roll cage to ensure it’s up to safety spec for competition.
Competition cars need strong transmissions to ensure they’ll make it to the end of a race, and this Escort comes with a stunning setup. It comes with a refurbished fully floating atlasaxle, twin plate clutch, ZF magnesium bellhousing, 4 speed Quaife manual gearbox.
Stopping and turning, important aspects of any racer, are also wonderfully appointed here. On the springs front, it’s got a set of group 4 turreted Bilstein coils at each corner, while braking is suitably able to stand up to heavy use: there are 4 pot AP callipers on each wheel, a hydraulic handbrake, heavy duty hubs, and a heavy duty anti roll bar.
Its interior hasn’t been left wanting either. There’s a new wiring loom, engine cut off, fuses, fresh Cobra Sazuka seats with harnesses, a Sparco intercom so you can communicate clearly with your codriver, a historic spec dash and navigator metre, Goodrich hoses & fittings, it’s dry sumped, and sits on original minilites. For night stages, a set of Piaa drive lamps will keep you safe in the dark, and should the worst happen there’s a new plumbed extinguisher system.
The car also comes with an MSA Log Book and plenty of historic papers - inquire to see them! Part ex is possible.
1974
1600
Other
Petrol
100 Miles
Saloon
Manual
Used
1
January 24th 1974
In Free Circulation