Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2

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Following on from the old Mk1 Escort Mexico and RS2000, Ford continued to offer sporting but not-too-extreme Escorts moving into the more angular Mk2 in December 1974.

The Sport and RS Mexico both were powered by the 1,599cc 'Kent' engine, developing 84 and 95bhp respectively. Visually, they looked the part though, with special wheels, spotlamps perched above split front bumpers and pinstriping with contrasting ‘1600 Sport’ branding. The Mexico, sold from 1976-78, did similar with its looks, but added touches from the RS2000, such as its gorgeous four-spoke alloys.

Above these 1.6-litre cars was the popular RS2000. It was introduced in 1976 and was powered by the 2.0-litre Pinto engine which put out a fairly sedate, but reliable, 100bhp which, allied to the lightweight Escort two-door body, made it good for 110mph with the 0-60 dash taking 9 seconds. What really set it apart was its polyurethane ‘droop snoot’ front end and air dam, lifted straight from Wayne Cherry's Droopsnoot Firenza of a couple of year previous. It was an effective modification that clearly distinguished it from any other Escort.

Initially available as a single model alongside its slightly cheaper Mexico stablemate, Ford subsequently rationalised its model range and dropped the Mexico. The RS2000 could then come in standard or ‘Custom’ form. For the extra money the RS2000 Custom driver got a carpeted boot, 4-spoke alloys, a centre console, clock and pod, 'fishnet' Recaro seats and a black panel around the rear lights. Production ceased in July 1980 with just 10,039 Sport/RS Mexico/RS2000 models made in total, and survivors are increasingly sought after today.

First registered in February 1979, this RS2000 is presented in Diamond White with black trim and is showing some 85,800 miles on the odometer with an MOT valid until the end of April 2017. Although there is little history with the car, it has clearly been well restored at some point in the not-too-distant past.

The vendor states that: “This car benefits from the standard RS2000 features and has been restored over a number of years and is presented in excellent order. It sits on machine polished RS four-spoke 6J x 13 wheels. There are some performance upgrades including Bilstein front struts and Koni rear shocks. The rear axle has been rebuilt and the Recaro front seats with fishnet headrests have recently been re-covered by Aldridge Trim in black Beta Plus fabric. The bodywork, engine bay, boot and the underside are all in excellent condition and testify to the many thousands of pounds that have been spent on this car.”