Description

1978 Ford Escort MkII RS2000 Custom

Only 100 miles since full restoration and in lovely condition throughout

Few cars can match the rally pedigree of the Escort and Ford was quick to transfer the lessons learned in the heat of combat to its road car range. Originally designed as homologation specials produced in small numbers, the Rallye Sport models soon grew into a major marketing opportunity that Ford grabbed with both hands.
By 1975, when the RS2000 MkII was launched, the term RS was understood to mean something a bit special. Based on a standard MkII two-door saloon shell, the car used the familiar 1,993cc Pinto engine driving the rear wheels. Using a twin-choke Weber 32/36 carb it produced 110bhp and was good for 110mph with the 0-60mph dash taking 8.9 seconds.
The RS2000 came in standard or ‘Custom’ form, as here. For the extra money the 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 and according to DVLA records only around 630 are still registered in the UK today.
The VIN plate of this RS2000 indicates that it was built in January 1978 at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany and was finished in Venetian Red (paint code R). It was first registered in London in April 1978 but little is known of the car’s subsequent history until our vendor acquired it in early 2017.
A professional motor engineer, he has fully restored the car over the last three years and although there are no bills to show exactly what has been done, the car speaks for itself and many new parts are in evidence. The car was stripped to a bare shell and sandblasted to bare metal on a rotisserie before being repaired as required and resprayed to a high standard in the original Venetian Red.
The engine was fully rebuilt with new pistons and bearings etc. A new clutch was fitted along with a new alternator; starter motor; radiator; electronic distributor; exhaust system etc. The brakes are all new as is the suspension with Bilstein shocks at the front and adjustable shocks at the back. The gearbox and back axle were inspected and found to be in very good condition. On the inside it received new seat covers, new carpets, new underlay and a new headlining. A new set of period-correct Pirelli tyres have also been fitted.
Since the restoration was completed, the car has only covered around 100 ‘shakedown’ miles and will need a period of careful running-in before the performance is exploited to the full. As you can see in the photos, it is in lovely condition both above and below and has been starting promptly and running sweetly as we have moved it around on site with good oil pressure.
Documentation includes a V5C which records it as a Historic Vehicle for taxation purposes; four old MOTs which show that the car covered around 8,000 miles between 1990 and 1997; an MOT exemption certificate; an original owner’s handbook and RS2000 supplement; an Operation & Care booklet plus period price guide and accessories lists.
For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com