1978 Ford Escort RS 2000

Highlights

• Supercharged and fuel-injected
• Extensive competition upgrades
• Dyno tested to 226 bhp
• Sprint and hillclimb prepared with successful competition history
• Dry stored for a number of years and requires recommissioning

Overview

From its earliest days the Ford Escort has been the weapon of choice for many a competitive privateer. And the Mk 2 RS2000 we see here is no exception, having been prepared for use in sprints and hillclimbs. Clearly more effort has been put into making it go quickly than look shiny, so you know where its creators’ priorities were when planning the build.

The stripped out interior, single racing bucket seat, plethora of auxiliary gauges and switches all serve one purpose: getting to the finish line as fast as possible. And under the lightweight glass-fibre bonnet the engine has been built to do the same. The vendor has given us a long list of the car’s mechanical improvements, which includes a Rotrex supercharger and various Cosworth internal engine components.

The next owner may wish to tidy up some of the cosmetic blemishes, or you might see them as hard-won trophies, gained in the crucible of competition. Either way, this car offers a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to explore the world of competitive classic motorsport events. Or it could be returned to everyday road use.

Fast Fords have always had a loyal following, and this second generation Escort is sure to attract plenty of attention wherever it goes. If you want to bask in the glow of approval that comes with a competition Escort and are up for a spot of recommissioning, then this should be the car for you.

History and documentation

• Declared manufactured in 1978
• First registered in the UK 13 Mar 1981
• Converted to right-hand drive
• Large ring binder containing history and invoices
• A large file of results shows that the car was very successful in its class in the ASWMC hill climb and sprint championships
• MOT and road tax historic exemption
• Dyno test chart
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Nine registered former keepers
• HPI clear

Interior

• Most of the interior has been stripped out for competition use
• Only the door cards, dashboard, and headlining remain original
• Single Corbeau racing bucket seat fitted
• Six-point racing harness
• Roll cage
• SPA rev counter
• The dashboard features auxiliary gauges and switches, including water temperature, oil pressure, fuel pressure, shift light
• Dash-mounted fuse boxes
• Cable-operated fire extinguisher system and battery cutout
• Mountney steering wheel
• The boot has been stripped out and fitted with a low-volume fuel tank for hillclimb use
• Aluminium bulkhead fitted between the boot and the passenger compartment

Exterior

• The body of this Escort looks the part, with competition numbers on the doors
• It has clearly been well used and enjoyed
• 13-inch Revolution alloy wheels fitted
• A spare set of Minilite-style wheels is included
• The seller informs us that the tyres will need to be renewed
• The black paint on the wheels is chipped and scratched
• Marked towing points
• Auxiliary bonnet and boot lid retaining springs
• The nearside door has some slight damage
• External battery terminal socket
• Some bubbling around the wheel arches
• Small amount of delamination around the windscreen edges
• Taped headlight covers
• Fully removable glass-fibre bonnet and boot lid
• Timing strut mounted on the front bumper
• To the rear, the chassis and sills will reportedly require some work
• The underside has a general layer of surface corrosion present

Mechanical

• Supercharged and fuel injected two-litre engine
• Dyno tested to 226 bhp
• The seller informs us that the car has the following performance upgrades fitted:

Engine

• Rotrex supercharger with oil cooler
• Cosworth crankshaft, con-rods, and pistons
• Lightened flywheel
• AP racing clutch
• HT1 Emerald camshaft, with double valve springs, and Quaife vernier cam pulley
• Ringed block with Felpro head gasket
• HP oil pump
• Big valve head by Steve Edmond
• Cosworth intercooler
• Aluminium radiator
• Electric fan
• Cosworth fuel injectors and pump
• Adjustable fuel pressure regulator
• Sytec fuel filter
• Tony Law exhaust manifold
• Longlife stainless steel twin box straight exhaust
• Anderson anti-surge oil sump
• OMEX engine management system, with documentation included

Transmission

• Four speed Rocket gearbox
• Tranx type straight cut gears
• Long first gear
• English rear axle
• 4.1:1 ratio sprint limited-slip differential

Brakes

• Comp Brake big disc kit with 4 pot alloy callipers
• Hawke racing black brake pads
• Rear standard drums
• Bias pedal box with remote adjust
• Steel braided brake hoses

Suspension

• Leda 2¼” adjustable coil over struts
• World cup cross member
• Tension strut kit with anti-roll bar
• Adjustable rose jointed track control arms
• Steel eccentric, rose jointed top mounts
• Strut brace
• Quick steering rack
• Tramp bars
• Single leaf springs
• Panhard rod
• Leda adjustable rear dampers

Summary

With proven success on both road and track, it’s easy to see why the RS 2000 is a go-to choice for anyone interested in historic motorsport. And with this particular car’s supercharged engine, it has potential to unlock the next level of performance.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Bristol.