FORD ESCORT 3RD GEN

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Classic Sale at Wheeler Dealer Live 2025 on Sunday the 1st of June, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.

The RS1600i was a limited-production model, with just 5,000 units built between 1981 and 1983, c2,600 for the UK

It featured distinctive graphics, rear spoiler, aerodynamic front air dam, twin-spot fog lamps, and black or body-coloured alloy wheels, and was visually aggressive without being excessive

Factory suspension and brake upgrades including uprated springs and dampers, revised geometry, and ventilated front discs – all tuned for spirited road and rally use

The modified 1.6L CVH Engine had a higher compression ratio, performance camshaft, and a bespoke Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, resulting in 115bhp, a healthy output for the 1980s. In this case, it has been uprated with a 'Zetec' bottom end

This smart example was supplied new finished in Diamond White with Shark Grey crushed velour Recaro interior and was first registered on 1st January 1983 

Now showing just over 82,000 miles and supported by a comprehensive history file including old MOTs, service and maintenance invoices, and a magazine feature in Classic Ford 2019

Regarded as the spiritual predecessor to the RS Turbo, the RS1600i is a cult classic with growing collector interest and survivors are rare due to early rally use and a relatively short production window. It represents one of Ford’s earliest hot hatches with true motorsport credentials.