1973 Ford Escort RS2000 |

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1973 Ford Escort RS2000

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£60,420

Mileage~31,052 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationMerthyr Tydfil

SOLD

1973 Ford Escort RS2000

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

A classic Ford RS icon – just look at it, need we say more!

The Mk I Ford Escort was introduced in the UK at the end of 1967, debuting at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1968. It replaced the long-running and successful Anglia. The Escort quickly became a dominant force in rally racing, eventually earning a reputation as one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford Works team was nearly unbeatable in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with perhaps the Escort's most notable victory being the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, driven by Finnish legend Hannu Mikkola. This triumph inspired the creation of the Escort Mexico special edition road versions.

In addition to the Mexico, Ford developed the RS1600, which featured a Kent engine block paired with a 16-valve Cosworth cylinder head. These models boasted higher-performance engines, sports suspension, and strengthened bodyshells, making them ideal for rallying. Ford also introduced the RS2000 model as a more reliable alternative to the RS1600. Equipped with a 2.0-litre Pinto engine, the RS2000 was a robust and high-performing vehicle.

This beautiful example comes to auction from a two-year ownership, during which it has mainly been on display in a private collection. The car received a no-expense-spared nut and bolt restoration by a previous keeper, which as you can see from the photographs, was carried out to a very high standard.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting David the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

We couldn’t resist the Escort when we went to see another car from the same seller, and ended up buying them both.

David purchased a classic Fiat 500 from a gentleman in Hampshire, whilst collecting it he noticed this stunning MK1 Escort RS2000 in the collection, he was immediately taken with the stunning condition of the Escort, which led them to believe that purchasing it would be the perfect addition to his own collection, bit it wasn't for sale as it had taken him a long time to find this example.

Growing up in the 70s David has always loved Ford Escorts, from Mexicos to RS2000s. David told us, "Being an absolute petrolhead and passing my test in 1981, I had lots of the fast Ford’s, mainly
MK 2 Escort Mexicos and 1600 Sports, Mk3 Escort RS1600i, RS Turbos and even the MK4 RS
Cosworth, but never the RS 2000."

To David's surprise the same gentleman contacted him four months later to say he was considering his previous offer, a price was agreed and David finally had his RS2000. He told us driving the car is amazing, putting a massive smile on your face and it draws a lot of attention from passers by.

David bought the RS2000 approximately two years ago, and since then, the car has been used very little, as you can see from the condition. He has recently purchased a classic 911 SC Supersport and unfortunately doesn't have room for both cars, he told us "it’s a shame as when I purchased the Escort, I thought it would be with me for life."

Please feel free to ask David any questions in the comments below.

David

Vehicle Owner

David saved £10,800* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

It's a '70s Ford RS classic with a nod to its rally heritage using the Cibie spotlights.

Wheels and Tyres

The four-spoke RS wheels are in excellent condition, with no corrosion to the faces and the correct RS centre caps.

The tyres are a matching set of Yokohama A539, which are all in like-new condition.

Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The Escort's bodywork is excellent. From the panel fit to the shut gaps, everything appears to be visually matching and equal.

The underside also needs a mention - it is super clean, and it is very easy to see how little the car has been used since the restoration was completed.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in what is believed to be the original colour of Olympic Blue with darker blue decals, the paintwork is excellent, and there are no dings or dents to point out.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

All of the windows are in good order, with no noticeable scratches. The seals are also in excellent condition with no perishing or cracking.

The chrome front quarter bumpers and full-width rear bumper have a bright finish with no tarnishing.

The RS2000 badges are in place and in good order.

All of the lights are in good condition with no damage - the front sees the classic four Cibie spotlight set up, which are again in excellent condition.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Original material trim has been sourced to return the RS seats to their original condition.

Seats and Carpets

The RS badged seats are in excellent condition and have been retrimmed in the original style black material. The rear seat also matches and is in the same condition.

Both vinyl door cards are in good order and free from scuffs.

The black carpets have the smallest amount of wear, mainly on the driver's heel area.

Up above, the black headlining sits nice and tight.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

Dashboard

The black vinyl-covered dashboard is free from damage. The instruments are working correctly, apart from the tachometer, which hasn’t been investigated. The odometer shows ~31,052 miles on the clock.

Please see the interior gallery for more high-resolution images.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original three-spoke RS steering wheel is in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear, as is the gear knob, which clearly shows the numbers 1-4 and R.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

An iconic Ford engine in an iconic car – the Pinto and the MK1 Escort are a match made in heaven.

Engine and Gearbox

The 2.0-litre Pinto engine fires up without hesitation and runs superbly, with no issues reported. Some subtle upgrades have been made, such as the four-branch manifold, K&N air filter and a set of Samco silicon water hoses that look similar to factory rubber ones.

The four-speed gearbox has a smooth change, and the Escort pulls well through all four gears.

Suspension and Brakes

A set of Bilstein dampers help the Escort perform well around the twisty bits, and no knocks or bangs are coming from either corner.

The brakes bring the car to a stop in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal and no issues reported.

The Drive

The Drive… well!

It certainly goes as well as it looks, which is amazing.

The sound and feel take you straight back to younger years when Escorts were a more common sight, but even then, they were probably not in as good condition as this one.

Electrics and Other

Coming from 1973, the Escort was pretty basic and aside from the already mentioned tachometer not working, all the other switchgear presents well and is reported to work correctly.

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History and Paperwork

We will let the photos and videos speak for themselves - this is one lovely example.

Unfortunately some of the history has been lost. There are some previous invoices for parts purchased but as you will see for the work that has gone into the car this doesn't scratch the surface of what has been replaced.

We can tell you that David, the owner, purchased the Escort approximately two years ago from a gentleman who had bought the car after a nut and bolt restoration had just been completed. Since then, it has been part of a collection.

What a fantastic opportunity to own a stunning and fully restored Mk1 Ford Escort RS2000 - chances like this are few and far between, especially finding one in this condition.

We've done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5, and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above. However, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in high-resolution detail. This has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa, and take your time to review everything in this listing to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time—we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car—just like in a traditional auction house.