1979 Ford Escort RS2000 |

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1979 Ford Escort RS2000

Sold Price

£26,693

Mileage~28,819
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0-litre
LocationDyfed, Southwestern Wales

SOLD

1979 Ford Escort RS2000

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner and Photographer

A true icon of the fast Ford era, the RS2000 blends timeless styling, engaging performance, and enduring collector appeal.

The Ford Escort RS2000 stands as one of the most iconic performance cars of its era, capturing everything that made late-1970s Ford engineering so special.

Built on the lightweight and already well-regarded Escort platform, the RS2000 took a familiar everyday car and injected it with genuine sporting intent. With its distinctive droop-snoot front end, wider track, and purposeful stance, it immediately set itself apart from standard Escorts, signalling that this was something far more focused and engaging.

Under the bonnet, an upgraded 1980's Sierra engine gives the RS2000 additional character - delivering strong mid-range punch, a lively throttle response, and a soundtrack that perfectly matches its raw, mechanical feel. It wasn’t about refinement or modern comforts; it was always about driver connection with this car.

Inside, the RS2000 kept things simple and driver-focused, reinforcing its no-frills performance ethos. Everything was designed to serve the driving experience rather than distract from it.

This car has been known to the family for many years, where the Ford was purchased by the current owners wife's uncle, and previous to this, the car was initially purchased from a local dealership. The Escort has been through several variations of restoration projects, features an upgraded Sierra engine, carries 2 sets of keys and an upgraded Sony cassette / multi-disc CD stereo system.

Today, the RS2000 is more than just a classic Ford - it’s a symbol of a golden era of accessible performance, cherished by those in the know for its motorsport heritage, its mechanical purity, and the unmistakable sense of character it brings every time it’s driven. This one is well suited to collectors and enthusiasts alike, with a little interior work to do, but overall, really functional and a lovely car.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Wayne 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

A project that I've loved over the past few years, it's been great to see this one evolve over time.

We met with Wayne, the current owner, who explained that this Ford Escort RS2000 has been far more than just a classic car - it has been a genuine labour of love. Purchased from his wife's uncle, the Escort has remained local to the area throughout its life and carries strong family connections.

The car underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1996, a project that involved a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. Wayne tells us, "The restoration has been a really rewarding experience, and it's been driven by my passion for classic Fords and a want to preserve one of the marque's most iconic sporting models. It's been a process I've very much enjoyed".

Having been carefully maintained and enjoyed ever since, the RS2000 has been a cherished part of the owner's collection. With less time on his hands than before, Wayne has taken the decision to let this one move on, "I'll be sad to see it go, but I have a new project on the horizon and need to free up some additional garage space".

Wayne will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Wayne

Vehicle Owner

Wayne saved £4,680* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A distinctive nose, flared arches, and instantly recognisable sporting stance - few cars capture the spirit of 1970s performance motoring quite like this.

Wheels and Tyres

The 13" 4-spoke RS wheels, finished in silver and black, look great on this example - well presented.

The wheels are fitted with Firestone tyres, with a spec of 175/70 to the front and rear.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The Ford's bodywork is in good condition after the restoration works completed in 1996. Looking around the car, there was a ding noted on the passenger side front wheel arch, and a small ding on the driver side rear quarter.

As part of the original restoration, the front panel, scuttle panel, rear lower valence and boot-wells were all replaced, while necessary chassis repairs etc. were carried out.?During the 2013 refresh, new inner wing assemblies, heater bowl, outer sills and rear wheel arches were fitted. The front wings were changed too - these were standard wings and the fabricator modified them to RS2000 specification.

Shut lines are visually equal and matching, as is the bonnet, and both doors. The bonnet and boot sections both opened and closed well.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-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

The rare 'Calypso Green' finish is undoubtably a stand out colour, has good coverage and shows real presence on the road.

There were a few signs of marks to the paint finish and some wear noted on the drivers side door and passenger side front wheel arch. There were several areas where the paint had started to crack or blister, most notably the drivers door has an area of micro-blistering and the passenger door has some rust, particularly around the corner edges. Overall though, these areas weren't of significant concern on a nice usable classic, but may benefit from a respray just to bring the standards up higher; if the new owner desires.

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

Glass and Trim

All of the glass sections around the Ford looked great. Windscreen, windows, mirrors, lights and lenses, all appeared in a good condition with no cracks, chips or significant scratching that we observed on our visit, other than the folding mechanism on the driver’s door mirror, which has failed and the mirror is currently being held in the normal position with some tape.

The body trim and badges all showed well. The headlining showed with good levels of presentation and interior trim sections displayed well, just some minor wear to the rear sections here.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior of the RS2000 is pure 1970s Ford performance - simple, functional, and built with driving enjoyment firmly in mind.

Seats and Carpets

The original seats are finished in black / grey fabric. There are signs of age to the seat bases, backs, and some holes to the finish. Rear seats fair better, with less notes of wear.

Overall, the seats appear to be in reasonable condition considering the Ford's ~46 years on the road, although a re-trim would be of benefit.

The black carpets in the cabin show well, without any excessive wear.

Looking over the boot section, this area displayed well and is tidy with a spare wheel.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

The dashboard is covered in a black vinyl finish and presents five dials in front of the driver,

The odometer displayed ~28,819 miles at the time of our visit.

The gauges, switches, and controls are well presented, just some signs of age. All faces look clean, clear and they show no fogging or scratching and without any warning lights.

Wayne, the current owner, let us know that he suspected the speedometer was slightly out of sync.

Our interior gallery section takes you through some closer images of the Ford's dashboard - head over and see the car's cabin in finer detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A black 3-spoke black Ford steering wheel is fitted to the RS2000, nothing of significant concern was observed here, just a few signs of patina.

The black gear stick showed in respectable condition, just some signs of wear to the finish.

The handbrake presented in good condition with no significant issues.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The RS2000's punchy engine provides the perfect balance of performance and drivability, delivering an engaging, rear-wheel-drive experience.

Engine and Gearbox

As mentioned, the RS2000 underwent a restoration in 1996, which included an upgraded 2.1L engine from a 1980's Sierra. The engine rebuild also received a clutch update and has been mated to a Sierra Type-9 5-speed gearbox.

The original engine's location is not known and therefore is not included.

On the day of our visit, we started the car without issue, and it performed well on the road - the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without fault.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the Escort RS2000 and its smart engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or other issues from the suspension when we were driving, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. The front of the RS2000 has been upgraded with coil-over suspension.

The front of the Escort is fitted with drilled discs to the front and drum brakes to the rear. The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey, and brought the car to a stop without a problem.

We did note a very slight whining noise, from what we suspect to be the rear differential, when out on the road, although this didn't appear to pose any issues but may require investigation at some stage.

Overall the car performed as to be expected with no other concerns out on the road.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

The Escort RS2000 delivers a driving experience that perfectly captures the spirit of classic Ford performance. Light, responsive, and wonderfully engaging, it rewards the driver with direct steering, sharp handling, and a level of road feel that modern cars often struggle to replicate.

Out on the road, the Escort feels eager and full of character. Whether enjoying a spirited drive on a winding B-road or simply cruising through the countryside, it offers a raw and involving experience that reminds you why these cars have become such icons among enthusiasts.

What makes the RS2000 particularly appealing is its simplicity. There are no electronic aids or driving modes to distract from the experience - just a willing engine, balanced chassis, and a direct connection between car and driver.

Electrics and Other

The Ford features a cassette player with multi-CD changer positioned in the central dash area. The multi-CD player unit is located in the glovebox with rear parcel shelf speakers.

The car is finished with 2 sets of keys and a spare wheel located in the boot - although this will require a new tyre.

Wayne, the current owner, let us know that he suspected the speedometer was slightly out of calibration, but confirmed everything else is in working order other than the rear window de-mister whose connection pad has detached from one side of the window, and the wipers which seem a little slow and stop slightly short of the “park” position.

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History and Paperwork

Restored as a labour of love over its ~30 year ownership, this Escort RS2000 combines extensive restoration work with performance enhancements.

The Ford Escort RS2000 has been the subject of a comprehensive restoration, completed in 1996 as a true labour of love. While not restored to original factory specification, the car was rebuilt with an emphasis on preserving its character and driving enjoyment.

During its restorations, extensive bodywork was undertaken, including replacement of the front panel, scuttle panel, rear valence, boot-wells, inner wing assemblies, heater bowl, outer sills and repairs to sections of the chassis. New rear wheel arches were also fitted, while non-RS2000 front wings were modified to RS2000 specification.

Mechanically, the car has been upgraded with a 2.1-litre Ford engine and 5-speed gearbox sourced from a 1980s Sierra, providing enhanced performance and driveability over the original units. The suspension has also been improved with the addition of front coil overs and lowered rear springs, further sharpening the driving experience.

Today, the car presents as a well-sorted and enthusiast-built example, reflecting decades of care and enjoyment. While it no longer retains its original wheels and is not a concours-correct restoration, it stands as a distinctive and characterful RS2000 that has been thoughtfully restored and enjoyed with a low reserve set.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-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 on this listing in order to make your own assessment on 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, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
21.06.2019	MOT	27,709
08.06.2018	MOT	27,301
09.06.2017	MOT	26,605
06.06.2016	MOT	25,366
10.07.2015	MOT	24,021
18.12.2001	MOT	23,595
20.12.2000	MOT	19,115

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Key Details

Year1979
ModelEscort RS2000
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date18.06.1979
CC1,993
Mileage~28,819 on clock
ColourGreen
Interior ColourBlack / Grey
Interior TrimFabric / Cloth
Chassis #GCATUB06559
RestoredYes
Engine RebuildYes
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes
Former Keepers5
Tyre BrandFirestone
# of Keys2
BrakesFront discs, Rear drums
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~30 years, 9 months.
Key FeatureDrivers' Example
Vehicle RegistrationTEJ 997T
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeSaloon
Auction ID3714

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Ask Questions

Seller : WayneB Sale Date 18.06.2026

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

11 Comments

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

1 month ago

*** RESERVE MET *** This car is on sale and will sell to the highest bidder this evening. Good luck, Adam – TC

ColinB

Admin

1 month ago

*** Auction Update ***

We have uploaded the paperwork for the car, you can find it in the Paperwork and History gallery.

Thanks,
Colin.

WayneB

Seller

1 month ago

Hi tjs….
The corrosion on the passenger door is definitely more than surface rust. There is also some rust bubbling appearing on the inner-side of the doorframe behind these areas, so it’s working its way through the steel. The bubble in the bottom-centre of the door is approx 25mm long but hasn’t broken through the paint yet.
Please note that the paintwork/bodywork in general is nowhere near perfect. There are several areas where close examination will show blisters and rust bubbles etc.
There are also a few areas (mainly on the top edges of the front wings) where you can see a very thin line of the primer underneath… as if the paint doesn’t join up!
I’ve made some Google Photos albums to show photos and videos of the bodywork and the underside in more detail (links are below).
With regard to the passenger side floor, I think it’s best to refer to the additional photos and videos below. There are no “holes” which go all the way through all of the layers of steel, but there is a small area which could possibly do with a bit more investigation.

LINKS:
Central Underneath;
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nWj2h9wx4WRa2dAe9

Driver Side Underneath:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ypidahsWmxK1hviX9

Passenger Side Underneath:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ihod2wupT8TUmhD48

Bootlid:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fKvDemg35otnwwYx6

Driver Side Bodywork:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/EXcdfY7aYGarnjhH6

Passenger Side Bodywork:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wuJ8Ux3MDmcvfjU48

Bonnet / Engine Bay Bodywork:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/t8mfoyqKxTanvb1m6

Regards..

tjs

1 month ago

Hi
I have studied the pictures and video in detail and can see some corrosion on the passenger door and passenger side floor
Is the door corrosion surface or does it go deeper.
Also the floor looks crusty can you confirm if this is surface or something deeper
Many thanks

Rups

1 month ago

Wayne, great job keeping such a Fab car in such condition and clearly well loved. Will be a lucky person who benefits from your hard work – well played.

XOOEscort

1 month ago

Hi
Is it the original colour for the car and is there any early paperwork, mot’s, bills etc?

WayneB

Seller

XOOEscort

1 month ago

Hi XOOEscort.
Yes… this is the car’s original colour – Calypso Green. UK Ford paint code XSC1290.
I do have some bills for bodywork repairs dating back to 1996 and 2013/2014, as well as some receipts for parts bought around those times too.
In addition to the 2015 – 2919 MOTs which can be found online, I have the MOT certificates for 2000 and 2001.
I also have the old tax discs from 1985 to 1990.
Were you looking for any specific information? Thanks..

XOOEscort

WayneB

1 month ago

Hi again Wayne
Sorry to be a pain and I know it’s a lot to ask…..
Could you please remove the rear seat base and take some photos of the tramp bar spot welds from a distance
and close up
Thanks

WayneB

Seller

XOOEscort

1 month ago

HiXOOEscort… no problem at all. Ive uploaded the images and a short video here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cj7js4nD1ogxn3f59

Regards..

tjs

1 month ago

Hi Wayne
Looking into the Sierra engine the car has fitted, can you tell me if you have any receipts for the rebuild.
Do you know what Sierra it came from
Thanks

WayneB

Seller

tjs

1 month ago

Hi…. sorry, I dont have any receipts for the actual engine. I bought it as a short engine from a local rally spares guy back in about 1996. All I had was a verbal discussion about the specification. He said that it was a fresh rebuild:
2.1 litre Ford Pinto.
Lightened and balance bottom end with tuftrided crank.
Hepolite pistons.
HP/HC oil pump.
Piper M285 camshaft.

The only part of that which I’ve ever verified is the camshaft.

He said that the engine was originally from a Sierra, but didn’t give any more details than that, sorry.

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Vehicle Location

Dyfed, Southwestern Wales

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