1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom |

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1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom

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

Sold Price

£34,583

Mileage~99,649
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationLytham St Annes

SOLD

1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

An extensive restoration and improved engine upgrade have ensured this 1979 RS200 is ready to hit the streets once more.

The squarer style second generation Mk2 Escort first appeared in January 1975, developed jointly between the UK and Ford of Germany, proving hugely popular with British buyers. Running the same mechanical configuration and core structure as the Mk1 Escort but with a revised underbody and additional performance, the long-awaited Mk2 RS2000 was launched at the 1975 Earls Court show and, for the time, was one of the most luxurious of the sporting Escorts and a real success in the performance car market.

This RS2000 Custom comes to market from ~2 year ownership, and has a little secret hiding under the bonnet. It was restored in 2018/19, and as part of that restoration work, was upgraded to a 2.0L Zetec engine from Retroford Ltd, and a 5 speed gearbox to match. As part of the restoration work, the car was stripped back to metal and painted in "Midnight Blue", with the interior finished in dark brown cloth.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Dorothy 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

Ever since my Escort Mexico was stolen in the 90s, I’ve always wanted another Mk2.

Dorothy is the owner of this beautiful 1979 Ford Escort RS Custom RS2000. The car was purchased in 2021, it was always on the cards to own another Mk2 Escort at some point, and when this lovely restored example was offered for sale, she knew it was the one. With the modern engine, it was ideal for her, as the original intention was to use the car like she used to when she had the Escort Mexico in the 90s.

Having owned the RS2000 for a couple of years, the days of jumping in, driving and leaving it anywhere have passed, and now Dorothy doesn’t like leaving it parked up just anywhere for fear of it getting knocked or damaged, which has resulted in it not being used a great deal and so feels it's time for a new owner to look after the car. She's covered ~1,000 miles over the 2 years, please feel free to ask Dorothy any questions about the car in the comments below.

Dorothy

Vehicle Owner

Dorothy saved £6,120* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Classic Mk2 Escort shape enhanced with the famous RS nose cone, instantly recognisable.

Wheels and Tyres

The 13” RS four-spoke RS wheels are in very good condition. There is a tiny amount of white worm to the surface, but nothing excessive and no apparent signs of major damage.

The tyres are a matching set of Nexen tyres and have a good amount of tread remaining. Please see the image gallery to take a closer look at the wheels.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in excellent shape. The car is said to have been entirely stripped back to bare metal by a previous keeper, and any issues were addressed at that time. The panel gaps appear to be matching and equal. The boot lid sits a little high, but it looks like it could be adjusted on the catch.

There is a tiny blister on the front passenger wheel arch and also one on the bottom of the driver's side wing, which hasn’t broken through the paint. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in "Midnight Blue", the paintwork presents very well with no noticeable chips, and the colour and finish is even across all the panels. There are some light swirl marks, which could easily be reduced with a machine polish.

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

Glass and Trim

All of the windows appear in good condition; there are some light age-related scratches, but these are very light and to be expected for the age of the vehicle.

The seals all look to be in good condition with no signs of perishing. The quad headlights are free from any chips or cracks, as are the indicators and rear light lenses.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Period brown fishnet Recaros are perfect for the RS2000, the iconic headrests and 3 spoke steering wheel that we've come to think of with RS cars.

Seats and Carpets

The Recaro seats are in relatively good condition. There is a small hole in the lower driver’s side bolster, and the passenger seat is in good order, as is the rear bench.

Matching the seats, the carpet is also brown and in good condition with minimal wear. Inside the boot is a black carpet which covers the spare steel wheel; there is also an uprated fuel pump and filter mounted to the floor.

Dashboard

The dashboard in the Escort is free from any damage, the odometer has a reading of 99,649 miles, keep in mind a new 2.0L engine was fitted in 2018. The instruments are working as they should with the exception of the rev counter.

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

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The classic three-spoke steering wheel is in good condition with no noticeable signs of age.

Giving away that there’s an upgraded engine and gearbox is the five-speed gearknob which is in good order. Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

A Black Top 2.0L Zetec engine with Omex throttle bodies and ECU gives this RS2000 that extra bit of power.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine was purchased from Retroford Ltd and is a Stage 2 Black top 2.0L Zetec engine, which has been coupled with Omex throttle bodies and engine management system to ensure reliability and excellent performance. The engine fires up immediately without hesitation and sounds fantastic on the road, especially when opened up.

The gearbox is now a five-speed unit, making it nice and economical on a long journey. A short shift kit is fitted, which has a precise and direct feel. Watch the video to see and hear the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The Bilstein dampers give the Escort a firm ride without being harsh. The car sits nice and level, and no knocks or bangs are coming from the suspension.

Upgraded to Wilwood calipers, the RS2000 with a brake bias adjuster allows you to set up the front and rear balance to your liking. The car comes to a stop in a straight line with no issues.

The Drive

What a joy to ride in; the Escort still has the resembling sound of a Mk2 running on twin 40s, yet you have the reliability of the Omex throttle bodies. It turns heads wherever it goes, and rightly so; this is a classic RS2000.

Electrics and Other

By way of electrics, the Escort doesn’t have much to mention, but what switchgear is there works correctly and looks in good condition with no signs of excessive wear. A JVC head unit has been installed, and this also has USB.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed images.

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History and Paperwork

There is a substantial amount of invoices for parts purchased, including the engine manual.

Restored in 2018 by a previous keeper, the Escort has several invoices for lots of the parts fitted, including the new engine from Retroford Ltd. Other paperwork includes some old MOT certificates, and there is one interesting invoice for joining the Ford RS owners club in 2019, revealing that a previous keeper was TV personality Dominic Littlewood.

A well-sorted RS2000 with a modern twist, having had the 2.0 litre Zetec Black top Stage 2 engine conversion. This not only gives the car more performance but also improves reliability and economy. A real classic Ford waiting to be enjoyed.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

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
12.04.2023	MOT	99,460
09.06.2021	MOT	98,401
03.07.2019	MOT	96,256
19.03.2002	MOT	92,580
22.03.2001	MOT	91,636
03.03.2000	MOT	91,069
09.03.1999	MOT	89,869
28.01.1998	MOT	88,856
14.02.1997	MOT	87,334
16.01.1996	MOT	85,606
02.02.1995	MOT	84,095
13.01.1994	MOT	82,927
20.11.1992	MOT	81,290