Lot 174 - 1979 Ford Escort Mk. II RS2000 Custom
| Lot Number | 174 |
| Registration | PHO 33T |
| Chassis Number | GCATUR00284 |
| Engine Number | UR00284 |
| Odometer reading | 97,688 miles |
| Result | Sold - £33,040 |
- Recently restored example
- Fitted with desirable upgrades
The squarer-styled Escort Mk. II version appeared in January 1975 with the first models having rolled off the production lines on 2nd December 1974. Unlike the first Escort (which was developed by Ford of Britain), the second generation was developed jointly between the UK and Ford of Germany. Codenamed ‘Brenda’ during its development, it had the same mechanical configuration as the Mk. I Escort. The estate and van versions used the same panel work as the Mk. I but with the Mk. II front end and interior. The car used a revised underbody which had in fact been introduced as a running change during the last six months of the life of the Mk. I. The car was a success with just four body styles by competing in many different market niches where rival manufacturers had multiple models. The ‘L’ and ‘GL’ models were in the mainstream purchased by the private sector, the ‘Sport’, ‘RS Mexico’ and ‘RS2000’ in the performance market; the ‘Ghia’ for an untapped small car luxury sector and ‘base’ models for the fleet market. During the second half of the 1970s, the Escort continued to prove hugely popular with buyers in Britain. Production, after an incredibly successful model run, ended in Britain in August 1980 with other countries following soon after.
This superb Escort RS2000 Custom is in excellent condition and has more recently been the subject of an extensive restoration. Undertaken in 2018 the car was placed on a rotisserie and work included a bare metal respray and restoration of the body. The paintwork was finished in dark blue and the interior was trimmed in contrasting brown cloth. During the restoration, the Ford was fitted with an upgraded 2.0 Litre Zetec engine and five-speed gearbox and as such performs very well indeed and sounds superb when on song. Dry stored and used sparingly the car remains in excellent condition; the engine bay of this Ford is immaculate as is the paintwork and interior. This 1980’s classic is one of the finest RS2000’s we have seen and is supplied with a sizeable history file detailing the restoration, the current UK V5C registration document, and many old MoT test certificates. Eminently usable, we are sure this RS2000 will bring a smile to the face of the lucky new owner.
(Buyers please note this lot is offered with various spares including a Pinto engine block which will require collection from the vendor).
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.