Lot 218 - 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk. II
| Lot Number | 218 |
| Registration | DSO 757T |
| Chassis Number | GCATWL023920 |
| Engine Number | WL02392 |
| Odometer reading | 63,923 miles |
| Estimate | £26,000 - £30,000 |
The squarer-styled Escort Mk. II version appeared in January 1975 with the first production 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 panelwork 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 popular model run, ended in Britain in August 1980 with other countries following soon after.
This lovely example is presented in Signal Green with a brown cloth interior. This is a genuine non-custom Escort RS although it has been fitted with the custom chocolate fishnet Recaro interior and flat grille front. Its original 2.0 litre Pinto has been bored out to 2.1 litre, with twin choke downdraft Webers and a Janspeed exhaust system - therefore one assumes that it is little more powerful than it was originally! It retains its original four-speed rocket gearbox with quick shift and has a balanced and lightened flywheel. A new headlining was recently installed, four Cibie fog lights adorn the front, and it sits on period correct RS alloys, the interior is also in good general condition. A fine example of this desirable model which is now highly sought after.
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.