Lot details

Year: 1974
Make: Ford
Model: Escort RS2000
Registration: WGF 985M
Chassis No: BFATNE00142
Engine No: NE00142
Mileage: TBA
•: Superb condition throughout
•: Once owned by Jamiroquai frontman, Jason Kay
•: Well restored with a host of sensible upgrades

The Escort RS2000 was the last car to be introduced to Ford's 'Advanced Vehicle' range in June of 1973 and dovetailed nicely with its performance almost comparable to the more complex RS1600, but with the reliability and ease of maintenance of the Mexico. The car used the same Type 49 bodyshell as the Mexico and RS1600, however, there was a new engine in use at Ford, the 2-litre overhead cam, 100bhp, 'Pinto' design, which seemed, on paper, ideal for the RS. Ford then had the major problem of persuading the, less than slender, Pinto engine to fit into the engine bay, which was something it had never been designed to do. The only way of achieving this was by discarding the engine-driven cooling fan and replacing it with a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe unit. The most appropriate gearbox was the German 'E-box', which was totally different to the one fitted to the RS1600, and the final drive was 3.54:1. The car was launched in England on 11/11/1973.

This superb car was initially registered on 08/04/1974,and is an original Escort RS2000 supplied with a host of paperwork together with a V5c registration document. Finished in the instantly recognisable colours of Diamond White with blue stripes, this Escort has benefited from restoration and a host of upgrades including a strengthened bodyshell with a roll cage, jacking points for jack stands and steel bubble arches. Power comes from a recently rebuilt 2.1 Pinto engine with alloy sump, Weber carburettors, Newland phase-three fast-road camshaft, ported cylinder head and a heat-wrapped, four branch exhaust manifold. Said to produce 165bhp, the car has a five-speed quick shift gearbox and the present owner has fitted a electric power steering unit for more acceptable driving/parking ability. Further spec includes Cobra bucket seats with four-point Sabelt harnesses, front discs, anti-roll bar and anti-dive conversion, and a rear brake disc conversion using Sierra Cosworth brake calipers. In January 2020, the car was fitted with new 4 link bushes and rose joints and at that time well as a rolling road set-up with carburettor tuning. The present owner also had the dash renewed with new dials/facia. This fabulous RS2000 wants for nothing and is ready to be used for competition or as an exciting road car. Consigned by James Good.