1978 FORD ESCORT (MK2) RS1800 GROUP 4

This Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 Group 4 is a wonderful road-legal historic rally car, which boasts excellent provenance, and which is in impressive condition throughout. Under the bonnet is now a 2.0-litre BDG inline-four built by Alan Sherwood, coupled to a five-speed ZF manual transmission. It is accompanied by the MSA Historic Rally Vehicle Identity Form as well as the MSA Competition Car Log Book.

The chassis number and registration of this Escort Mk2 is that of the original ex-Malcolm Wilson and Terry Harryman ‘Total Team Gold’ RS1800, though it has been reshelled - so while its identity is indelibly linked to the iconic 1979 British Rally Championship entrant registered as ‘FFV 800S’, the body itself is a period-prepared replacement.

First registered on 17 February 1978, this RS1800 has five previous keepers on the V5C log book. Piloting ‘FFV’ with its original shell in 1979, Malcolm Wilson secured some notable results during the season, including third overall on the Phonepower International Welsh Rally, and second overall and first in class on the RAC MSA Scottish Rally.

Much more recently, and sporting the replacement shell, it was driven in numerous events between 2012 and 2015, largely in the UK, including the Ulster Historic Rally, the Jim Clark Historic Rally, and the Rally Isle of Man. It was acquired by the current private owner in July 2019.

Today, the body presents in superb condition, with flush shut lines, and no signs of significant damage to the current shell. There are some very minor chips, dings and light scuffs around the period-correct replica livery, but overall it looks every inch the historic motorsport entrant. Its Group 4 flared wheel arches give it tremendous presence, and it rides on a set of 13-inch Minilite alloys finished in gold. There are quick-release bonnet and boot latches, large mudflaps, a stainless steel exhaust, and a set of four purposeful spot lamps at the front to round off the rally-ready appearance.

Inside, this Escort Mk2 is equipped with a Safety Devices roll cage, aluminium fuel cell, and an aviation-grade wiring loom. There are two Cobra racing bucket seats with TRS belts and harnesses, and a plumbed-in fire extinguisher system. Ahead of the driver is an Alcantara-clad Momo steering wheel, and other features include a Monit T-200 rally computer, plus a full Stilo DG-10 digital intercom system.

While originally equipped with a 1.8-litre BDE engine back in the 1970s, this Escort now sports a powerful 2.0-litre BDG inline-four, built by Ford motorsport engine specialist Alan Sherwood, and using a Cosworth block. It is coupled to a five-speed ZF 1”x23 Direct Top gearbox that has been rebuilt by Martin Jones Transmissions Ltd, driving the rear wheels through an Atlas axle built by the Ford Escort experts at Rally and Competition Equipment in Stoke-on-Trent. The axle has a 5:1 crown wheel and pinion, transmitting drive through a limited-slip differential.

Its suspension was rebuilt in 2010 to MSA Historic specifications, and includes Bilstein adjustable front legs, slipper springs, and Bilstein dampers at the rear. There are AP Racing front and rear brakes, with Monte Carlo-specification front callipers, and the Minilite wheels are shod in Pirelli P7 Corsa Classic tyres.

Now exempt from mandatory MOT testing on the basis of age, its last annual inspection was on 30 July 2019, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded.

Accompanying the car is the current V5C registration document, plus the MSA Competition Car Log Book from 2011, and an MSA Historic Rally Vehicle Identity Form.

This Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 Group 4 is an eye-catching and very well-sorted historic rally car, rebuilt using some of the most highly regarded specialists in the country. Not to be confused with replicas or tribute cars; this is more accurately a reincarnation that carries the original identity of the 1979 British Rally Championship competitor, not to mention a gloriously faithful Team Total livery. For someone seeking an approachable and storied classic to use for a variety of motorsport, this would be an exciting and eye-catching addition to their collection.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently covered by a finance agreement, but the remaining balance will be cleared before ownership is transferred to the buyer.