1978 FORD ESCORT (MK2) RS2000 GROUP 4

This 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 is a spectacular road-legal historic Group 4 rally car, which has been built to a very high standard by its experienced mechanic owner, and presents in outstanding mechanical and cosmetic condition. Under the bonnet is a 265bhp 2.0-litre Cosworth BDG inline-four built by Alan Sherwood, which is mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission and limited-slip differential. The odometer displays 1,071 miles, having been reset when the car was fully restored.

First registered on 5 July 1978, this RS2000 was acquired by its current owner – a skilled mechanic with 35 years’ experience – 11 years ago. The owner then set about rebuilding it to historic Group 4 rally specifications using the best period-correct parts available, with every aspect of the car, from its bodywork and interior to the engine and suspension components, having been attended to.

Today, the flared bodywork presents extremely well, and has reportedly never suffered from any accident damage. A number of panels were replaced during the car’s restoration, including the wings, sills and lower quarter panels, however the fit and finish is excellent. Given its competition aspirations, this RS2000 has been comprehensively strengthened, with 257 Gartrac-supplied strengthening plates having been welded in place.

The car’s period-appropriate Ford Blue and Frozen White livery is in very good shape, and while there are some minute imperfections to the paintwork on the bonnet, and a couple of stone chips on the doors, these are very minor issues, and are not easily noticeable except under close inspection.

Beneath the body, this fast Ford has been further protected from the perils of rallying with the addition of guards for the sump, gearbox and rear differential, while the underbody and sills are protected by fibreglass panels.

PIAA headlights, spotlights and fog lights help to illuminate even the gloomiest stages, and quick-release bonnet and boot catches help to make mid-rally repairs a slightly less daunting prospect. The car rides on a set of white 13-inch Mini-lite-style wheels, which present very well, with no signs of damage or significant blemishes to their paintwork.

Inside, this purpose-built machine is fitted with a fully welded and certified Historic Rally Sport roll cage, providing both safety and added rigidity. There are two FIA-compliant Sparco Pro 2000 bucket seats with competition six-point harnesses, and ahead of the driver is an Alcantara-trimmed Sparco steering wheel, which provides excellent grip during even the most arduous rallies, while communicating the stage’s every surface variation to the driver.

The co-driver is also well-catered for, thanks to the fitment of a Monit G200 navigation computer and remote switch, along with a map light, footrest and console. All of the car’s wiring has been replaced using a Historic Rally Sport loom and centre panel, and there are no faults with any of the buttons, switches or electrical items.

Having been fully rebuilt in exacting detail by its mechanic owner, this RS2000 is in superb mechanical order, and has been serviced approximately every 100 miles since its restoration.

While the car’s original engine and gearbox are no longer fitted, this Escort now boasts a powerful 2.0-litre Cosworth BDG unit, which was built by Ford motorsport specialist Alan Sherwood. This is coupled to a five-speed ZF transmission with straight-cut 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, and a helical 5th gear for long-distance rallies. It drives the rear wheels via a ZF limited-slip differential.

It is currently set up for Forest rallying, and features fully-adjustable Bilstein coilovers at the front, complemented by an RS1800 strut brace. At the rear, the car is supported by five-leaf slipper springs and Bilstein shock absorbers with Gartrac anti-tramp bars and an adjustable panhard rod.

An AP Racing clutch and AP Racing gravel brakes have also been fitted, with a ‘world cup’ engine crossmember adding strength and reducing engine movement, while the quick-ratio steering rack allows the driver to tackle even the most complex rally stages.

The fuel, oil and brake lines are all fabricated from Earl’s Performance Products braided hose with anodised fittings, and all of the connections at the bulkhead are welded in for ease of removal and maintenance.

The car also features a plumbed-in fire safety system and hand-held extinguisher, and has been built so rigorously that even the positioning of the battery, fire safety system and exhaust has been considered to achieve balanced corner weights.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 20 January 2021 at 1,064 miles since the rebuild, resulting in an advisory-free first-time pass. This RS2000’s wheels are shod in a set of Yokohama Advan A021R tyres, which are in good condition.

Accompanying the car are its registration documents, current MOT certificate, MSA logbook, a folder containing receipts for its numerous parts, and certificates for both the roll cage and fire system. There are two new Group 4 build books and an original RS1800 Group 4 book from the Ford works team, which is in used condition. The seller will also supply a set of six unused tyres, four GP axle stands, and a comprehensive package of new, unused spare parts.

This Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 Group 4 is a smartly finished and highly capable historic rally car, which has been fastidiously rebuilt by its experienced mechanic owner using a raft of top-quality and period-appropriate parts. Benefiting from the builder’s wonderful attention detail, it will be an exciting entrant into a range of historic rallies or other motorsport events.

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