1983 FORD ESCORT RS1600i - 1,932 MILES FROM NEW

This Ford Escort RS1600i is an astonishing example of the 1980s hot hatch, presented in genuine ‘time warp’ condition with only 1,932 miles on the odometer. Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre inline-four CVH engine, producing around 115hp, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The RS1600i was developed by Ford Motorsport in Germany to homologate the car for Group A competition, and this particular car is a very well-known example in the RS community.

First registered in August 1983, there are just five previous keepers, and its history is expanded on in more detail within the documents in the photo gallery. It has resided with the current collector owner for the last two years, though it has not been registered in his name.

Today, the car presents in remarkable condition, with straight and solid body panels, and stunning Diamond White paintwork. The vendor reports one very slight blemish on the side of the offside front wing, which he believes is a defect from the factory that is under the paintwork. However, this by no means detracts from the otherwise excellent appearance, with wonderful period features like the Henlys dealer sticker in the rear window and Henlys number plates still present. It rides on the correct 15-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, which are immaculate.

Inside, the grey cloth upholstery is in superb condition as you would expect, and the original fixtures and touch points are present, including the four-spoke RS steering wheel and gear knob. Even the factory-fitted Ford stereo is still present. The dashboard and door cards are in great shape, and there are no known faults with any of the switchgear or electrics. There is even a period electric aerial that works as new.

The RS1600i was last given a full service in September 2019 at 1,918 miles, at Ford dealer Carters of Chapeltown in Sheffield. This comprised an engine oil and filter change, a new air filter, brake fluid and a fresh set of spark plugs. It was also put on a rolling road to ensure it was in fine fettle in September 2020. The car is fitted with a Ford Motorcraft original battery, though this is only for show and display purposes.

Despite covering only 20 miles in the last 15 years and spending most of its life in dry storage, the RS1600i has been put through eight MOT tests during this period. It failed on an emissions note in 2014, and a faulty windscreen washer in 2019, but otherwise has a flawless record since 2005. Its last MOT test was on 19 September 2020 at 1,931 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. The wheels are currently shod in the original Dunlop tyres, which still have plenty of tread, but are of course not sensible for general road use due to their age.

Accompanying this car are all of the original handbooks, including the RS1600i supplement and RS parts pamphlet. There are also a handful of old MOT certificates and invoices, as well as a copy of the Rallye News magazine in which this car appears. In the cabin, there is even an RS1600i air freshener, with another spare still in its original packaging.

This Ford Escort RS1600i is almost certainly the lowest mileage and most original example of the Motorsport division’s homologation special in the UK. It is presented in genuinely pristine condition throughout, and would make a head-turning entrant to any national show or concours event for similar modern classics, with several awards already under its belt. For serious collectors of Ford’s RS models, this is likely to be an unrepeatable opportunity.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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, and has no finance owing.