1976 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom (Mk2) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1976 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom (Mk2)

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Mileage~7,706 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationAbingdon

AUCTION CLOSED

1976 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom (Mk2)

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Marketed by Ford as a sporting car with family appeal, the MK2 RS2000 has become one of Fords greatest creations.

The Ford Escort is defined by its legendary status on the forest stages and race tracks of the world, the RS models were created to celebrate Ford's influential contribution to motorsport. Launched in January 1976, the RS2000 was based on the new MK2 Escort two-door, powered by the well-proven 2-litre Pinto engine. Its presence is enhanced by the unique Polyurethane front end incorporating four Cibie quartz halogen headlamps and discreet black detail highlighting. Practical and entertaining to drive, the Escort has the bonus of low running costs, excellent parts availability and huge specialist support.

Coming to market after ~3.75 years of ownership, this beautifully presented 1976 "Signal Orange" car is an early example of the MK2 RS2000 Custom. Characterised by its broad body strip decal and retaining its high-specification which includes tinted glass, glove box, centre console and the 4-spoke alloys, it has been tastefully restored with modifications at some point in the 1990s/2000s. While it retains some of those enhancements including a useful 5-speed gearbox, LSD and some structural strengthening, the essence of the early MK2 RS2000 specification is intact. It is road tax and MOT exempt, but the current owner has taken the wise precautions of adding an MOT and it has also seen a service around 500 miles ago.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Jeff the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Those rally performances by Hannu Mikkola have left an indelible mark on me!

Jeff's influence in buying the car was motivated by his love of rallying, having followed the exploits of the Escort since he was young. He bought the car at the start of 2020, and he has kept on top of its maintenance and has carefully enjoyed the car in dry conditions. He is selling it to free up storage space for some other acquisitions.

He has recently had a service actioned on the car, and an MOT test actioned for completeness too. Jeff will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Jeff

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Stunningly presented, the car's handsome lines are enhanced by the Signal Orange and black accented colourway.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with a set of genuine 6Jx13-inch four-spoke alloy wheels, all are in excellent condition.

They are complemented by a full set of Pirelli Cinturato P4's. All retain good tread.

Bodywork

Structurally the car is solid, with the underside looking in good condition. The floor pan, chassis rails, boot floor and engine bay are clean, with no issues noted in the wheel wells or suspension mounts. The car has its correct RS jacking points in place. Externally there are no issues noted in terms of the panel fit or shut lines. All of the doors open and close with ease.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The distinctive "Signal Orange" paint is neatly applied throughout, with an even colour match and very little in terms of imperfections, other than the odd minor chip. It has a deep lustre and there are no signs of being stored outdoors. There are very minor blemishes in terms of some small blistering to the paint, noted on the nearside top wing and the top corner of the passenger door panel but overall in very presentable with no panel dents or scuffs

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The correct spec dark tinted glass panels are all in good shape, with no evidence of lamination damage. Both the door and glass seals are decent, with the rear glass seal being a recent fitting. The nearside rear glass seal is mildly perished but does not appear to let in water.

The rest of the trim and brightwork are in good shape, with minor distortion noted around the headlamp housing. The bumpers are well mounted with some signs of age noted on the front item. The decals are all correct for the model year.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior is largely original and neatly presented, it retains its no-nonsense functionality.

Seats and Carpets

The Recaro sports seats with fishnet headrests that come with the Custom are in excellent condition, with no outstanding damage noted.

The carpets are intact and all, including the boot item, and are free of dampness.

Dashboard

The dashboard is generally in good shape, with several original items still in place including the quartz clock. There are signs of age in places, but it is free of cracks or significant scuffs. All of the switchgear, gauges and controls are said to work. A tool kit is included too.

The odometer was showing 7,706 miles at the time of our visit. The interior trim is intact with some items showing mild signs of age. The headlining is free of damage.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The car is fitted with a MK1 RS2000 steering wheel and with what appears to an aluminium topped gearstick for the upgraded 5 speed gearbox. Both are in good shape as pictured.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Well looked after and maintained, this RS2000 drives beautifully, with a neatly presented engine bay.

Engine and Gearbox

The car started up immediately with no hesitation, the exhaust initially pumping out condensation when blipped, but then settled with no visible exhaust smoke as the car warmed up. The engine sounded tight on idle, with no unwanted knocks or tapping. All of the engine warning lights remained off after the start-up. No fluid leaks were observed on the day.

The car has been fitted with a Ford 5-speed gearbox, which performed without any fault during the test drive. Watch the video to see the car in action on the roads.

Suspension and Brakes

The car’s suspension and damping performed without issue on the short run, there was a little creaking and rear rattle from within the cabin but it didn’t appear mechanical.

The car braked evenly, without vibration in the steering wheel or any other drama.

The Drive

Nimble and pert, the Escort has become highly sought after thanks to its motorsport legacy and this example demonstrates its appeal with aplomb. Taking the corners with confidence, it felt reassuring as the willing engine delivers with an urge. The smooth 5-speed gearbox adds a welcome dimension to the car's cruising ability, with no reports of issues with the gear shift or clutch. The LSD didn’t whine or appear to vibrate.

The RS2000 was quite docile around town, the ride was not over-firm and with no knocking heard from the steering. The exhaust is standard and appears to be free of blowing. The owner has not reported any issues with oil pressure or engine temperature - the car was left to run idle for 15 minutes with no ill effects.

Electrics and Other

Electrics in the RS2000 are quite simple, Jeff told us as far as he was aware everything was working.

Aside from mechanical upgrades, the car is also fitted with a front strut brace mounts and triangulated chassis rail to bulkhead enhancement, which appear to have been added as part of the car's historical restoration.

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History and Paperwork

A good coverage of maintenace bills stretching ~30 years is complemented by recent maintenance in the current ~3.75 year ownership.

Originally registered in Essex in October 1976, the car appears to have seen an extensive restoration at some point in the 1990s/2000s. At this point, it was modified to the then owner's spec but has since reverted back to a specification closer to factory, including the re-installation of a 2.0-litre Pinto inline-four fed by a Weber carburettor. A few of the original modifications remain, including a five-speed manual gearbox, a limited-slip differential, and strengthened suspension/chassis mounts. Recent work includes a rear brake overhaul, new brake fluid, carb cleanup and a new track rod dust cover. Shortly before the current owner took on the car three years ago, it was subject to a thorough inspection by a specialist, who documented a positive report with no outstanding issues. There are also several invoices included, which date back to the early 90s.

The car was serviced earlier in early 2023, and more recently has had a carb tune and brake service and has an MOT action now running to October 2024, despite its exception. The car has been dry-stored with an additional cover since the owner took it on in 2020.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
27-10-2023	Carb Tune and Brake Work	7,701
26-10-2023	MOT	7,701
20-03-2023	Service
16-03-2020	MOT	6,002
12-02-2020	Inspection
13-12-2019	Service	5,911
21-06-2019	MOT	5,539
22-09-2015	MOT	5,231
27-10-2014	Restoration
08-10-2014	MOT	5,188
01-10-2009	MOT
26-11-1997	Timing Belt
09-08-1994	Brakes & Shock Absorbers