1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom (Mk2) |

Sold

1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom (Mk2)

Sold Price

£33,768

Mileage~115,200
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationTiverton

SOLD

1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom (Mk2)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Professional Consigner

Handling 'B' roads with purpose, this Mk2 RS2000 has been fully restored and serves as a reminder of simpler, more enjoyable driving days.

First introduced to the world in June 1973, the Ford Escort RS2000 used the same body shell as the RS1600 and Mexico but was fitted with a Ford 2.0-litre Pinto unit, developing ~100bhp—slightly quicker than the Cortina. The Mk2 Escort first appeared in January 1975, developed jointly between the UK and Ford of Germany, proving hugely popular with British buyers. Running the same mechanical configuration and core structure as the Mk1 Escort but with a revised underbody and additional performance, the long-awaited Mk2 RS2000 was launched at the 1975 Earls Court show. At the time, it was one of the most luxurious of the sporting Escorts and a real success in the performance car market.

This RS2000 comes to market from ~17 years of ownership. It has been previously restored and features a rally cross member, a five-speed gearbox, and a Weber twin-choke carburettor. As part of the restoration work, the car was resprayed in its original "Venetian Red" paint, with the interior finished in dark brown cloth.

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

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Vehicle Delivery

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

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

I've been a big fan of the RS2000 all my life - this is my third Ford Escort and it's been a joy to own and drive.

Norman is the owner of this lovely 1979 Ford Escort RS2000. He purchased the car in 2008 and immediately began carrying out a full restoration. Norman has taken the car on some incredible road trips, including two with Compact Stress, a veterans’ mental health charity, travelling from the UK across seven countries to Monaco - he also completed a trip along the NC500 in Scotland.

Having owned the RS2000 for quite a few years, Norman hasn’t used the car much in the past year, he has kept it dry-stored in his secure garage. Understanding that these cars require constant care and attention, and no longer able to give it the love it deserves, he has decided to part ways.

This was a big decision for Norman to part with the car as he first contacted us over four years ago to enquire about our services! Norman hopes to find a new owner who will look after it as well as he has.

Please feel free to ask Norman any questions about the car in the comments below.

Norman

Vehicle Owner

Norman saved £5,940* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Instantly recognisable as a Fast Ford, with its enhanced RS nose cone and bright paintwork.

Wheels and Tyres

The 13" RS wheels, finished in silver and black, look great on this example and give the car a sporty appeal. During our visit, the wheels appeared well cared for, with no obvious damage to any of the spokes. Norman explains that he had the wheels refurbished in 2008 and sourced pre-loved Kelly Charger 2 tyres, which complement the car well.

The wheels are fitted with Kelly Charger 2 tyres, which appear to be in good condition, with a good amount of tread remaining and no visible cracking on the outside sidewalls.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2 looks to be in great condition, with all the panel gaps around the car appearing well aligned. During our visit, we didn’t spot any obvious dings or dents. On the rear arches, behind the mudguards, we did notice a small area of bubbling on each side.

We’ve provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the car’s condition for yourself.

Paint

Finished in the original "Venetian Red", the paint has been applied with even coverage and consistent colour across each panel. The car was completely resprayed in 2008.

Once again, we’ve captured high-resolution images and videos of the car so you can assess the condition of the bodywork for yourself.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this RS2000 Mk2 looks good and during our visit, we didn’t notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration. The window seals also look good and align with the overall condition of the car.

The bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds are all in great condition as well.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Finished with period-correct brown fishnet racing seats, which look great in this RS2000.

Seats and Carpets

The brown cloth Recaro "Fishnet" seats have held their shape very well over the years, as you would expect from cherished and careful ownership.

A similar story applies to the door cards and carpets. For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Dashboard

The dashboard is covered in a brown vinyl finish and presents five dials in front of the driver, with the famous 'RS2000' badge on the tachometer.

The dashboard in this Mk2 Escort shows no signs of major damage or scuffs, with no warning lights displayed. The odometer showed a reading of ~15,182 miles during our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A leather-wrapped black Ford steering wheel is fitted and is in good condition and the black gear stick looks good too.

For a closer look, please check out the image gallery.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The cam cover has been powder-coated to match the exterior, and the Ford has been enhanced with a Weber twin-choke carburettor, helping to improve performance.

Engine and Gearbox

Norman reports that he had the Escort engine rebuilt and mentions how reliable it has been since. On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road. The engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without fault.

Norman reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well, with its smooth, manually converted five-speed gearbox powering the rear wheels.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath the Escort RS2000 and its smart engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension appears to be in good condition, providing a smooth journey on the sweeping Devonshire roads.

Receipts show the car received front adjustable Spax shocks in 2008.

During our short drive in the car, it felt just as you’d expect for a sports car from this era, coming to a stop without any fuss too.

The Drive

The Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 offers an extremely fun and enjoyable drive while remaining practical.

Norman has loved being part of the RS2000 members’ clubs and often shows the car at events - he mentions that the car has won various awards for its condition.

As mentioned, Norman has taken the car all over Europe, around the NC500, and further afield.

The RS2000 fired up the first time with no issues to report, and on the road with Norman, the car felt tight, exhibiting plenty of power to navigate the roads.

Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Norman reports that all of the electrics are functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

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History and Paperwork

The car has had all the attention it deserves, with thousands spent on its upkeep and restoration - it is now ready to be driven and enjoyed.

The car is coming out of ~17 years of ownership with Norman. It retains bags of originality, and with the rebuilt 2.0L engine and converted five-speed manual gearbox, it has that little bit more oomph than the earlier models. The car comes with 13" RS wheels and a spare wheel. Take a look at the history and paperwork media to see previous MOT reports, tax discs, servicing, and parts that this Escort Mk2 RS2000 has received over its life. The car is now tax and MOT exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and 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 on 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 bid/s, 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
18.05.2020	MOT	13,927
19.04.2016	MOT	10,254
08.05.2015	MOT	5,535
16.04.2014	MOT	3,644
01.05.2013	MOT	2,743
03.05.2012	MOT	619
11.05.2011	MOT	99,188
21.05.2010	MOT	97,058
29.09.2008	MOT	93,394
09.10.2007	MOT	84,302
11.02.2006	MOT	83,495
01.02.2005	MOT	81,890
26.09.2003	MOT	81,061
22.11.2002	MOT	79,493
22.10.2001	MOT	72,390
08.08.2000	MOT	69,723
05.08.1996	MOT	69,569
04.08.1995	MOT	69,258
14.07.1994	MOT	68,701
10.06.1993	MOT	67,701
11.07.1992	MOT	67,016
28.06.1991	MOT	66,003
28.06.1990	MOT	63,753
06.05.1986	MOT	59,747