Ford Escort RS2000 Custom

It was back in 1970 that Ford introduced their Rally Sport models – the RS range. Originally designed as a way of building limited numbers of homologation specials for serious competition use, it soon grew into a major marketing opportunity, and one that Ford grabbed with both hands. By 1976, when the RS2000 Mk2 was launched, the term RS had grown to mean something quite special.

Unlike the Mk1 Escort which was designed by Ford of Great Britain, the Mk2 was a much more sophisticated design that was jointly developed with Ford of Germany. Based on a standard Mk2 two-door saloon shell, the RS2000 used the familiar 2-litre, inline four-cylinder, SOHC, Pinto engine mounted longitudinally in the bay driving the rear wheels. A single, twin-venturi 32/36 DGAV Weber carburettor was fitted with the option of a ‘Group 1’ dual Weber 40DCNF or IDF set up. The front suspension used independent MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and, at the rear, traditional leaf springs with telescopic dampers were utilised. Front-mounted discs and rear drums were used and 4-spoke alloy wheels came as standard. Its biggest distinguishing feature was a droop snoot polyurethane nose housing four headlamps which gave it a rather aggressive look. The new car was capable of 110mph with 0-60mph taking 8.9 seconds, not too shabby in 1976 and which, combined with the car’s distinctive looks and that shiny RS badge, set Ford’s showroom doors swinging.

In September 1978, Ford introduced the RS2000 ‘Custom’ which came fitted with ‘Fishnet’ Recaro seats, full door cards, clock and pod, centre console, 6Jx13″ alloys, boot carpet, remote driver’s door mirror and a black panel around the rear lights. In 1980, an RS2000 Custom was an extremely aspirational purchase, with the distinctive polyurethane ‘droop snoot’ front end and air dam, distinguishing it from any other Escort.

More details to follow soon.