Highlights

One of 8,659 RS1600is built between 1981 and 1983
Bare metal body restoration carried out, including strip and respray in factory colour
Engine rebuilt to fast road specification by Grace Engine Developments
Retains the increasingly rare original twin coil ignition setup

The Appeal

With just 8,659 examples produced over a three-year run, the Ford Escort RS1600i was a purpose-built homologation special that paired the lightweight Mk3 shell with electronic fuel injection, bespoke suspension and a close-ratio five-speed gearbox. As a final-year example from 1983, this car represents the last of the line, and surviving examples in sorted condition are becoming ever harder to find.

This RS1600i has benefitted from a bare metal body restoration, while the engine was rebuilt with a faster cam and forged pistons, all internal modifications that leave the engine bay looking entirely standard. Crucially, the original twin coil ignition setup has been retained, a feature that many cars lost to distributor conversions over the years. The gearbox has also been overhauled, and the running gear was refurbished. Inside, the seats have been retrimmed to original specification, and the dashboard is reported to be crack-free.

Stored in a humidity-controlled environment and used sparingly, the car has nonetheless proved its reliability on longer journeys abroad. A well-sorted RS1600i that is ready to be shown, driven and enjoyed.

Key Information

Mileage: 82,187 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: exempt
Technical specs: 1,597cc four-cylinder inline petrol, five-speed manual
Paperwork: V5 present; owner’s manuals; some documentation and invoices from current and previous ownership, including invoices and valuation report
image.png 1.09 MB

The Detail

Mechanical rebuild including bushes, bearings, rubbers, belts, alternator, starter, water pump, radiator and more
Engine rebuilt by Grace Engine Developments with a faster cam and forged pistons for a reported increase in power
Engine appears standard externally; all performance modifications are internal
Gearbox overhauled
Fuel cut-off and economy lights repaired by the vendor
Interior seats retrimmed to original specification by Aldridge Trimming
The vendor reports no cracks to the dashboard
Parcel shelf reported to be free of holes or speaker cut-outs
The vendor reports no known faults and states the car starts, goes and stops as it should
image.png 1.45 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.