Highlights

Only 28,688 miles from new
Highly original unmodified and largely standard Mk2
Only four keepers with current one since 2011
Light mechanical refresh since 2011
Dry stored since 1981
Original bill of sale, salesman's business card and service book
Solid car with factory underbody finish fully intact

The Appeal

In the world of heated-up saloon cars, the shovel-nosed Mk2 Escort RS2000 was the final flourish for a certain type of light, agile RWD layout, one that disappeared with the arrival of the hot hatch. Not that this 1977 car witnessed that demise because it’s been off the road, safely dry stored, since 1981.

The result is a 28,700-mile car that is highly original, unrestored and unmodified. It even has the original factory underbody Dove Grey protective finish fully intact with no Ziebart or aftermarket underseal. The wings and arches retain their original date stamps, and the Girling struts still bear their factory stickers. Even the Pirelli CN36 tyres remain in place. It does show a few signs of age, but with a car this original that is hardly surprising. Over in the history file, the story is the same - you’ll find the original bill of sale and even the business card of the salesman who first sold it.

The enthusiast vendor is only the car’s fourth keeper. He acquired the car in 2011 and has continued to store it carefully to preserve its original state. A light mechanical refresh has been carried out to ensure the car starts and drives under its own power, and we're told it does so without issue. The nose cone has been repainted but otherwise, we’re told, the car is untouched cosmetically.

The recent mechanical work means that the buyer could get this car back on the road. But with a unicorn this original, perhaps it’s one to spare from full restoration.

The vendor says:

“A very rare and unique opportunity to own a completely original low mileage early mk2 escort, that is not an over-restored car with a bad past and lots of nasty resto work, this is a true, honest car that will not come up again like this

“As you can see from the photos, this is a very original and honest car in completely standard form. The car has its marks and blemishes in the paint work as noted in some of them in the photos to show what I mean.

“Opportunities to own cars as complete and original as this are becoming few and far between now.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1977
Factory built November 1976
Registration SKO 360R
Three former registered keepers advised by seller
Registration is still recorded on DVLA records
In current ownership since approximately 2011
Dry stored indoors from 1981 to 2011
28,688 miles, believed to be correct (not warranted)
MOT exempt as a historic vehicle
Two keys
Original bill of sale and salesman's business card
Original service book
Three period tax discs

The Condition

Exterior presents well overall with tidy, generally original black paintwork with silver pinstripes
Some minor marks and blemishes in the paintwork as shown in the photographs
Nosecone repainted during current ownership due to damage sustained in storage
Dent present in the driver's side sill left unrepaired by vendor to preserve originality
Underside retains its factory Dove grey finish
Vendor reports that underside has never been Ziebarted or undersealed
No welding work required or carried out we are told (not verified)
Wings and arches retain their original factory date stamps
Factory-fitted Girling struts front and rear, with stickers and markings still visible
Fitted with original period Pirelli CN36 tyres
Vendor describes interior as in very good condition
We are told that there are no rips in the seats
All door cards intact with no speaker holes
The vendor reports all clocks, instruments, and dials are in working order
RS alloys in fair condition as shown

The vendor says:

“As you can see, underneath is still the factory Dove grey with no zibart or anything like that, allowing you to see how original and honest it is. The car needs no welding work, nor has it had any; wings and arches still show their date stamps.

“Interior is also completely perfect: no rips in the seats, all the door cards are perfect with no speaker holes, and everything works as it should.

“During my ownership, I had to have the nosecone painted because it was damaged by storage over the years.

“The only drawback to this car, I think, is the dent on the driver's side sill, as you can see in the photos. This is not something I wanted to have fixed, as I felt, whilst it’s still dented, you can see what’s there rather than question where they would be with fresh paint in an area these cars are known to be rusty and have replacement panels.”

The Mechanics

2,000cc 110bhp inline four-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Light mechanical refresh carried out to make the car fit for purpose
Starts on the button and drives under its own power
The vendor reports no known mechanical concerns

The vendor says:

“The car has had a light mechanical refresh to make it fit for purpose. It starts and drives under its own power with no issues. The car still has its original factory-fitted struts front and rear, with the stickers and Girling markings still visible. Along with still bearing Pirelli CN36 tyres.

“Completely standard car it starts on the button, and I can assume it would drive perfectly, with the car's mileage, though it doesn't see the road ever.”

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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.

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