Beschrijving
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1979 Ford Escort RS2000 'Group 4'
Truly exceptional build with less than 5 miles since completion!
Estimate
£50, 000 - £60, 000
Registration No: BTG 741T
Chassis No: GCATWE00031
MOT: February 2026
Exhaustively restored to a ‘Group 4’ specification to a cost of an estimated £85, 000
Impressive specification with Ike Engineering 2. 4 Pinto engine, floating Atlas back axle with LSD built, Type 9 five-speed gearbox, AP racing brakes and much much more!
Full bodywork restoration with Gartrac arches and front spoiler
Truly exceptional build with less than 5 miles since completion!
Worthy of close inspection
Developed in conjunction with Ford of Cologne and launched during January 1976, the Escort MK2 RS2000 was based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with MacPherson strut front suspension, a leaf-sprung ‘live’ rear axle, rack-and-pinion steering and disc/ drum brakes. Powered by a longitudinally-mounted 2-litre four-cylinder engine allied to four-speed manual transmission, the RS2000 was credited with 110bhp and a 110mph plus top speed. Many were visually distinguished from other Escorts by a fibreglass snout housing quad headlamps, however, the model could be had in ‘Custom’ for with a non-coned front. Weighing in at just over 900 kg, the Mk. II RS2000 benefitted from a lightweight construction, paired with a sport-tuned suspension that enhanced its cornering ability. The car enjoyed considerable success in motorsport, contributing to Ford's dominance in rallying during the late '70s!
Chassis number ‘GCATWE00031’ was manufactured in 1979, being registered new in the United Kingdom on the 1st of June that year. A genuine Escort RS2000, in its recent years, it has been lavished with an exhaustive restoration to a ‘Group 4’ specification, to a very high standard and with an estimated expenditure of approximately £85, 000 in total. Work included providing a full bodywork restoration including new floor pans, door skins, wings, rear quarters, and front panel, as well as Gartrac arches and front spoiler fitted by Gartrac. The Escort was then given a full respray by Classic Dreamworks with the paint finish excellent. The build then began using all the best components, with the RS Escort featuring an Ike Engineering 2. 4 litre all steel Pinto engine allied to a Type-9 five-speed helical gearbox built by 2-Spec Transmissions.
Utilising a fully floating Atlas back axle with limited slip differential built by 2Spec Transmissions, with stopping power supplied by AP Racing brakes all round. Other mechanical features are electronic power steering, a 2. 5-inch stainless steel Simpson exhaust, and Ralloy petrol tank. In the interior, the Escort benefits from OMP seats and OMP harnesses all in date, as well as an OMP steering wheel and high-end digital dash. Finished to a very high standard with the door gaps excellent and the underside presents with a fantastic finish too. Starting readily and running very well during the recent photography session, the RS has covered under 5 miles since the completion of the restoration, making this surely as close to a ‘box fresh’ RS2000 ‘Group 4’ specification car as possible! With companies now building 2025 ‘copy’ Escort Group 4’s, this is an opportunity to purchase a genuine 1979 RS2000 restored exhaustively, for a fraction of the restoration costs.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
