Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Silverstone Festival 2025 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 23rd of August, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. The ****** RS2000 was the last car to be introduced to Ford's Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) range in June of 1973 and dovetailed nicely with its performance almost comparable to the more complex RS1600, but with the reliability and ease of maintenance of the Mexico. The car used the same Type 49 bodyshell as the Mexico and RS1600, however there was a new engine in use at Ford, the 2-litre overhead cam, 100bhp ***** design which seemed, on paper, ideal for the RS. Ford then had the major problem of persuading the less than slender ***** engine to fit into the engine bay, which was something it had never been designed to do. The only way of achieving this was by discarding the engine-driven cooling *** and replacing it with a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe unit. The most appropriate gearbox was the German 'E-box', which was totally different to the one fitted to the RS1600 and the final drive was 3. 54:1. The car was launched in England on 11th November 1973 priced at £1, 586. The RS2000 once again proved to be a quick and delightful car to drive, whilst being more accessible to buy and still offering customers a great choice in terms of colours and options.
Offered here at one of Europe’s best attended classic motorsport events, the Silverstone Festival 2025, is this Mk1 RS2000, finished in Olympic Blue with a black interior – arguably the most fitting colour combination. This example comes directly from a private Collection of RS models, having been carefully sourced by our vendor, a well regarded Ford Motorsport enthusiast and long standing member of the RS Owners Club. Prior to that, it formed part of another RS-focused Collection and may now be ready to join the next.
This magazine-featured RS2000 benefits from an older restoration that has aged well, with uniform panel gaps, an excellent paint finish and bright chrome work. The engine bay is particularly well presented, indicating that mechanical work, including the engine rebuild, was carried out to a similarly high standard. Wiring is clean and well routed throughout and the car starts instantly, producing that distinctive RS exhaust note.
The original type 4-speed gearbox selects gears with precision, while steering remains weighty at low speeds but becomes direct and responsive once moving. This is an honest, analogue RS that delivers a proper period driving experience.
Offered at a realistic estimate, this is a smart, well sorted example that’s ready to be used, enjoyed and appreciated at events for years to come.
