Description
1977 Escort RS1800. Only 3 former owners, the second keeping for 35 years. Unmodified and sympathetically recommissioned to a highly original standard.
The RS1800 production spanned from March 1975 to September 1977.
For the first 9 months the cars were converted adopting the 1600 Sport bodyshell at the Aveley Pilot plant, the exception being a handful converted at the Halewood plant.
Later cars were originally the German built MK2 RS Mexico manufactured at the Searlouis factory. They were subsequently transported to the UK’s Aveley plant, where the engineers installed the 1. 8 BDA – Belt driven A series engine. Other modifications included, an oil cooler, modified centre exhaust hanger along with paintwork, consisting of mainly the black rear panel and white work to the sills and engine bay.
In many ways, particularly, the later built RS1800 can be considered as a BDA powered Mexico, sharing the same heavy-duty bodyshell, brakes, suspension, split prop shaft, differential and rear axle. The RS1800 was exclusively offered only by Ford Rallye Sport dealers.
This low ownership example and well known AVO Club car was first registered in August 1977, residing with its owner in Abergavenny. The dealer fitted option of twin brake servo’s specified, consequently relocating the battery to the boot floor/ firewall area.
In August 1984, the car was sold to its second owner located nearby in Chepstow.
Some 35 years later, in October 2019, the car found its third home, remaining in Chepstow. It took many years of research for the current owner to find the car and has since been sparingly used, living a sheltered life in a small collection, both in Hampshire and since 2024, Jersey.
The time has now come for the car to go to a new home, where we entrust will be further cherished by its next owner. It is worth noting that despite the car’s infrequent fair-weather use, the tyres were replaced with a complete set of Dunlop’s dated 2022. It really is turnkey ready to be further enjoyed.
The car will retain its original UK registration which we will keep out of public view until a sale is agreed. The prospective buyer is welcome to view by prior appointment at our premises located a short drive from Winchester City centre, Hampshire, where you will be encouraged to spend as much reasonable time to inspect the car until completely satisfied, a significant advantage over buying through an on-line or physical auction.
If desired, post-sale, we can arrange for the car to be serviced, and a new MOT conducted by Tremona Garage whose unparalleled knowledge and experience of historically significant Ford’s is highly regarded in the Ford community.
