Thorough rally conversion under previous ownership, benefiting from recent recommissioning, including a suspension and braking refresh with a glass-out respray
2.5-litre Duratec engine build by Scholar Engines, delivering 285 BPH with 230 Ib-ft of torque at a cost of £8225
Seen only very limited use since rally conversion undertaken
Excellent structural condition since conversion and reported to be corrosion free
Detailed documentation relating to the conversion work and considerable associated spend
The Appeal
Released in 1975, the Mk 2 Ford Escort had a tough act to follow in light of the runaway success of its predecessor, both on the track and the road. The Mk 2 however did not disappoint and brought Ford continuing success, winning the RAC Rally every year between 1975 and 1979, and bringing home the manufacturer’s title at the 1979 World Rally Championship.
Starting out its life as a standard 1300 cc Mk 2 Escort, the fabulous example we have listed here underwent a full rally conversion under its previous owner during 2005 and 2006. Subsequent to these extensive works, events transpired which meant the car was then essentially garaged and sat until its current owner purchased it last year.
Whilst in current ownership the car has benefited from a general recommissioning, particularly addressing the suspension and braking systems. During this time the car has also benefited from a glass-out respray.
This Mk2 Escort now presents a wonderful opportunity for its next owner. Being fully rally-prepared to a high specification it is now ready to hit the track!
The History and Paperwork
V5C present
First registered July 1979
MOT valid until 04/01/2024, with no advisories
Extensive historic MOT certificates present
Extensive invoices detailing rally conversion work during the period 2005 – 2006 and further work subsequent to this, as detailed below
The Interior
Motorsport Wheel and full internal instrumentation with roof-mounted controls
Evo 2 seats in black with steel side mounts
Full welded-in Mk2 Escort roll cage
Fire-protection system
Stepping over the side impact bars and into the Evo 2 seats, it is immediately apparent that this rally conversion has been both thorough and methodical. Primary instrumentation is provided by a clear and easily readable digital display behind the wheel, whilst oil pressure and GPS speedometer sit in the central console.
Controls for the lights, washers, wipers, fan and start button sit conveniently above the driver in a fabricated metal panel attached to the roll cage.
At the rear of the car sits the battery, transmission tunnel and heavy-duty fuel lines.
The Exterior
Glass-out respray by current owner in recent months with new rubber seals installed
New Ford Escort Mk 2 clear laminated windscreen installed November 2022
Removable fibreglass bonnet and boot lid with large rivetted wheel arches
15-inch Minilite wheels shod in Avon CR 500 rubber
Benefiting from a recent respray this Mk 2 now presents in fantastic condition with a great selection of good looking decals adorning the body.
It is no surprise to learn that this car since its rally conversion has seen very little use, given the excellent condition of the bodywork. Panels and panel gaps all appear to be very straight and the common Mk 2 problem areas all look to be rust free.
Similarly, underneath, the car appears to be very straight and clean without any signs of corrosion. The vendor reports that he has recently had the car up in the air and could not find any areas of concern.
The Mechanics
Car stripped, shell blasted, acid stripped and primed by Central Blast Cleaning, 2005
2.5-litre Duratec engine build by Scholar Engines, delivering 285 BPH with 230 Ib-ft of torque at a cost of £8225
Fully Floating Twin Taper Atlas axle by Foster Engineering at a cost of £2300
Manual gearbox with Quaife internals by Competition Transmission Services at a cost of £2284.45, with subsequent strip and rebuild by same company in 2017
Extensive itemised invoices from Retro Motorsports detailing chassis repair and modifications during rally conversion, totalling over £6000
Escort Mk 2 weld-in roll cage by Rollcentre Racing Ltd
Lifeline fire protection system
Looking at the mountain of invoices for the work undertaken on this car it’s clear that the rally conversion was done to a very high standard indeed. Documentation shows the car was first stripped back to its shell, with any required structural work being completed prior to the conversion being done.
On the road, the vendor reports that the Escort fires up keenly and gives an excellent oil pressure. During a recent shake-down run at Donnington following his recent recommissioning work, he reported that the car ran very well and felt very quick!
Similarly, the vendor also reports that the car changed through its gears smoothly and demonstrated excellent handling and stopping power. In terms of potential further improvements, he reports that the car may well benefit from a tune on a rolling road, therefore ensuring best possible performance.
Summary
A fantastic opportunity to get behind the wheel of an iconic rally car. Prepared to a very high standard and in great condition, this lovely Escort Mk 2 is now ready take on the competition!
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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