Classic Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2 1975 (RS 2000 Mk 2)

Escort RS2000 (mk2)

What is your favourite Ford Escort?

With its new droopsnoot nose, the new RS 2000 created a stir at the 1975 Geneva Motor Show. Like all previous RS Escorts, it was based on the two-door saloon body style and featured extensive used of matt black paint in place of conventional bright metal. Clearly aimed at the sporting buyer who wanted refinement and performance,the model was a success, gaining higher demand than earlier cars.

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Sporting Ford Cars: GT40, Capri RS3100, Escort RS2000

What Is Your Favorite Sports Car?

Sporting Ford Cars

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This guide celebrates the performance Ford models of the 1960s and 1970s.

Ford Lotus-Cortina Mk1

Increasingly aware of the importance of the performance image, Ford revealed the Lotus-Cortina in 1963. Powerful and fast by the standards of the day, the car was highly effective in the hands of the right driver. When the legendary Jim Clark spent time in one during the 1964 British Saloon Car Championship it came as no surprise to see the pari become the overall champions.

Ford Lotus-Cortina Mk2

The MkII Lotus-Cortina was assembled sharing production lines with other quantity produced Cortinas. Consequently less specialized than the original (built at Lotus mainly from Ford parts), it was still a fine competition car and a valuable image-builder for Ford. Rally wins included the Canadian-Shell 4000 and in 1967, the Scottish Rally (Roger Clark) and the Gulf London Rally (Ove Andersson).

Ford Escort Twin-Cam

The Escort (Mk1) Twin-cam was one of the gutsiest 1600s ever to be marketed by Ford. It was devised in January 1967 by Henry Taylor and Bill Meade of Ford's Competitions Department, believing that the magic already generated by the highly successful Cortina-Lotus pairing could also be applied to this all-new Ford compact saloon. The result was the fastest Lotus-powered Ford saloon yet.

Ford Escort RS2000

The Escort (Mk 1) RS2000's debut was in early July 1973 and it became the most popular of the RS Escort models. The car was an ideal package, a powerful saloon, offering a comfortable interior and excellent fuel economy. Easily definable by the 8" high decals and four-spoke RS alloy wheels, it was the third "performance special" version of the Escort theme following the Mexico and RS1600.

Ford Capri RS3100

A competitive Capri was needed after Ford received a thrashing from BMW in the 1972 European Touring Car Championship. The Capri RS 3100 was born, with the 2,944cc Essex V6 engine bored out by the .060ins, adding 99cc, increasing power by 138 to 148bhp. It was Ford's intention to produce 1000 RS3100s to homologate the model, but only 250 were built, all at Halewood in 1973.

Ford GT40

A motoring legend, the Anglo-American Ford GT 40 achieved the pinnacle of success on the track and in many respects was the ultimate sports racing car, capturing the imagination of a generation. Designed with a specific purpose in mind, to win the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour Race, the Ford GT40 realised this goal winning it for years in succession, during 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Classic Ford Escort Mk2 Cars: Harrier, RS2000 X-Pack, 1600 Ghia

Do You Remember Your First Ford Car?

Escort Mk2

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the eBay community. I hope you enjoy it. If you would like to find out more about the classic Escort Mk2 car art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide features several classic Escort Mk2 cars.

Escort 1600 Sport 1975-1980

Sometimes described as the poor-man's RS, the 1600 Sport was produced in two- and four-door form (the four-door model was only made between January 1975 and July 1976), and used the famous 84bhp 1,598cc Kent power plant. The car featured circular headlamps, black quarter bumpers, and extra driving lamps, a black grille, sports wheels and distinctive side flashes. The cockpit was surprisingly plush for a low-priced mass-production model, with comprehensive instrumentation, a three-spoke steering wheel and well-contoured seats.

Escort RS1800 1975-1977

Replacing the RS 1600 and using a bored-out BDA engine, the RS 1800 was built along with the MkII RS2000 and Mexico at Saarlouis. It shared the same two-door reinforced bodyshell as the 2000, stronger suspension and a hefty front cross-member. A deep front air-dam, 5 ½ inch sports road wheels and a soft boot-lid spoiler set it apart from the Sport and derivatives. Ford's most successful rally car, the RS1800 won more rallies than any other British car.

Escort RS Mexico 1976-1978

The RS Mexico used the same strengthened bodyshell as the other RSs but its striping mirrored the Sport. It was powered by a 95bhp, 1.6-litre Pinto engine, coupled to a Type E four-speed all-synchro box. Internally it was very similar to the basic RS 1800, using a centre console and clocks. Sports steel wheels were standard, although many examples were fitted with the optional four-spoke cast alloys. Two years after it was released in 1976. , Ford discontinued the Mexico replacing it with a low-spec RS2000.

Escort 1600 Ghia 1975-1980

Ford's plan for the MkII was to move the car up-market, and it offered a wider range of engines, improved braking and a range of Ghia versions to cater for the luxury market. The 1600 Ghia was available in two-door form between Jan 1975 and July 1976, adn in four-door body between January 1975 and Summer 1980. Ghia models gave the following features - wood veneer facia and glove box, vinyl roof, tinted glass, fabric seats, shag pile carpets, reclining seat backs plus other extras.

Escort RS2000 1976-1980

All the Mk2 Escort RS models, including the RS 2000 Mk 2 of 1976-1980 were built at Saarlouis, in West Germany. Faster and better equipped than the original car, the MkII, with its unique droop-snoot nose, which included four headlamps, offered 110bhp and was no slower than the RS1800 "Homologation Special". Yet, this car was also refined, being easy to drive with good handling. A practical four-seater, it could be easily repaired and serviced by every Ford workshop, in contrast to its exotic rivals.

Escort RS2000 X-Pack 1977-1980

Ford Rallye Sport offered the Series X kits for the RS2000 from Aug '77. It offered a combination of parts designed to compliment each other and focused on specific areas of the car's performance: engine, suspension, transmission and bodywork. Items on the comprehensive options list included: a Group One Spec. 145bhp engine kit. Rocket gearbox, Tarmac wing extension kit including airdam, limited slip differential, gas filled front struts, lower and stiffer front springs, gas-filled rear shock absorbers, 7 ½ X 13 alloys and ventilated brakes.

Escort Harrier 1979-1980

Designed to celebrate Ford's 1979 World Rally Championship title, the Escort Harrier was a special edition based upon the 1600 Sport. Available in Diamond White, or Strato Silver, both with blue body stripes, it's comprehensive specification included: Recaros, tinted glass, a push button radio, boot spoiler and 6-inch AVO alloys. The white and blue model cost £4,330, with the silver finish an extra £35.83. Only 1,500 were produced during 1979-1980.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Ford Escort Mk1 Cars: 1300E, RS2000, Sport 1300, RS1600

What Is Your Top Car Of All Time?

Escort Mk1 Cars

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you wish to find out more about the classic Ford Escort Mk1 art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide features several classic Escort Mk1 cars.

Escort Mexico 1970-1974

Named to commemorate the 1970 World Cup Rally from London to Mexico, which Ford won with Hannu Mikkola, the Mexico looks like an RS 1600 apart from its colour-contrast stripes. The reinforced structure, suspension, brakes and instrumentation are pure RS, but the engine isn't, being a straightforward Kent-type pushrod unit from the Cortina/Capri 1600GT. Much more practical for the everyday owner than an RS. Made in reasonable numbers.

Escort 1300GT 1968-1973

High performance models always added glamour and therefore sales to a model, and the Escort 1300GT was inevitable following the success of the earlier Cortina and Corsair GT. It was the car that paved the way for a long line of hot Escorts. Producing an impressive 75bhp and benefiting from a close-ratio gearbox, servo-assisted front disc brakes, stiffer suspension, radial tyres, oil pressure, the GT was many drivers' first fast ford, all for only £765.

Escort Twin Cam 1968-1971

Lotus-engined Escort, 1,558cc and 106bhp, first 25 produced at Boreham, then on the normal line at Halewood. Forerunner of the RS1600 with much of the same running gear, including Type 49 bodyshell and close ratio gearbox first seen in Corsair 2000E, with hydraulic clutch. For the majority of its life, the Twin Cam was only available in white, and to keep costs down they were fitted with similar interiors to the Escort GT. Early cars made up to 1969 have rectangular headlights. Very rare.

Escort RS1600 1970-1974

In essence a re-engined Twin-Cam, now with 16-valve Cosworth BDA unit featuring cogged-belt camshaft drive. 120bhp spells 113mph, with a 0-60mph time of around 9 seconds. Many competition extras could be fitted to an AVO-built RS 1600.

Escort Sport 1300 1971-1974

Announced in Autumn of 1971, the Escort 1300 Sport was an amalgam of Mexico, Escort GT and other Ford details. It was built around a standard two-door bodyshell, with the Mexico/RS1600 flared front arches, but without any of the structural stiffening normal to those cars.

Escort RS2000 1973-1974

Stylish and practical German-inspired car, last to be made by AVO at South Ockenden, using Pinto 2-litre engine from Cortina/Taunus, plus Cortina-type cable clutch and gearbox, brakes and axle. Performance-wise as good as a RS1600, with greater refinement and economy, but not the handling, despite the fact it sits an inch lower. Tony Pond won the 1975 Tour of Britain in TFR 8, a private but Ford-assisted RS2000 MK1.

Escort 1300E 1973-1974

From March 1972 a luxury Escort saloon joined the rage. The E stood for Executive and upgrades were limited to trim and furnishing details such as the polished walnut veneer which was added to the binnacle, door and side cappings. Available in the range of emotive colours that had also been offered on the legendary Cortina 1600E, the 1300E went on sale from 1973. Some cars were finished at the Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations site in Aveley, Essex.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!

Classic Ford Escort Mk 2: 1600 Sport, RS 1800, RS Mexico, 1600 Ghia, RS 2000 X-Pack

Escort Mk 2

What is your favourite car? Please leave a comment below.

This is one of many illustrated classic car guides I've created for the community. I hope you enjoy it. If you would like to find out more about the classic Escort Mk2 car art featured in this guide please click here.

This guide features several classic Escort Mk2 cars.

Escort 1600 Sport 1975-1980

Sometimes described as the poor-man's RS, the 1600 Sport was produced in two- and four-door form (the four-door model was only made between January 1975 and July 1976), and used the famous 84bhp 1,598cc Kent power plant. The car featured circular headlamps, black quarter bumpers, and extra driving lamps, a black grille, sports wheels and distinctive side flashes. The cockpit was surprisingly plush for a low-priced mass-production model, with comprehensive instrumentation, a three-spoke steering wheel and well-contoured seats.

Escort RS1800 1975-1977

Replacing the RS 1600 and using a bored-out BDA engine, the RS 1800 was built along with the MkII RS2000 and Mexico at Saarlouis. It shared the same two-door reinforced bodyshell as the 2000, stronger suspension and a hefty front cross-member. A deep front air-dam, 5 ½ inch sports road wheels and a soft boot-lid spoiler set it apart from the Sport and derivatives. Ford's most successful rally car, the RS1800 won more rallies than any other British car.

Escort RS Mexico 1976-1978

The RS Mexico used the same strengthened bodyshell as the other RSs but its striping mirrored the Sport. It was powered by a 95bhp, 1.6-litre Pinto engine, coupled to a Type E four-speed all-synchro box. Internally it was very similar to the basic RS 1800, using a centre console and clocks. Sports steel wheels were standard, although many examples were fitted with the optional four-spoke cast alloys. Two years after it was released in 1976. , Ford discontinued the Mexico replacing it with a low-spec RS2000.

Escort 1600 Ghia 1975-1980

Ford's plan for the MkII was to move the car up-market, and it offered a wider range of engines, improved braking and a range of Ghia versions to cater for the luxury market. The 1600 Ghia was available in two-door form between Jan 1975 and July 1976, adn in four-door body between January 1975 and Summer 1980. Ghia models gave the following features - wood veneer facia and glove box, vinyl roof, tinted glass, fabric seats, shag pile carpets, reclining seat backs plus other extras.

Escort RS2000 1976-1980

All the Mk2 Escort RS models, including the RS 2000 Mk 2 of 1976-1980 were built at Saarlouis, in West Germany. Faster and better equipped than the original car, the MkII, with its unique droop-snoot nose, which included four headlamps, offered 110bhp and was no slower than the RS1800 "Homologation Special". Yet, this car was also refined, being easy to drive with good handling. A practical four-seater, it could be easily repaired and serviced by every Ford workshop, in contrast to its exotic rivals.

Escort RS2000 X-Pack 1977-1980

Ford Rallye Sport offered the Series X kits for the RS2000 from Aug '77. It offered a combination of parts designed to compliment each other and focused on specific areas of the car's performance: engine, suspension, transmission and bodywork. Items on the comprehensive options list included: a Group One Spec. 145bhp engine kit. Rocket gearbox, Tarmac wing extension kit including airdam, limited slip differential, gas filled front struts, lower and stiffer front springs, gas-filled rear shock absorbers, 7 ½ X 13 alloys and ventilated brakes.

Escort Harrier 1979-1980

Designed to celebrate Ford's 1979 World Rally Championship title, the Escort Harrier was a special edition based upon the 1600 Sport. Available in Diamond White, or Strato Silver, both with blue body stripes, it's comprehensive specification included: Recaros, tinted glass, a push button radio, boot spoiler and 6-inch AVO alloys. The white and blue model cost £4,330, with the silver finish an extra £35.83. Only 1,500 were produced during 1979-1980.

Thank you for reading my guide and I hope you found it interesting!