1979 1978 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom

Highlights

• Extensively restored at a cost of approximately £40,000
• Featured in May 2023 issue of Classic Ford magazine
• Reportedly retains its original floorpans, sills, rear arches and chassis plate
• Dyno-tested at 154bhp with printout included
• Extensive fast-road specification with documented recent specialist maintenance
• Advisory-free MOT valid until July 2026

The Appeal

The Mk2 Ford Escort RS2000 is a legendary, rear-wheel-drive performance car produced in the late 1970s that remains a premier candidate for custom tuning and motorsport modifications. It is instantly identified by its iconic polyurethane "droop snoot" wedge nose cone and quad-headlight setup. Built on a lightweight, highly adaptable chassis, the platform is famous for its exceptional handling, balance, and pure mechanical simplicity. Because it shares a massive global aftermarket network and a deep heritage in historic rallying, standard components are frequently upgraded, swapped, or fully modernised by enthusiasts. Ultimately, it serves as a highly sought-after, blank-canvas classic that seamlessly blends nostalgic Ford styling with modernised performance.

This 1978 example has been the subject of an extensive restoration carried out by a dedicated enthusiast, whose work earned a feature in the May 2023 issue of Classic Ford magazine. The shell was reportedly found to be very solid after decades of dry storage, retaining its original floorpans, inner and outer sills, inner and outer rear arches, and chassis plate; only a new roof skin was required to replace an aftermarket sunroof.

The mechanical specification is thorough, with the Pinto engine overbored to 2.1 litres and fitted with a host of performance upgrades, producing a dyno-proven 154bhp. The drivetrain, suspension and brakes have all been uprated to match. Since the restoration, further work has been carried out by marque specialists, all documented by invoices. Finished in Signal Orange over a restored black interior, this is a well-documented and very impressive fast-road RS2000 Custom.

Key Information

• Mileage: 1,039 miles (odometer reset following restoration; not indicative of mileage from new)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: advisory-free MOT valid until July 2026
• Technical specs: 2.1-litre four-cylinder Pinto, four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
• Paperwork: V5C, MOT certificates, Classic Ford magazine feature, recent specialist invoices, and dynamometer printout

The Detail

• Extensive nut-and-bolt restoration with approximately £40,000 invested
• Original floorpans, inner and outer sills, inner and outer rear arches, and chassis plate retained
• New roof skin fitted to replace an aftermarket sunroof, carried out by GM Bodycraft
• Resprayed in Signal Orange; the car was originally finished in cream
• 2.1-litre Pinto engine with lightened Cosworth 9-bolt crank, oversize pistons, Stage 3 head, Kent camshaft, Quaife vernier pulley, and Weber 48 DCOE carburettors
• Dyno-tested at 154bhp and 153lb-ft of torque in September 2025
• Bestek electronic ignition system fitted in September 2025, replacing the previous Accuspark unit
• Rebuilt Type E four-speed gearbox with new seals and synchros, alloy bellhousing
• Atlas rear axle with limited-slip differential
• Capri Bilstein front struts with large-hole top mounts and front compression strut kit
• Leda adjustable rear dampers with rear anti-tramp bars and Panhard rod kit
• Rear leaf springs and lowering kit fitted in July 2025, replacing the previous setup
• Front anti-roll bar kit fitted
• Adjustable brake bias pedal box with twin master cylinders
• Twin-piston front brake conversion with cross-drilled discs and rear disc conversion
• Ashley 4-2-1 stainless steel exhaust system, repositioned and re-welded in July 2025
• Diamond-cut 7x13 genuine Capri alloy wheels
• Minor kerb rash noted on the offside rear wheel
• Interior restored with Recaro seat frames, Aldridge foam, covers, and door cards front and rear
• New headlining, sun visors, leather dash pad, carpets, mat sets, and replica centre console fitted
• Driver's door lock barrel repaired in July 2025
• Gearbox input shaft seal, bell housing gasket, and rear main seal replaced in July 2025; service carried out, including engine and gearbox oils
• Carburettors stripped, rebuilt, and tuned with emulsion tubes and jets
• New windscreen fitted
• Front tracking checked and adjusted
• Functioning 1990s-era Ford immobiliser

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