1983 1985 Ford Escort Mk3 - RS1600i 'Group 1' Touring Car Evocation

KEY FACTS

• A striking and evocative Group 1 touring car recreation, built to emulate the iconic 1980s Ford Escort RS1600i racers in period-correct ‘Datapost’ Royal Mail livery.
• This competition car was reportedly built from a very low-mileage and unwelded Mk3 Escort Popular bodyshell retaining its original factory panels, before being converted to full Group 1-style racing specification.
• It is now powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre ‘RS1600i’ inline-four featuring Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, sending circa 135-140bhp to the front wheels through a Quaife straight-cut five-speed manual gearbox with a motorsport limited-slip differential.
• The car was constructed and subsequently recommissioned ahead of the 2025 racing season by well-known Ford specialists Lavant Straight Classics, and has reportedly only completed a single test session since the most recent preparation works.
• It is understood to be eligible for a variety of historic motorsport series, including the HRDC Gerry Marshall Trophy, CTCRC Pre-83 Touring Car Series, CSCC Tin Tops, Future Classics, and potentially the Gordon Spice Trophy at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Escort has been rebuilt as a dedicated Group 1 touring car evocation inspired by the famous RS1600i ‘Datapost’ racers of the early 1980s British saloon car scene.
• The bodywork is finished in red with period-style ‘Datapost’ graphics, RS1600i front and rear spoilers, faired-in locks and fuel filler, and a fibreglass Ford Motorsport front spoiler.
• Inside, the stripped-out competition cabin features a laminated front windscreen, a Safety Devices roll cage, a black cloth-trimmed Corbeau bucket seat, a Momo steering wheel, Sparco pedals and footrest, a SPA Design tachometer, SPA oil pressure and water temperature gauges, a Turn One harness, and an electrical cut-off system. The bodyshell has been seam-welded.
• The engine specification includes Accralite forged high-compression pistons, a Kent race camshaft and vernier pulley, ARP big-end bolts, solid lifters, RS Turbo injectors, DTA engine management, an Ashley tubular exhaust manifold, a Mocal oil cooler, a baffled sump, and a Direnza aluminium radiator with electric cooling fan.
• Transmission and driveline upgrades comprise a Quaife straight-cut gearset, a ZF Sachs paddle clutch, a lightweight steel flywheel, and a motorsport differential.
• Chassis and braking upgrades include adjustable front suspension components, an RS1600i adjustable anti-roll bar, a motorsport rear anti-roll bar, polybushed suspension, Koni two-way adjustable dampers, a Quaife quick steering rack, Wilwood four-piston front callipers, a brake bias valve, and Speedline Corse 15-inch race wheels with Toyo Proxes R888 tyres.
• Additional motorsport equipment includes a foam-filled 25-litre alloy fuel tank, swirl pot, high-pressure fuel pump, race wiring loom, plumbed-in fire extinguisher system, and internal brake line routing.

CONDITION

• Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
• Specific notes from the seller include: the bodyshell was repainted during the rebuild process, while the interior was fully converted for competition use.
• The seller advises that the car has only completed a test session since completion, and recommends a rolling-road dyno setup before the vehicle is used competitively.
• The seller also states that the vehicle may have brake components fitted which may not be eligible for certain race championships, hence may require changing for different events.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The seller states that the most recent maintenance consisted of a comprehensive recommissioning programme undertaken by Lavant Straight Classics in preparation for the 2025 racing season.
• The seller states that works carried out during the recommissioning included the replacement of the cam belt, a new race camshaft and solid lifters, new fuel system components, a radiator, replacement wheel bearings, new engine mounts, the fire extinguisher system installed, new FIA harnesses, replacement brake components, and a full engine service.
• The seller states that additional work included an overhaul of the fuel injection system, replacement fuel lines, a rebuilt AP brake master cylinder, fresh competition gearbox oil, and installation of a new Varley Red Top competition battery.

SUMMARY

This Mk3 Ford Escort - RS1600i ‘Datapost’ Group 1 Touring Car Evocation is a well-executed and visually striking historic racing-style machine, constructed to capture the spirit of the iconic early-1980s saloon car racers. Benefitting from extensive motorsport-focused specification upgrades and reported recent recommissioning work by respected specialists, it would make a compelling entrant for a variety of historic racing series or an exciting addition to any collection of competition Fords. With its period-correct livery, straight-cut gearbox, and lightweight front-wheel-drive chassis, this Escort promises an engaging and highly nostalgic driving experience on circuit.

Descriptions are provided by the seller and, to their knowledge, are accurate and not misleading. Buyers must satisfy themselves of the description’s accuracy, and independent research is strongly advised. Enquiries should be raised in the comments section and any inspections arranged before bidding.

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