1980 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom

Vendor Richard bought this final year of production RS2000 from an Iconic Auctions sale back in February of this year. “I’ve only driven about 80 miles for it to be detailed, and then back again. It performs exactly how a lightly modified RS2000 should… it’s a very analogue experience!” he says. 

“Condition-wise it’s very good, as it’s had a full bare metal restoration and repaint including all the axles, etc. Unfortunately, I’ve just stopped renting a large unit and bought a smaller one, so I need to see 5 cars leave my collection as I no longer have the storage room”.

So, what will the next owner be getting? Well, having recently been subjected to a three-year intensive restoration, the answer is one seriously sharp RS. The restorative works list reads as follows:

•    Professionally rebuilt engine with FR30 high-torque camshaft, +0.020 re-bore with new pistons
•    Piper stainless steel custom manifold and full exhaust system
•    New carburettor, oversized alloy radiator, electronic ignition and electric fuel pump with pressure regulator and filter
•    4-speed Type-E gearbox rebuilt with new seals and bearings
•    New single-piece propshaft and rebuilt rear axle (complete with new seals, bearings and an overhauled rear differential with the correct 3.54:! ratio)
•    1” suspension lowering blocks front and rear, new rear leaf springs. Gaz adjustable shock absorbers, shot-blasted and powder-coated NOS front struts, alloy front hubs and a new 2.1 ratio steering rack with track-rod ends
•    New JBW wheels shod in Yokohama tyres
•    Full, multi-coat bare metal respray with correct rear light lenses sourced and fitted
•    Retrimmed interior (including seats, carpet, underlay, door cards and rear quarter trims) by Aldridge Trimming, Wolverhampton. New circuit board for dash clocks, LED bulbs and rebuilt steering column

To say that the attention to detail on this build is good is an understatement, as it’s quite simply first-class. Our consignment specialist Freddie Woodd states, it’s “a simply outstanding example”. 
 

With its quad-headlight ‘droop snoot’ front-end, the RS2000 has always stood out visually in the RS stable. It’s a brooding disposition and one that offers road presence aplenty. The fitment of those suspension-lowering blocks has further upped matters by lending it a meaner, more poised stance.

Paintwork is immaculate. The finish is deep, glossy and mesmerizing. Contrasting white RS2000 decals ping against the Black background, while coachlines are pin-sharp; panel fit is first-class all round. Badges, bumpers, door mirrors, the rear spoiler, windows, window rubbers and door handles are all as new. 

The RS alloy wheels remain immaculate and are shod in matching Yokohama A539 185/60/R13 tyres. 
Superb. 
 

Unsurprisingly, given the level of detail and finish on the exterior, it’s an identical picture inside. The Aldridge Trimming finished cabin has been completed to a high standard. 

The ‘fishnet’ Recaro sports seats are perfect, as are carpets and door cards. It’s not been restored to the point at which is squeaks, as you get some originality in the form of the steering wheel, gearstick and dashboard instrument panel all of which have a light patina. 

A ‘Custom’ badge mounted just above the ventilation controls leaves cabin inhabitants in no doubt that the car has had, in plastic surgery terms, a little bit of work!

On the underside of the dashboard to the right-hand-side of the steering column you will find a small cut-off switch fitted. This turns the fuel pump off adding a further security touch. 

It’s a lovely cabin.
 

The oversize alloy radiator and a Piper stainless steel exhaust manifold that resembles a work of art the first indicators that this RS2000 has been lightly tweaked. Under the bonnet, it’s toothbrush clean and beautifully presented.

Take a look at the RS2000’s underside and it’s just as good. No lashings of underseal here, instead it’s a body-coloured paint finish. This is a car you could quite happily take to a concours event with a set of ramps and hoist up into the air to show off its spotless underside – it’s that good.

3 minutes and 51 seconds is that point at which that 2-litre Pinto engine sparks up in our Video Review, below. It fires first time and has fills the cabin with a highly satisfying combination of deep intake noise/rorty exhaust note under throttle – fabulous.

Out on the hoof, with the revs rising and cogs shifting, it gets even better. This is a proper old school, hooligan of an RS.
 

The rebuild is documented with over 300 photographs supplied, as well as all the invoices relevant to the restoration supplied. Flicking through these will give prospective buyers a clear idea of the approximate project spend (it’s in the tens of thousands of pound) and the level of work completed to get the RS2000 into its current exceptional condition.  

Both keys and numerous original handbooks are also present including an operating guide, motorists guide, operation and care booklet and Ford Owner one. Laso present is an Autodata Ford Escort II Car Manual, which details care, repair and maintenance information.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this Ford Escort RS2000 Custom has been restored and lightly modified to the highest of standards.
 

RS2000s remain such distinctive looking classic cars. With a huge following, this example will garner attention wherever it goes. As we’ve explained it’s been lightly tweaked and extensively restored, which means that the next owner is getting one heck of a car.

We think this outstanding wild-child will realise somewhere between £40,000 and £50,000, which we’d happily suggest is far lower than it cost to originally purchase the vehicle and then finish it to this sublime standard.

If you like your old school Escorts on the mildly lairy side of things then this example could be the car for you. Beautifully finished and presented, it’s a proper hoot on the road to boot.

‘Droop-snoot’ RS shenanigans await its next lucky custodian. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.