1978 Ford Escort RS2000

This stunning 1978 Ford Escort RS2000 X-Pack represents the culmination of a meticulous and deeply personal project, originally undertaken by the previous owner with one goal in mind: to fulfil a childhood dream of building the ultimate Mk2 Escort.

The build spanned several years and was completed in 2019 – a process delayed not only by the steadily rising values of RS2000s, but also by the increasing difficulty (and cost) of sourcing the correct components. Determined to create something truly exceptional, the owner was uncompromising in his standards, insisting on originality, quality, and period-correct details throughout.

Recognising the need for expert craftsmanship, the restoration was entrusted to a close friend who owned Blackwood Automotive – a respected specialist in high-end insurance repairs and classic car restorations. The car underwent a full nut-and-bolt rebuild, with no corners cut and no expense spared. Every component was either restored, replaced, or upgraded as necessary, with particular attention paid to maintaining the integrity and character of the original RS2000 while incorporating desirable enhancements that nod to its motorsport roots.

The level of detail and workmanship throughout is immediately apparent – from the beautifully finished bodywork to the engine bay and interior trim. The result is a show-quality RS2000 X-Pack that is as exhilarating to drive as it is to behold. By the time the project was completed, the total cost had risen to an eye-watering £70,000 – a reflection of the quality of parts and labour involved, and the passion poured into the build.

Following completion, the car was retained by its creator for a time before being offered for sale via Bonhams Cars Online in June 2022. It was there that the current vendor acquired the vehicle, and over the past three years, it has been used sparingly and cherished as part of a private collection.

Presented today in superb condition, this RS2000 offers a rare opportunity to acquire a professionally restored, X Pack-equipped example of one of Ford’s most iconic performance models – ready to be enjoyed on the road or shown with pride.

Does a Mk2 Escort get more aggressive-looking than this? We think not!

Finished in the classic Ford Diamond White, the paintwork is in superb condition, as is the X-Pack body kit.

From the front, the lower valance houses a pair of LED lights, the corner bumpers fit snugly against the main bumper, and the nose cone mates tightly to the wings. All four headlights are in good condition, and finishing off the front end is the iconic RS2000 decal.

Looking at the side profile, it’s clear that the wings and quarter panels extend a good few inches further than Ford initially intended. The X-Pack kit appears to have been well fitted, with everything aligning as it should. However, there are a couple of small splits where the wing meets the scuttle panel. All the windows are in good condition, with only minimal age-related marks, as you would expect. All seals and trims are also in good order, finished in satin black.

At the rear, it looks typically like a Mk2 Escort – until you notice the arch extensions peeking out either side, again giving it a more aggressive stance. Both light lenses are in good condition, as is the boot spoiler.

Fitted with 15-inch Revolution Minilite-style wheels, these are in excellent condition and are shod with Toyo Proxes, all with plenty of tread remaining. Also included is a set of 13-inch RS alloys, slightly wider to suit the X-Pack.

The interior transports you straight back to 1978. You immediately notice the RS steering wheel, which is in good condition, followed by the stunning and highly desirable fishnet Recaro seats – finished in the original fabric and matching the rear bench.

Both door cards are in good order, with no scuffs or damage. The dashboard has a couple of small splits across the instrument area. All instruments are said to be working correctly, apart from the odometer, which shows 34,775 miles – although this hasn’t been investigated. The original switchgear shows a small amount of age-related wear but is said to work correctly.

A Pioneer head unit has been fitted, and just in front of the gear lever is an Engine Guard system, which monitors temperature.

The carpets throughout are in excellent condition, as is the headlining. Inside the boot, a Facet electric fuel pump helps deliver the correct amount of fuel to the twin carburettors. There is also a spare RS alloy wheel with a new Goodyear tyre.

Fitted with an over-bored 2.1-litre Pinto engine, fuelled by twin Weber carburettors with a fuel pressure regulator on one side, and on the other an equal-length four-branch manifold extracting every ounce of performance from this iconic motor. A Direnza alloy radiator keeps temperatures in check.

The Pinto is mated to a five-speed Sierra Type 9 gearbox, keeping revs at a respectable level on the motorway.

The engine fires up as expected, clearing its throat with a blip of the throttle – you can hear the twin carbs suck in a breath of air – and yes, it sounds fantastic, as any car running twin Webers should.

The Escort sits perfectly, with just the right stance. There are no knocks or bangs coming from the suspension. Recently, the brakes have been overhauled, and the car comes to a stop in a straight line with no issues reported.

Looking underneath the Escort, it remains exceptional – especially considering the build was completed several years ago. The underside is still extremely clean, with only minimal signs of surface corrosion on some of the suspension components – nothing that couldn’t be painted over a weekend (if you can resist taking it out for a blast!).

The history file includes detailed invoices for parts and work carried out by Blackwood Automotive Repairs Ltd, offering a glimpse into the sheer number of man hours poured into creating this remarkable example.

The engine was built by Rawsport Motorsport, with the following work carried out:

• Acid dipped and painted
• 205 block with oversize pistons
• Competition bearings
• Fully balanced
• Mahle pistons
• Standard valves
• Newman performance camshaft
• Vernier cam pulley
• Competition head gasket
• ARP fixings
• All new gaskets and seals
• Larger sidedraught Weber carburettors
• Lightened flywheel
   

More recently, the car has had the brakes overhauled and the engine and carburettors tuned, ensuring it runs and stops as it should.
 

What an extensive build – with absolutely no expense spared. Anyone who has built a car before will know exactly what’s involved – from sourcing parts to finding reputable specialists – and how quickly costs can escalate. This project came in at over £70,000 just six years ago.

Unfortunately, that also means you rarely recoup what you've put into a build. But for the lucky winner of this auction, it means you're getting a superb car for a fraction of its build cost – which we estimate to be between £25,000 and £30,000.

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 ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.