Lot 116: 1972 Ford Escort RS 1600

In 1970 Ford introduced its first ever RS badged car, the Escort RS1600. The whole purpose for the RS1600's existence was of course to provide Ford with a competitive race/rally car, so it is in this area that the car is most commonly remembered. Homologation of the RS1600 into Group 2 was achieved in September 1970 on the basis of one thousand vehicles having been constructed. In fact, best estimates suggest that only around 1137 RS1600's were actually produced over the vehicles entire five year production span to the end of 1974. The RS1600's BDA engine unit was often described as a detuned Formula 2 racing engine with the design actually based on Cosworth's very successful Formula 2 race unit. On the circuits the lightweight RS1600 racers from the likes of BroadSpeed and Zakspeed developed a giant killing reputation using 2 litre fuel injected versions of the BDA engine developing up to 280 b.h.p.On offer today is an original 1972 RS1600 that was converted to a competition car in 1995. The car was developed into a Zakspeed replica in 2005 and is resplendent in the Zakspeed livery. The car has been be campaigned extensively in the Top Hat race series. The 2 litre engine is described as being in excellent order as is the chassis and body. A well restored and maintained car that is supplied with a V5 document that is ready to be used in anger in the forthcoming season.