Lot 239: 1970 Ford Escort Mk.1 RS1600 Works 'Esso Blue' Recreation

Originally manufactured by AVO in December 1970 as a Ford Escort Mexico, LVX 904T was first registered to the Ford Motor Co., this car was used by Ford as a press demonstrator and featured as a long term test car with Motor magazine from 1971 to 1979. The car passed through many owners and was purchased in 1990 by the present owner. Over the past 7 years, it has been completely restored to full works RS1600 specification as the Roger Clark and Tony Mason famous blue Esso Escort. Painted in Ermine white, the body is of Type 49 specification with additional seam welding, 6 point Safety Devices roll cage and fireproofing to works requirements. Power is supplied by a dry sump 1700cc iron block BDA unit produced by Phill Jones Engine Developments with new Cosworth internals, a big valve cylinder head, hi inlet and exhaust cam shafts, twin 45 Weber carburettors with works AirBox electronic ignition. The other side of the compression cycle involves a Tony Law exhaust manifold, 2.5 exhaust system with peak power measured at 194 bhp@7800rpm and torque of 140ft@5200rpm.All this is transmitted to Mother Earth via an AP hydraulic race paddle clutch through a 5 speed direct top ZF gearbox, 4 linked semi floating Atlas rear axle with 5:1 ZF LSD plus alloy brace. Suspension takes the form of Bilstein World Cup struts with 17" springs with roller bearing top mounts, Cartrac World Cup cross members, quick rack, Bilstein turreted rear dampers with CD6 slipper springs. AP forest spec 10" vented front discs with AP alloy 4 pot callipers with 9" rear drums bring everything to an abrupt halt should the necessity arise. Gartral bias pedal box with GPA throttle and hydraulic handbrake and stainless steel braided brake hoses supply fluids throughout. The wiring loom is presented in Works specification by David Wild with all ancillary electrical and lighting also to full Ford Works spec. It comes with genuine right hand drive and left hand drive dash tops with Works centre console, period switch gear and instruments. Human contact is made through the genuine deep dished steering wheel and re-trimmed works contour front seats with Luke 4 point harnesses. The boot is taken up with an 18 gallon Works safari bag tank with twin fillers and Bilstein quick-lift jacks support the car at the service areas. Wheels are magnesium Minilites. This is a fabulous restoration/recreation of one of the most iconic works Escorts of the period and an opportunity to buy into a marque that has won more rallies, races and rallycross events than any other car in the world. Ever.