Ford Works Escort RS1800 Rally Car

1977 Ford Works Escort RS1800 Rally Car

WTW 568S (UK)/JB780 (NZ) ex – Mikkola/Vatanen/Waldegard

Without doubt THE ‘Unicorn’ of existing works built and campaigned RS1800’s. Almost entirely original componentry and travelled a genuine 18,300 miles from new having only competed in 7 major events and never suffered major damage.

First time ever offered for public sale and presented in stunning, period perfect condition following a lengthy and highly detail focused rebuild which is best described as a refurbishment rather restoration as almost all components (right down to the toolkit, jack and bungy cord retaining them) are original to the car.

There truly is not another one like it for authenticity, originality and provenance.

Built by Ford Boreham, England

Genuine original works body shell, BBATTC69903

Has authenticity document from Ford Motorsport, Boreham Airfield, Essex UK signed by Mick Jones (Senior Mechanic).

First registered as WTW 568S, November 9^th 1977

Registered in New Zealand as JB780, June 1979

Registered in New Caledonia as 89983 NC, 1980

Currently in New Zealand as JB780, since 2002

Left Hand Drive, built in late 1977 specifically for the 1978 World Rally Championship where it was driven in four of the championship events:

-Hannu Mikkola (Sweden 2^nd)

-Hannu Mikkola (Portugal 2^nd)

-Ari Vatanen (1000 Lakes, DNF, mechanical)

-Bjorn Waldegard (RAC 2^nd).

In early 1979 following a full Ford Boreham rebuild it arrived in New Zealand for the Masport Escort Rally Team, specifically for Hannu Mikkola to drive.

Registered in New Zealand as JB780, Mikkola went on to win the 1979 Motogard Rally of New Zealand, being round 6 of the 1979 WRC. The car today presents exactly as it won this event.

After the 1979 event, JB780 was sold to New Caledonia where it competed in minor local events before returning to NZ for the 1982 Rally of New Zealand placing 7^th followed by an event in NSW Australia, after which it was essentially mothballed until being sold back to the previous owner in 2002.

Upon its return to New Zealand a full professional refurbishment was carried out over an extended period.

Due to the originality of the vehicle, the emphasis was to preserve its “originality, authenticity and rally history”.

Several members of the original Masport Escort Rally Team were significantly involved in this process, ensuring accurate component detail, with the motor being re-built by the team’s original engine builder (Alan Draper) along with the signwriting being reproduced by the original artist.

Original vehicle parts have been used wherever possible throughout along with original spares bought with car in 2002.

New replacement parts used where necessary, are also period correct.

During the last few years JB780 has been demonstrated and displayed at several events in New Zealand, including Leadfoot Festival of Speed, Taupo Historic Race Meeting, Auckland Concours Events, RS Owners and All Ford Days, along with many local events. Less than 100 miles (tarmac only) have been put on the car since rebuild.

JB780 maintains its originally supplied:

– Original Boreham built works bodyshell (never had major damage)

– Fully rebuilt 2 litre alloy block Cosworth BDG Motor running twin 48 Weber carburettors

– Fully rebuilt ZF 5 speed Gearbox and rear axle with 5.3 Atlas Differential

– Boreham Dural sump guard

– Front and rear suspension (4 link with panhard rod) and slipper leaf springs

– Full original interior including all upholstery (except seats)

– Original Dashboard Gauges

– Original Roll Cage

– Original navigation instrumentation (Halda Twin Master, Heuer Stopwatch, Heuer Chronometer)

– 12volt electrical system, with 24volt starting

Included with vehicle:

All original spares bought with car in 2002

Including selection of fastenings and fittings

Set of original 13 x 7 Minilite magnesium GRP4 wheels (for display)

Set of original Dunlop A2 rally tyres (for display)

Set of new 13 x 7 Minilite aluminium GRP4 wheels (for speed events)

Various front and rear suspension components

To maintain and continue the heritage, a significant amount of memorabilia is available along with original media and sponsors articles relating to JB780 competing in 1979 Motogard Rally.

Can be imported to the UK under heading 97.05 (collections and collectors’ pieces of historical interest) with nil duty and effective VAT rate of 5%.

Undeniably the best and most original example of the works RS1800’s in existence, truly one of one.

A rare and very special opportunity to acquire a true hero car to any rally collection.

Genuine enquiries contact the owner’s representative for further information.