Ford Escort RS1600

Ford Escort RS1600

An original Mk1 Ford Escort RS1600, one of only 1,154 built, presented today in fully rally-prepared form with Cosworth BDA power and MSA-compliant specification. Restored, road-legal, and maintained to a high standard, it represents a rare chance to acquire one of Ford’s most celebrated competition machines from the golden age of rallying.

Historical Significance

The RS1600 was the flagship of the Escort Mk1 range and the model that launched Ford’s domination of world rallying during the 1970s. Developed at Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations plant, it combined the Escort’s light and agile chassis with Cosworth’s potent belt-driven BDA engine, setting a new standard for performance and success on both gravel and tarmac.

Restoration and Conversion

The example offered here was first registered in 1970 and underwent a comprehensive rebuild in 2016, including a bare-shell restoration, repaint, and a full rally conversion to Motorsport UK specification.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: 1.7-litre Cosworth BDA unit prepared by AGRA Precision Engineering
• Features: Dry-sump system, Kent BD3 camshaft, Lumenition ignition, twin Weber 45 DCOE carburettors
• Transmission: Four-speed manual gearbox with helical-cut gears and a needle-roller layshaft thrust bearing
• Differential: Quaife ATB limited-slip differential
• Braking: Wilwood front callipers with rear drums
• Suspension: Bilstein dampers and strengthened suspension bushes
• Additional Features: Hydraulic handbrake, laminated windscreen, 13-inch blue wheels on Vredestein Snowtrac tyres

Interior Features

• Full roll cage
• OMP bucket seats with four-point harnesses
• Safety Devices fire extinguisher
• Battery master switch
• Passenger footplate
• Rally essentials including a window hammer

Condition and Maintenance

The wiring was renewed during the restoration, and the underside stripped, repaired, and treated with Raptor protective coating to ensure durability. Having covered a recorded 45,800 miles (not warranted), the car has been dry-stored since 2018 within a private collection. A partial engine overhaul was carried out in 2020, including a cambelt replacement, and the Escort has continued to receive attentive maintenance. Its most recent service was completed in June 2024 at 45,763 miles by QPrep, which included new fluids, brake adjustments, wheel bearing setup, and several renewed components.

Documentation and Extras

The Escort is accompanied by its V5C logbook, RS Owners Club paperwork, MSA papers, photographs from its refurbishment, and a file of invoices and service records dating back to the 2016 restoration. The car last passed an MOT in March 2018 without advisories, and as a historic vehicle is now believed to be MOT exempt.

Conclusion

This Mk1 Ford Escort RS1600 combines rarity, rally pedigree, and careful preparation in a package that remains eligible for historic competition or equally enjoyable as a thrilling road car. Well presented, correctly equipped, and powered by one of Cosworth’s most charismatic engines, it stands as an exciting opportunity for any collector of classic performance Fords or period competition cars.

The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025

Entries for to our last Iconic Sale of 2025 are now open. The Iconic Collectors’ Car Sale will take place on Saturday 8th November as part of the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham (B40 1NT) 7th – 9th November. The show is one of the UK’s biggest and best motor shows attracting visitors, bidders and buyers from around the world. Interested in selling with us? Contact the team today or request a free valuation online. Iconic Car entries close on 17th October.