Ford Escort Group 4 Spec Rally Car – New Build

This project started by sourcing a period Mark 1 Escort bodyshell and its logbook with the intention of creating a competitive yet concours masterpiece. The Escort was completely stripped and expertly rebuilt to Type 49 specification including turreted rear shock mounts with ‘historic’ 4-link short boxes and Panhard mounting, additional strengthened gussets, double bulkhead plating and full-length sill plates with front splash mount reinforcements to full tarmac specification. Parent metals were butt-welded and all chassis rails and associated panels were stich-welded to ‘tarmac’ regulations. To complete the shell, a T45 Tig-welded Custom Cages historic roll-cage with accompanying weld test approval was installed and then the bodyshell was professionally finished inside and out in Olympic Blue. A heated, laminated front screen was fitted and anti-scratch polycarbonate 4mm windows installed. Accompanying this remarkable build is a comprehensive breakdown of all parts used with the bodyshell alone consuming parts amounting to over £24,000 not including labour costs, and overall the total build expenditure amounted to over £60,000 in parts and materials alone.

Front-end handling is taken care of by fully adjustable Bilstein struts, Group 4 hubs, Rix H/D Group 4 crossmember, and a heavy-duty 2.4 steering rack with adjustable track control arms, whilst the rear is built up using a complete historic FF Atlas axle, Bilstein turreted rear dampers, slipper kit, leaf springs, hangars, bushes and blocks. Retardation is taken care of by a full Monte Carlo front brake assembly, AP2577 rear calipers and a hydraulic handbrake.

Motivation is provided by a professionally built 2.23 Pinto unit that has been assembled with the following parts; IK Engineering complete bottom end, big-valve head, RL31 cams, ARP & Motorsport gaskets, Kent vernier wheel, 45DCOEs with linkage and manifold, Group 4 alternator, Titan dry sump, dry sump tank & oil lines, Tony Law manifold and exhaust system, all fed by 2 x red top fuel pumps, tank and regulator. The engine has been set up and dyno tested showing a healthy 200bhp at the flywheel with the graph on file.

The electrical system installed features a lightweight loom, period instrument panel, centre console and switchgear, tripmeter and telemetry, new lights, map lights etc. all expertly fitted.

The build was finished off with 4kg Lifeline built-in fire system and a 2.5kg hand-held extinguisher, foot-plates, Motordrive seats, 5-point harnesses, new bumpers and brackets, NOS door handles, rear mirror, door mirror, Revolution 8×13 Group 4 wheels shod with P7 Corsa D5 compound tyres.

In summary, what we have here is an opportunity to secure a turn-key, ‘as new’ Historic Group 4 Escort that was constructed using all the best components. With a capable driver behind the wheel and the correct papers, it would be highly competitive on events such as the Roger Clarke RAC rally. Complete build breakdown available on request.

We invite and encourage your viewing of this remarkable Escort at our Race Retro sale to fully appreciate the quality on offer.

The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2026 – Competition Cars

Entries of Collectors’ and Competition cars are now invited our first sale of 2026 at Race Retro – 20th to 22nd February, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Race Retro brings together over 24,000 fans, drivers and enthusiasts at the start of the competition car calendar for a weekend of all things motorsport. As the shows official auction partner for the 14th year, we are now inviting entries for what promises to be a magnificent, dedicated sale of Collectors’ and Competition Cars. Don’t miss the ultimate historic motorsport event. Entries close on 30th January.