Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800

Regarded as perhaps the ultimate rear-wheel drive Ford Escort, the Mk2-based RS1800 arrived in 1975 and was one of the rarest, most legendary high-performance models developed by Ford Europe. It remains one of Ford’s most successful motorsport cars and, like any marque’s official race/rally machines, there had to be a road-going version to enable the cars to obtain homologation for competition, so the RS1800 is a true ‘homologation special’ produced specifically so the Escort Mk2 could enter international motorsport. Not built for mass appeal, there was always going to be a limited customer base and consequently they are very rare with only 109 finding homes in period.

An evolution of the similarly powered Mk1-based RS1600, motivation was provided by the formidable Cosworth-tuned, naturally-aspirated, 1,835cc four-cylinder 16-valve BDA engine, capable of delivering 115bhp. In many ways the RS1800 can be considered as a BDA-powered Mk2 Mexico, sharing the same heavy-duty bodyshell, brakes, suspension, split-propshaft, differential and rear axle. Indeed, the great majority of RS1800 examples actually started life as Mk2 Escort RS Mexicos, built at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany. The complete cars were transported to the Aveley Plant where a team of engineers set about converting them to RS1800-specification – replacing Pinto OHC engines with BDA units, whilst adding an oil cooler, modifying the centre exhaust hanger and carrying out specific paintwork around the cars.

First registered on 1st February 1978, this Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 is a fascinating discovery, having remained effectively hidden away and off the market for more than three decades. Our vendor tells us that he purchased RTD 779S from a fellow car club member in 1991, drove it home, parked it in his garage and, remarkably, tells us that it has neither been driven nor started since. Although the current V5C records five former keepers and shows the present registered ownership commencing in 2018, our vendor advises that he has owned the car continuously since 1991.

The odometer currently indicates just 9,819 miles and is accompanied by a substantial body of contemporary documentation relating to its mileage. Eight surviving MOT certificates provide an excellent period record, showing 6,280 miles in November 1982, 7,765 miles in November 1983, 9,292 miles in December 1984, 9,651 miles in January 1986, 9,658 miles in January 1987, 9,774 miles in January 1988, 9,800 miles in February 1989 and 9,807 miles in February 1990. Further evidence comes from a handwritten and signed letter dated 8th February 1984 from a previous owner, who states that, to the best of his knowledge, the mileage displayed by the Escort was correct and had never been “turned back or altered in any way”. A separate signed document dated 11th February 1984 records the sale of RTD 779S with 8,900 miles which sits neatly within the documented chronology, between the November 1983 MOT at 7,765 miles and the December 1984 MOT at 9,292 miles.

The final MOT certificate, issued in February 1990, records 9,807 miles and today, more than 36 years later, the indicated 9,819 miles represents an increase of just 12 miles. Whilst we cannot categorically warrant the mileage, the surviving contemporary documentation presents a notably consistent chronology supporting the exceptionally low figure indicated. The history file extends considerably further, with original invoices accompanying the car dating back to 1979, when the Escort was barely a year old. Together with the early correspondence, ownership documentation and MOT certificates, they provide a fascinating record of the car’s early life with a pair of period photographs providing a visual record of the RS1800 at the time.

RTD 779S has not been recommissioned or prepared for use after its prolonged period of inactivity and our vendor advises that both the engine and gearbox turn, but no attempt has been made to start the engine. It is therefore offered very much as a ‘garage find’, requiring careful inspection and appropriate recommissioning before any return to the road.

Perhaps most compelling is simply how long this RS1800 has been out of sight. Rather than circulating through dealers, collections and auctions, it has reportedly remained tucked away in the same owner’s garage since 1991 and consequently, it represents an opportunity to encounter an RS1800 that has been effectively unknown to the wider market for some 35 years.

Given the significance of the model, its exceptionally long period in storage and the wealth of period documentation accompanying it, we would strongly recommend that interested parties come along to our NEC Classic Motor Show Sale to inspect both the car and its history file in person, and satisfy themselves as to its condition, originality, mileage and provenance prior to bidding.

The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026

We are now inviting entries of collectors’ cars for our last auction of 2026 taking place at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham (B40 1NT) 14th – 15th November. This is the UK’s biggest and best motor show attracting visitors, bidders and buyers from around the world. Interested in selling with us? Contact the team today or request a free valuation online. The Iconic Sale will take place on Saturday 14th November. Show tickets can be purchased via the Classic Motor Show website, use the code PTICA for £2 off per ticket.