It has to be one of the coolest cars ever. With it’s contribution to rally racing all over the world and multiple world championships, this little car has what it takes to win.
It all started in 1968 when Ford of Britain sought out to produce a car to replace the Anglia. After that, all was history as the Escort became an icon.
What we care about though are the racing versions. It all started in 1970 with the MK1 Escort and what Ford dubbed the “Mexico” after it’s win in the London to Mexico rally. The MK1 Mexico ran a 1600cc engine (standard was 1100cc) developing around 160bhp from it’s 16 valve dual over-head cam 4 cylinder engine. Different variants followed including the RS2000 until 1975.
In 1975 Ford produced the legendary MK2 Escort. With it’s square “shoe-box” like shape and it’s factory flared fenders the car quickly became more of an icon then it’s predecessor. Like the Mk1 two versions of the MK2 were produced for rally racing. The RS 1800 which was Ford’s most successful rally car and the more powerful RS 2000 model both sported Ford’s DOHC 16 Valve BDA engine.
This car was legendary and if we could get our hands on one we would definitely sport it, although most of the Escort’s in this article were European produced.
Video
1979 Castrol Rally featuring the Escort MK2 RS1800
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