This fast Ford may not be quite as it left the factory, but its subtle improvements enhance the experience, says Dale Vinten
It may not be 100 per cent standard, but the quality of the restoration that this genuine UK, matching-numbers MkII Ford Escort RS2000 has received shines through. The few upgrades it possesses are tastefully integrated, and arguably improve its driveability.
The attention to detail that has been lavished on this rebuild is clearly evident. The presentation of the car is close to concours level and the quality of the recently completed, fully documented two-year-long restoration is top notch. The fresh yellow paintwork is immaculate thanks to the car hav-ing received a complete stripdown, acid dip and prime before a full respray. All of the body panels appear straight and true.
Underneath the car has been undersealed in matching yellow and has also been fully Waxoyled. The genuine RS alloy wheels were treated to a refurbishment as part of the restoration and they are in perfect condition. All tyres are Yokohama A539s and are hardly worn.
The restoration process included the interior and it’s flawless in here with new door cards, carpets and headlining – even the window rubbers have been replaced. The quality of workmanship is on par with the exterior and there are no poorly fitting parts or gaps for water to creep in. The dash is not cracked or damaged and the re-trimmed seats have no sag, retaining their original firmness. The correct RS three-spoke steering wheel is present and free from wear and tear, as is the gear knob.
The underbonnet area is exemplary, one of the cleanest engine bays we’ve ever seen, and every-thing has been installed to a very high standard, right down to the routing of the brake lines. A new-old stock windscreen washer bottle, something that’s hard to come by, was also sourced to replace the original.
The car starts and idles well but would perhaps benefit from a rolling road tune to get the most from the new Weber 38DGAS carburettor. The car doesn’t smoke and the engine sounds great. Along with the ported cylinder head, the engine has also been converted to run on unleaded fuel.
The car is a delight on the road, and the revvy four-cylinder engine performs well. Engine and chas-sis numbers match, but the engine has been rebuilt and bored out to 2.1 litres. It pulls effectively and it feels good to stretch its legs, maintaining steady temperature and oil pressure readings. All of the gauges and switchgear were found to operate perfectly during our test.
Handling is predictable and everything feels taut and well built. Gear changes are positive and me-chanical-feeling and the four-speed gearbox feels fresh, with no slack in its action. The steering is
well-weighted, doesn’t pull to the side under acceleration, and there is no slop in the rack. The front brakes have been upgraded with four-piston calipers and grooved discs and the car stops well without feeling too grabby.
The sale includes an extensive, if not fully comprehensive, folder of receipts and old MoT certifi-cates, supporting its 29,405 miles and attesting to a cherished life.
This Ford Escort RS2000 is one of four Ads on Test in the latest issue ofClassic Cars.
Engine 1993cc in-line four-cylinder, OHC, Weber 38DGAS carburettor Power 109bhp @ 5500rpm Torque 119lb ft @ 3750rpm Top speed 111mph 0-60mph 8.5sec Fuel consumption 18-30mpg Length 3975mm Width 1570mm