Description
This is a genuine factory-built RS1800 and one of the first off the production line.
The RS1800 model was a highly specialised variant of the second Escort series and designed specifically for competitive rallying. The key features included a strengthened 2 door saloon body and significantly uprated power delivered via a 1.85 litre version of the 16-valve/twin-overhead-cam Cosworth BDA engine, which produced some 115bhp. Other characteristics were a four speed gearbox, MacPherson strut independent front suspension, solid rear axle and disc brakes to the front wheels.
The example offered here was constructed at Ford in 1975 and, being one of the earliest cars, was virtually hand built. The car was assigned the Kent registration number KKL280P and further prepared by RS dealership Haynes of Maidstone for use by John Taylor who campaigned it over the next 2 seasons, achieving outright victory in the 1976 Irish Tarmac Championship. With the arrival of a newer car, KKL280P was then sold to Stuart Pegg (Roger Clark’s co-driver) in June 1977 and used by a number of other well-known drivers including Jan Hettema, 5 times South African national champion, who drove it on the 1977 RAC Rally, and Malcolm Wilson/Ron Palmer who competed with it on the Lombard Scottish Rally in 1977. Additionally many top co-drivers have sat in the left hand seat, including John Jenson, Mike Greasley, Phil Short and John Horton.
In spite of its extensive competition career, KKL280P remains one of the most original RS 1800’s in existence and is believed to be the only RS1800 that still retains its original 1970’s body shell and Terry Hoyle engine cylinder block.
Benefitting from a total restoration by Alan Sherwood, KKL280P has recently received a sympathetic JD Classics re-commissioning and has since competed in the 2015 Bernina Gran Turismo where it finished in 1st place overall within the Regularity field. In competition-ready condition, it provides a very rare opportunity to own an original example of the iconic Escort MKII with genuine period rally history. Please contact us for more details. SOLD