FORD ESCORT RS2000

Aaron McKay

Production Editor

Contact: Fairmont Sports and Classics Ltd, Brentwood, CM13 1TJ Tel: 01277 576548 www.fairmontsportsandclassics.com

Ford Escort RS2000 4x4

Hidden in the shadows of a dark era for hot hatches and, let’s face it, dynamic Fords, the Escort RS2000 was a vital breath of life yet in the legacy of fast Fords. This was no bodykit and spotlights XR3i, this was a true motorsport homologation special, and particularly in the case of the 4x4. Engineered beyond any normal marketing rationale, the 4x4 featured a 34/66 front to rear torque split, a limited-slip rear differential and even a new independent rear suspension mounted to an aluminium subframe.

The power came from the DOHC engine already seen in the Sierra, here with a 16-valve head and four-branch exhaust

ONE TO BUY: Year: 1995 Price: £16,500 MoT: October 2021

manifold delivering 148bhp and 140lb. ft. These numbers against a 1240kg kerb weight stuck the RS2000 4x4 with a label of not quite fast enough compared to the mighty Cosworth. That, however, was then.

Today, winding through the local lanes of Essex, this RS2000 4x4 is alive in full fast Ford colour. The DOHC engine is a peach, racing up to the redline with more vigour and smoothness than even the later Zetec. The gearchange is crisp and clean, too. It begs to be driven, hard, and when you do the 4x4 system has its own game to offer, trading understeer for oversteer if you nail the trail-braking. The Recaros keep you well sited while you line up the exit and watch another burst of energy scrambling its way onto the road. An 8.4 second 0-60 doesn’t even figure. The car just feels perfectly calibrated for a proper B-road blast.

Of course of the 500 RS2000 4x4s made, few exist in such good condition to deliver the driving experience quite as original as this. Many made their way into motorsport and others were simply neglected, and now there’s only one other left on UK roads. This example has done just over 70,000 miles with its first owner who, based in London, usually kept it on the French Riviera, which explains partly how it has survived so well.

The healthy stack of service history, including service book and various invoices, and the fact it’s had a high-quality respray goes further to support the car. In case you

OR MAYBE..?

were choosy, you can rest assured that this one even has the optional air-conditioning and upgraded audio system so it’s a fully loaded car too.

As a fast Ford with pedigree providing a driving experience that stands up today, it’s no wonder these are quickly rising as modern classic stars. We just wish there were more of them!

TECH SPEC

ENGINE: 1998cc POWER: 148bhp TOP SPEED: 129mph 0-60MPH: 8.4secs ECONOMY: 30mpg GEARBOX: 5-spd man

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