1979 Ford Escort RS Mk II Manual: Too Period Correct

Modified cars built to period specifications are some of my favourite type of builds. Whether it be Hot Rods and Kustoms, 70’s Street Freaks, or, Race Replica cars like this. This little 1979 Ford Escort RS Mk II is the perfect example of how to correctly build a period spec car, with no detail left unnoticed. So much so, that it seems the owner deemed the build to be so good that he couldn’t bare to race it, instead delegating it to show duties. A shame, but somewhat understandable once you read the build sheet and see the photos.

This Escort was built to replicate the Group 4 RS1800 Escorts of the late 70’s and early 80’s. Group 4 was the predecessor to the infamous Group B , and helped to birth homologation specials such as the previously mentioned Ford Escort RS1800, Fiat 131 Abarth, Lancia Stratos HF and the Audi Quattro.

The MK II Escort proved to be very successful in Group 4, even winning the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1979. Despite that, Ford didn’t officially enter any cars in the 1980 season, instead choosing to focus on the development of their fabled RS1700T. All works cars were sold to David Sutton Cars in West London, who went on to win the 1981 drivers championship with Ari Vatanen driving Rothmans liveried Ford Escort RS, not unlike this example. This despite the fact that Audi had just stepped on the scene with their AWD Quattro. The little Esky had a good recipe going, which no doubt contributes to its cult like status amongst owners all over the globe.

So, if all that gets you a bit excited and you wish to relive the days by drifting what is essentially your Grandmas car through a dense forest stage, then this is the car for you.

But all that period spec build quality and history does come at a price, which in this car is $85,000. If that still doesn’t deter, you can find this little 1979 Ford Escort RS Mk II for sale on Carsales here.

1979 Ford Escort RS Mk II Manual: In the owners own words

I’m only selling as I will never use this car in competition, but in no rush to sell so please no low ballers or tyre kickers.

It was built to compete in Targa West but once finished I became precious so it has never seen competition/track day/hill climb, the km’s are driving to/from shows and a monthly local outing just to keep everything moving.

Full spec is listed below but if I have missed something feel free to ask.

Built to original GRP4 specs – turreted/ strut brace/ firewalled/ seam welded/ gusseted/4 link/ 6 point cage/ large diff & gearbox tunnels/ alloy arches & front spoiler/ sump guard. During this time I also had access to an original Suttons car which helped in ensuring I maintained the period specifications

ENGINE(216bhp output)
Professionally built comprising of the following: 205 block/ forged mahle pistons/ heavy duty race series bearings/ doweled lightened flywheel/ fully balanced bottom end/ group one big valves/ racetune spec cylinder head/ high torque race cam/ vernier pulley/ high volume oil pump/ bosch electronic ignition/ twin 45 DCOE webers/ ashley exhaust/ custom alloy radiator/ targa spec heavy duty clutch.

GEARBOX
Tranex straight cut 4 speed with quickshift.

AXLE
BORG WARNER/LSD/4.1 ratio.

SUSPENSION
Front: 2.8i struts, bilstein inserts, 180lb lowered springs, roller tops and in-situ adjustable track control arms
Rear: Dampers/ GRP4 panhard rod (not the cheap panhard rod tower that welds directly to the floor, this is the genuine item)

BRAKES
Bias pedal box with dash adjuster (as per GRP4 and bias peddle box is not a cheap after-market thing it’s conversion is based on a genuine peddle box) with braided hoses throughout.
Front: Vented/Drilled/Grooved discs with 2.8i calipers and alloy hubs
Rear: Vented discs with Mondeo calipers

WHEELS
13” Gold Performance.

INTERIOR
Replica of original but with modern FIA approved safety equipment.

BOOT
12 gallon shaped alloy fuel tank/ battery/ alloy spare wheel post/ facet red top fuel pumps.

EXTERIOR
Replica of original from 1980 including correct spot light Carrello covers. The colour scheme on the car is not vinyl it was painstakingly researched, painted on (same as original) and rubbed down between each coat (base white then blue then yellow then orange).

MISC
CAMS inspected, log booked and registered as a dedicated rally car.

Car is licensed and has a West Australian roadworthy (the UK reg plates shown in the pictures are for show only)

Replica helmets and clothing (not shown) also available

I also have plenty escort spares some of them hard to find items that are not included in the sale but willing to part with if a price can be agreed upon.