1978 Ford Escort Mark 2 'RS2000 Group 4 Tribute' Coupe

Description

Ford’s Escort may have humble origins as a practical family car, but today is best known for its giant-killer reputation on the international rally scene in the 1970s and 1980s.  Joining elite company such as the Alpine A110, Lancia Stratos and Audi Quattro as one of the greatest rally cars of the era, the original Escort Mark I evolved into the boxier Mark II version in 1974.  The RS1800 was powered by the Cosworth developed 1833cc BDE engine boasting twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder and works cars featured specially strengthened bodyshells.  Homologated for Group 4 events, the Mark II Escort continued to enjoy success on the world stage, winning both the 1979 Driver’s title and Manufacturer’s Championship.  The ultimate performance version of the Mark II road car was the drop-snoot RS2000, distinguished by its distinctive plastic nose-cone.  Initially built in England and Germany, the Australian RS2000 announced in 1979 differed from its European counterparts in several ways.   Sold in both two and four-door guises, the four-cylinder Pinto engine was normally paired with a short-shift four-speed gearbox, although automatic transmission was available to order. Developing 70kW and 148Nm of torque, the RS2000 was certainly a potent little car that, combined with the sports handling pack, the Escort's famously sharp steering and excellent handling characteristics, made for a great driving experience.  With a kerb weight of just on 1000 kilograms, the RS2000 could reach a top speed of nearly 170 km/h, with acceleration to match.  The sloping quad quartz halogen headlamps, black-outs and rear spoiler combined to give the RS2000 a purposeful look, along with cloth trimmed Scheel sports seats, sports steering wheel and full instrumentation.  The RS2000 was well received by the press, with Modern Motor commenting "The Escort RS2000 is a way of putting fun back into driving.  It's the kind of car we should all be driving - responsive, accurate, economical, and fast".