The Ford Escort RS1800 is already one of the most sought-after performance Fords ever built, but this remarkably original 1976 example takes rarity to another level.
Heading to Historics Auctioneers’ Summer Serenade sale at Windsorview Lakes on 18th July, this Escort RS1800 Custom is believed to be one of just 15 Custom specification cars ever produced. Better still, it remains an original, unmodified example that has spent the last 30 years with the same owner.
Estimated at £150,000-£190,000, it’s certain to be one of the headline attractions of the sale.
Originality is everything with cars like the RS1800, and this Escort appears to tick all the right boxes.
According to Historics, it still retains its original seats, carpets, dashboard, factory Carello headlights, PIR factory stickers inside the boot and even its original twin-choke Weber carburettor and air cleaner assembly.
The only period modification is believed to be a Safety Devices roll cage, thought to have been fitted by the supplying Ford RS dealer when new.
Originally registered on 4th October 1976, the Escort passed through four owners before being purchased in November 1995 by its current owner.
It was later exported to New Zealand in 1998, where it has spent most of the last three decades carefully dry stored. During that time it has covered just 2,716 miles, bringing the odometer to only 50,900 miles.
Before returning to the road in New Zealand, the owner commissioned respected mechanic Michael Shellock to rebuild the original Cosworth BDA engine.
The rebuild retained the original crankshaft, rods and pistons while replacing bearings, piston rings, valve guides, timing belt, water pump, oil pump and numerous other service items. The engine was also fully balanced before reassembly.
Historics notes that the engine remains to original specification, with the only notable alteration being a ceramic-coated exhaust manifold. The original manifold is included with the car.
Few cars enjoy a reputation quite like the Escort RS1800.
Powered by Ford’s legendary Cosworth BDA engine, the RS1800 dominated world rallying in the late 1970s and early 1980s, helping drivers such as Ari Vatanen, Björn Waldegård and Hannu Mikkola write their names into motorsport history.
Original examples have become increasingly difficult to find, making this remarkably preserved car especially significant to collectors.
Historics has published an extensive gallery containing more than 80 photographs, giving enthusiasts the chance to inspect every angle of this remarkable Escort, from the immaculate engine bay and original interior to the underside, history file and countless detail shots.
If you’re an RS fan, it’s well worth spending a few minutes exploring the gallery.
The 1976 Ford Escort RS1800 Custom will be offered by Historics Auctioneers on 18th July with an estimate of £150,000-£190,000.
View the full auction listing and all 80+ photographs here:
https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-250—1976-ford-escort-rs1800-custom/?lot=19912
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