With their Escort doing so well in the world of rallying, it made sense that Ford would try and sell developed versions beyond the usual homologation specials. The job of creating more widely-produced, fast Escorts was left to Ford's new Advanced Vehicle Operations, based in Essex.
Following up on the rather complex RS1600 of 1970 came the Mexico and RS2000 which were far more suited to the man in the street. In June 1973, the Mexico was supplanted by the RS2000 and the model fitted nicely into the AVO line up with its performance almost comparable to the RS1600, but with the same reliability and ease of maintenance as the Mexico. Importantly, the RS2000 utilised the same Type-49-body shell as the Mexico and RS1600.
The RS2000 was the first Escort to be powered by the overhead cam four-pot, as Ford decided that their 1993cc "Pinto" engine was to be used in the new model. However, Ford faced the problem of persuading the bulky Pinto engine to fit into the engine bay and, the only way of achieving this was to discard the engine-driven cooling fan and replace it with a thermostatically controlled Kenlowe unit. When finally nestled in place, the Pinto engine produced 100bhp and the RS2000 once again proved to be a quick and delightful car to drive, whilst being more accessible to buy and still offering customers a great choice in terms of colours and options.
Finished in its original factory hue of Olympic Blue with a grey cloth interior, this fabulous RS2000 is offered fresh from an exacting professional restoration and, with work just completed, it’s clear to see the lengths that have been taken to preserve the original detail with the standard of workmanship being exemplary. No stone has been left unturned with every nut, bolt washer and screw having received attention. The matching-numbers engine and gearbox have been rebuilt by Ridgeway Racing Engines with particular attention to detail as Paul Broadway, the founder of Ridgeway Racing Engines, was the previous custodian having had the Escort in his care for some 27 years.
The original Twin 40 DHLA Dell’Orto carbs have been replaced by a pair of 45DCOE Webers on a Simpson stainless-steel manifold with burnt gases exited through a stainless-steel 2.5’’ sports exhaust system. Delve a little deeper and you see the original etched glass still in place, even the original radiator has been retained rather than replaced simply requiring a new core. Similarly, the suspension and braking system have been fully overhauled as required and the car now sits on the correct RS-Ronal 7.5’’x13’’ four-spoke alloys wearing fresh Nankang rubber. The interior has also received the same level of attention with a retrim by Aldridge Trimming and the delicate dashboard veneers carefully refinished. So fresh, in fact, is the build that a period of running-in is strongly recommended to obtain the very best from this spectacular Ford.
Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the detail of this RS2000 which is as clean on the underside as it is on top. To find a genuine AVO-built RS2000 is a rare thing, particularly when factory-fitted with the Custom Pack, but to find one in this condition is extraordinary
