1974 Ford ESCORT RS1600

Estimated Price: £70,000 - £90,000

‘SJU 588N’ is an exceptional example of one of Ford’s most significant and desirable performance Escorts, the legendary RS1600. Manufactured in 1974, during the final production period of the first-generation Escort, this matching-numbers example has very recently been comprehensively restored to an exceptional standard and will need running-in by its new owner. It's finished in Sebring Red which, despite its name, is famously known among enthusiasts for looking distinctly orange under certain lighting, making it one of the defining "oh-so-'70s" Ford factory colours.

 

 Developed by Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations, the RS1600 was a significant step beyond the already highly regarded Escort Mexico. Built alongside the Mexico at Ford’s AVO facility at Aveley in Essex, it combined a strengthened bodyshell (Type 49), competition-inspired suspension and the remarkable 1,601cc twin-cam BDA engine.

Closely related in concept to Ford’s FVA Formula 2 engine, the BDA, or Belt Drive A-Series, produced approximately 115bhp and 112lb/ft of torque, giving the lightweight Escort a 0-60mph time of around 8.5 seconds. Its engineering and robust bodyshell also provided the ideal foundations for one of the most successful rally cars of its generation.

Production was comparatively limited, with only around 1,100 RS1600s manufactured, many subsequently seeing competition use and suffering accordingly. Surviving original road cars are therefore particularly scarce, making this beautifully presented example especially desirable.

Of particular significance is its late 1974 production date and highly sought-after factory alloy-block BDA engine. The Brian Hart-designed light-alloy cylinder block was introduced into production during 1972 and, as a late example, ‘SJU 588N’ benefits from this desirable and exceptionally rare specification. It is understood that fewer than 150 factory road-going RS1600s were produced with the alloy-block engine.

It was ordered from new with the 'Custom Pack' which dramatically altered the spartan interior of the standard Type 49 bodyshell, adding Contour semi-bucket seats upholstered in brushed Bri-Nylon, extra sound insulation, deep-pile looped black carpets, a centre console with a clock or oddments tray and a map-reading light, heated rear window, cigar lighter, a brake warning light, and a push-button PYE or Ford radio.

The only notable departure from factory specification is the fitment of a Quaife rear end, a sympathetic and practical enhancement. Otherwise, the car retains its original character and is equipped with several desirable period options, including the vinyl roof, Minilite alloy wheels and a discreet internal safety cage.

The provenance is particularly compelling. The car spent the majority of its life with Michael Cass, the renowned Ford Main Dealer and respected Blue Oval collector, and was displayed for many years throughout his dealer network. Another former custodian was William Arnold, the knowledgeable RS1600 Registrar, further strengthening its credentials.

It's accompanied by a comprehensive history file containing copies of previous V5Cs, handwritten notes, correspondence, invoices, the original ‘Escort RS1600 Supplementary Workshop Manual’, and a full photographic record of the restoration.

Rare, highly specified, outstanding provenance, and freshly restored, ‘SJU 588N’ represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable and collectable Mk1 Escort derivatives. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the opportunity on offer.