ONE of Britain’s oldest Ford Escorts is being auctioned off with an estimated value of up to £250,000.
A classic Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800, considered highly sought after by collectors, is said to be one of the finest surviving examples of its kind left.
A stunning Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800 – regarded as the finest surviving example – is set to go under the hammer next month[/caption]
The remarkable classic motor, built in 1975, has more than 200 concours wins under its belt[/caption]
Set to go under the hammer as part of the Iconic Auctioneers Sale during the NEC Classic Motor Show in November, the car’s listing claims it has an estimated value of between £200,000 and £250,000.
Wealthy bidders are being urged to either participate in person, online via live stream or by telephone for the motor – which has racked up more than 200 concours awards including prestigious titles like Concours Car of the Year.
Indeed, such is this Escort’s reputation, it has even been recognised by Corgi – which has immortalised it in a limited-edition 1:43 die-cast model.
Produced between 1975 and 1977, the Mk2 Escort RS1800 was built as a road-going version of Ford’s famous rally car with only 109 examples produced, making it highly coveted.
Powered by an 1,835cc Cosworth BDA engine, it also shares components with the Mexico model.
This particular example, chassis number BBATRL08628, was first registered in 1975 and has been confirmed as the earliest production example by the RS1800 Registrar.
It comes with an original registration (KPR 111P) and early-production details, such as unique spoilers and seat handles.
It has since been restored using authentic parts, including a new-old-stock bodyshell, by Neil Arnold of Auto Restoration in Stockton-on-Tees.
This even included mechanical work by ex-World Rally Champion Richard Burns’ mechanic, Kevin Franks.
The rebuild used a genuine new-old-stock Sport bodyshell, ensuring both authenticity and longevity.
Rob Hubbard, Managing Director and Principal Auctioneer of Iconic Auctioneers, said: “To be entrusted with the sale of what is considered the best Mk2 RS1800 in existence is a privilege.
“This car represents the perfect combination of rarity, provenance and restoration quality.
“It is exactly the type of motor car that defines Iconic Auctioneers’ reputation as purveyors of automotive excellence.”
This comes as the Blue Oval recently produced their final Focus ST hot hatchback – with the very last model rolling off the production line last week after over two decades.
In a picture posted to Reddit, simply titled ‘Last Focus ST’, a red Focus ST can be seen fresh from the production line and ready to join the dwindling units still available to buy.
The end of the beloved hot hatch marks a significant shift in Ford’s approach to motors in Europe, with Ford phasing out its traditional line of hatchback models for financial reasons.
According to Auto Express, Ford CEO Jim Farley recently said the company simply wasn’t making sufficient profit on these types of cars – despite their strong customer base.
Indeed, the Focus ST’s discontinuation follows the earlier demise of the Fiesta ST in 2023.
The RS1800 is the production-car version of Ford’s highly celebrated rally car of the era[/caption]
Brilliantly, it is the first production example of just 109 Ford Escort Mk2 RS1800s[/caption]
