Hampson Auctions Ltd
Lot 56
Registration - MLG 617Y
Chassis No. - GCATSB22921
M.O.T. - January 2025
Odometer - 00157
This very smartly presented RS2000 is one of the desirable pre-Custom ‘Broadstripe' models, distinguished immediately from its successors by the wide tape line on the body side. It has recently benefited from a full restoration while under the ownership of the vendor, who is only the car’s third UK owner in 42 years. The V5C shows that 'MLG 617Y’ was built in 1976 - making it an early example - and first registered in the UK in 1982, having spent its early life overseas (believed to be South Africa, as would befit a right-hand-drive machine). Around the time of its repatriation to the UK, the RS2000 was resprayed in white in 1983, a change from its original-specification yellow. It remains finished in white, and is upholstered in black cloth. Bearing in mind the work carried out, it is perhaps unsurprising that the present owner rates the 2-litre engine, five-speed manual transmission, two-door bodywork, paintwork and interior as all being in ‘good’ order. While the odometer displays a tantalising 00157, it must be remembered that there are only five digits on the odometer display, so this is not an accurate reflection of the actual mileage! This highly collectable fast Ford is now being offered for sale complete with a full MOT until January 2025.
Ford’s long awaited MKII RS2000 was launched at the 1975 Earls Court show. Based on the standard two-door saloon, it was the most luxurious of the sporting Escorts of the time, and was powered by an uprated version of the 2.0-litre SOHC inline four-cylinder Pinto unit employed in the Capri, Cortina and Granada – a four-into-two exhaust manifold coupled to a big bore exhaust system raising its output to 110bhp. This was sufficient to help sprint the Escort to 60mph in 8.5 secs and on to a top speed of around 110mph. The foam-filled plastic snout and flexible rear spoiler were said to give a significant reduction in drag. The custom version offered from late 1978 onwards featured the following: fishnet headrests on Recaro seats, full door cards, clock, centre console, 6Jx13in RS alloy wheels, boot carpet, remote-control driver’s door mirror and black rear body panel. The MKII RS2000 was immortalised by The Professionals TV series, in which a black-roofed white example was piloted with vigour by CI5 agent Ray Doyle (Martin Shaw).
In summary:
A very smartly presented Pre-Custom model
Fresh from a recent restoration
Full MOT until January 2025
