Mk1 Escort

The Ford Mk1 Escort was introduced in 1968, replacing the successful Ford Anglia (as featured in the Harry Potter films) . While a series of rather pedestrian models were available, such as the 1.1L and 1.3L, Ford had been secretly developing a motorsport program, testing the Escorts with a 1300GT tuned Kent overhead valve engine and more impressively, the lotus twin cam engine that was popular in the Mk1 Cortina.

The combination of new rear turret mounted suspension modifications and the 8 valve alloy twin cam engine saw the Ford factory dominate the race and rally events throughout the late 1960’s and early 70’s. One of the most famous Mk1 Escort victories, was Ford’s domination ot the 1970 London to Mexico rally won by Finnish rally legend Hannu Mikkola.

This victory gave rise to a new configuration of 1600cc cross flow engine and uprated rear suspension that was made available to the public as the MK1 Escort Mexico.

At this time, a slightly detuned formula 3 engine, consisting of a Cosworth developed 16 valve head on a kent engine block known as the BDA engine was fitted into the escort & so the RS1600 was born. The RS1600 at 240Bhp was by far the most powerful Mk1 Escort ever developed and the RS1600 went on to completely dominate the highest level of rally competition for several years.

The Mk1 Escort RS2000, was released in 1973 as a more civilized road going sports sedan, which offered the everyday driver exceptional handling and power compared with the other vehicles available at the time

The RS2000 was better appointed and more powerful than the Mexico and while not as powerful as the Cosworth BDA powered RS1600, the 2ltr overhead cam pinto engine utilized in the RS2000 was a lot cheaper to maintain and ultimately more reliable than the BDA.

Many private rally competitors adopted the RS2000 as a reliable and competitive option and today, some 40 years later, the Mk1 escort can still be seen leading clubman and historic rally events around the globe.