1974 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk. I

The Ford Escort RS2000 Mk1 (1973-1974) had the 2.0 Pinto OHC with 100hp. More civilised RS with better torque. Around 1,100 built. The gentleman's RS. Values from £35k.

Escort Mk1: Engine - Kent crossflow robust with excellent parts. BDA twin-cam (RS1600/Twin Cam) needs specialist care, expensive to rebuild. Pinto (RS2000) - timing belt. Gearbox - 4-speed, ok. Body - RUST is critical. Sills are structural, floors, inner wings, front crossmember, rear arches, boot floor. Restoration panels available. Suspension - leaf spring rear. Values rising steadily, especially RS models. Budget £1-4k annually.

RS1600 (holy grail), Twin Cam (rare), RS2000, Mexico, Good bodywork critical, Matching numbers