Ford Escort RS 2000 (1979) – In the Wild

We can only say that AutoWeek forum member ‘D oh’ has had a very successful spotting period. That’s why we’re highlighting one of his spots for the third time in a short time. After a beautiful Maserati Ghibli and a well-known Citroën GS Break, it is now the turn of a Ford Escort. Not just any one, but a real RS 2000!

Like many competitors from that time, the Ford Escort Mk2 disappeared from the streets in a relatively short time and it is mainly the special versions that have become classics. This also applies to this example from 1979, the penultimate year of production of this Escort. The RS 2000 was the Escort if you liked sporty driving; it was at the very top of the food chain here. An ancestor of the various Escorts and Focuses that later received the RS badge.

No nameplate on the back, but the spoiler betrays a sporty character.

Just like its descendants, this RS could be recognized as such at a glance, especially thanks to its striking front. It got a sloping nose with double headlights, where the less fortunate Escorts simply had a more classic flat nose. Some sportier bumper work and a spoiler on the tailgate were also present, as were optional alloy wheels. In the interior you were treated to a firm seat thanks to sports seats from Recaro. As the name RS 2000 suggests, power came from a 2.0, a 110 hp four-cylinder that took it from 0 to 100 km/h in just under 9 seconds and allowed a top speed of 180 km/h.

In 2023 you will certainly no longer make an impression with that, but that is no longer the case. This is just a really fun classic, an important part of Ford’s sporting history. Fortunately, someone is still taking care of it, for over six years now. It’s not perfect, but considering its age and undoubtedly sometimes noisy existence, the RS 2000 still looks nice. Keep it on the road and please don’t let it be stripped bare for rally use like many other Escorts Mk2. He is the most original!