Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A legendary Ford Motorsport developed Escort RS1600i in stunning condition.
EQUIPMENT
Colour coded bumpers with front and rear overriders, laminated windscreen and all-round safety glass, RS aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, RS1600i decals, Ford spot lamps, remote control door mirrors, RS 4-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel, Ford RS interior with sports reclining seats, head restraints, perforated headlining, trip recorder, tachometer, roof mounted digital clock. Factory options; Tinted glass, tilt/slide sunroof, electric front windows, central locking, Ford SRT32P push button radio cassette. Dealer accessories; Ford rubber over mats.
EXTERIOR
The exterior of this exceptional example is finished in Ford Diamond White, (Code B3). Having been subject to an incredible no expense spared bare shell restoration, the finish to this example is simply breath-taking. The restoration emphasis being focused on retaining standard specification, the painstaking process included fastidious preparation of the original RS1600i shell, identified by subtle anomalies such as the correct roof drip rail, a distinctive RS1600i feature. A fully detailed underside reveals spotless components meticulously removed and powder coated, re-plated and refurbished. The trim items, glass and lights are near perfect including the original Carello lamps lenses, and non-compromising attention to detail even extended to the sourcing of a brand new old stock front spoiler. A real show stopping RS1600i.
INTERIOR
A near perfect interior benefiting from the same no expense spared mentality to the exterior restoration. Renowned and respected specialists, Aldridge Trimming, have refurbished the firm and super supportive seats in replica Shark Grey material with Ford RS Logos, (Trim Code 1C), to an as new standard, the condition of which is equalled by the matching door cards and black headlining. The deep grey carpets are super clean and free from undue wear having been protected by rubber Ford over mats. Amazingly, the dashboard is completely free from the all too common cracking. All interior equipment is functional including the original optional Ford SRT32P push button radio cassette and the fuel shut-off system operating lights. The rear parcel shelf is pin straight and has remained free from speakers cut outs. 1980’s Ford RS perfection!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fitted with Fords 1600 Compound Value angle Hemispherical chamber (CVH) unit producing a manufacturer quoted 115 BHP. Mated to the Bosch K Jetronic Fuel Injection System, correct twin coil set up (brand new), and incorporating deceleration fuel shut off, the instrument orange and red lamps illuminate upon deceleration once the engine is at operating temperature and the engine speed is above 1600rpm. The car has a top speed of 118mph and achieves 0-60 in 8.7 seconds with an addictive and instantly recognisable exhaust rasp. The pristine engine bay displays a Motorcraft battery and components meticulously powder coated and gold passivated. The gear changes are light and exact, a pleasure to operate.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original 15 X 6 inch RS seven spoke alloy wheels are pristine and correct to the RS1600i model having only one spoke on each wheel stamped with the Ford emblem as opposed to the more common RS Turbo fitments with three stamped spokes. The wheels are shod with matching premium Dunlop Sportbluresponse 195/50/R15 tyres all round, brand new in 2015. Diagonally split hydraulic circuits with tandem master cylinder, vacuum servo assistance and 9.4” ventilated discs up front bring the car to a steady halt.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 1st August 1983, the history file for this outstanding RS1600i is simply mind blowing. The colossal history folder contains paperwork and documents dating back to the early 1980’s and also includes the original handbooks, operating guides and RS1600i launch literature. More importantly, a complete photographic and documented restoration file has been beautifully prepared and presented, one which thorough perusal would take literally hours! The previous owner, Mr Alan Bradshaw, acquired the car and commissioned only trusted and renowned establishments to carry out the restoration with one remit, he wanted the best Diamond White RS1600i they could produce, no expense spared. The huge restoration log takes the car right back to scratch and covers everything from bodywork preparation to a fully rebuilt engine and gearbox. Reputed specialists, RS Classics, were handed the car once more to complete the commissioning process, with a final invoice in the history file dated January 2017 for £2,025.29. Altogether an amazing journey to bring this iconic RS Ford back to its former glory, with an eye watering outlay far in excess of its value. A quest undertaken simply for the love of the car is certain to benefit the next lucky enthusiast owner of this amazing car, soon to feature in an upcoming edition of Classic Ford Magazine.
HPI Clear.
