Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A superb Diamond White Ford Motorsport developed Escort RS1600i with 54,711 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Colour coded bumpers with front and rear overriders, RS aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, front driving and fog lamps, laminated windscreen, RS1600i decals, remote control door mirrors, RS 4-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel, cassette holder, 2 speed plus intermittent wipers, tailgate wash wipe, head restraints, side window demisters, perforated headlining, coat hooks, vanity mirror on passenger sun visor, cigar lighter, rear ashtrays, 3-speed heater fan, coin box, trip recorder, tachometer, roof mounted digital clock. Factory options; All round tinted glass, tilt/slide sunroof, electric windows, ERST 32P stereo radio cassette.
EXTERIOR
This RS1600i is finished in desirable Diamond White, (Code B3) which contrasts the striking RS1600i decals on the bonnet, boot lid and sides beautifully. The correct stance is instantly recognisable as this example still sits on the special Koni shock absorbers only fitted to the RS1600i lowering the car by 23mm and often replaced. The original rear spoiler is straight with no distortion issues and the front spoiler displays clearly the Motorsport logo and part number. Purists will also relish in the factory correct Hella driving and fog lights being fitted and the optional all-round tinted safety glass being number plate etched including the vulnerable original front screen and headlamps. A deep lustrous shine graces all the original panels for those enjoying the show circuit and even the front wings are date stamped! Tiny imperfections to the lower sill where the paint has flaked off and one wheel arch lip are barely worthy of a mention. A very rare and desirable example of the first front wheel drive Ford ever to wear the RS badge!
INTERIOR
The interior of this RS1600i is in truly immaculate. Finished in Shark Grey Crushed Velour (Code TC), the seats and deep side bolsters have retained perfect structural integrity and the matching door cards and perforated headlining are in pristine condition. The deep grey carpets are spotless and free from undue wear thanks to being protected by four genuine Ford rubber floor mats. The dashboard has no cracks and all interior equipment is functional including the fuel thrust cut-off warning lights. A prized Ford ERST 32P stereo radio cassette was the most expensive cost option at £300.51 when new and along with the electric windows remains operational. The RS 4-spoke leather trimmed steering wheel and special gearshift gaiter and knob defy their age. The boot area is spotlessly clean including the immaculate rear parcel shelf and the colour code sticker is still attached to the back panel. A Ford that gives you more.
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 and incorporating deceleration fuel shut off, the car has a top speed of 118mph and achieves 0-60 in 8.7 seconds. The original engine bay stickers are still attached the obvious twin coil set up and finned cast alloy rocker cover are proudly on display. The gear changes are light and a joy to use with the unique 0.83 fifth gear ratio fitted only to the RS1600i.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Later RS seven spoke alloy wheels are unmarked and are shod with matching Pirelli P5000 195/50 R15 tyres. Diagonally split hydraulic circuits with tandem master cylinder, vacuum servo assistance and 9.4” ventilated discs up front bring the car to a halt well.
HISTORY FILE
Introduced in September 1981 this stunning example was built in the final month of production in July 1983 and is one of 2,600 UK examples and just one of 530 in Diamond White. (Source: RS Owners Club). Registered new on the 7th October 1983 by Ford Rallye Sport Dealer, Johnsons of Gainsborough to a Mr Fraser this vehicle has a phenomenal history file and has covered a warranted 54,711 miles. Virtually every MOT certificate and bundles of Ford service invoices are neatly filed and will fascinate the avid and conscientious enthusiast wanting to buy a superb example backed with incredible history so rarely found. Furthermore, this example has show winning provenance with Cups and Shields won in the early 1990’s at prestigious events such as Ford National Day, Castle Coombe Day and Beaulieu Day. The vehicle has numerous Ford RS Owners Club valuations and was owned by a previous RS1600i Registrar. Since retiring from the show circuit the vehicle has been housed in a private collection consisting of some of the lowest mileage 1980’s Hot Hatches including a 9,000 mile Renault 5 Turbo and 16,000 mile Vauxhall Astra 16v GTE.
All keys are present including a working torch key which operates all locks and ignition on RS1600i leather key fobs. An original stamped service book is present with the last service and cam belt change being carried out at 54,023 miles in May 2018. A branded top quality car cover and RS front seat covers are included and a sealed T Shirt. Fast becoming highly desirable, most definitely one for the true enthusiast.
HPI Clear.
