SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED

A collectable very rare AVO Mk1 Ford Escort RS1600 in outstanding condition.

EQUIPMENT
Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) Type 49 body, front quarter bumpers, flared front wings, strengthened chassis rails, strengthened flitch plates, reinforced front suspension strut top mounting plates, rear radius rods, safety glass, anti-burst locks, black painted aluminium grille, six pod sports binnacle, leather rimmed sports steering wheel, heater fan, two speed wiper, courtesy light, washable plastic headlining, push-round ashtray. Factory fitted options; Contour seats, cigarette lighter, hazard warning flashers, Quartz iodine headlamps, RS alloy wheels.

EXTERIOR
This Club Registered immaculate example is finished in Sunset Red, (Code J), a colour only available until July 1972. Attention to detail can be witnessed in every conceivable area from the obvious panel gaps to the spectacular underside, all factory correct and as manufactured by Fords Advanced Vehicle Operations. Invoices from renowned marque expert ASM Restorations will confirm works undertaken to the original shell to bring an already excellent example up to show class territory due to the current long-term owner’s fastidious quest for perfection. All the glass is mark free and lighting is correctly branded with the Cibie Quartz iodine headlamps bright. Rarely does a genuine plain and simple RS1600 come to market arguably making this the ultimate Mk1 Escort?

INTERIOR
Desirable Contour seats available from Ford’s competition department adorn this spotless period interior with plain rear black vinyl seats and a black looped-pile carpet. The RS three-spoke steering wheel with leather rim is lovely offering a view to the prized 140mph speedometer and 8,000rpm rev counter only fitted to examples up to January 1973. All gauges function along with the heater fan on both speed settings. The boot area has the original blue jack and wheel brace wrapped in the fawn muslin bag resting on a genuine boot mat. No-nonsense, correct and all the better for it.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The amazing Cosworth-designed BDA (Belt Driven A series) engine boasts a 16-valve cylinder head with twin belt-driven cams. Competition-bred with a 1601cc engine quoted at 120bhp with 0-60mph despatched in 8.9secs and a top speed of 113mph. Featuring the correct 711M cast iron block with T5 cast under the exhaust manifold this engine has benefited from vast expenditure by leading experts, HT Racing and Vulcan Engineering, with an accompanying invoice totalling £7,680 in 2016. The original 4-speed 2000E heavy duty gearbox is a sheer delight with a short throw action and precise change.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Immaculate and optional RS Sport Alloys, as available through the Ford Dealer Special Build Programme are shod in brand new 175/70 R13 tyres with excellent grip. The remote servo-assistance brakes powered by the Girling Powerstop system on a standard single line circuit has 9.625in front discs and rear drums to offer positive braking with instant response.

HISTORY FILE
A total of just 1,154 RS1600s were made, (Source: Factory-original Sporting Mk1 Escorts by Dan Williamson), with most being extensively raced and rallied and some of those remaining having been re-shelled, this car is an amazing find and rarely available on the open market. Built at Fords Advanced Vehicle Operations factory in Aveley in June 1972 this Club Registered example has a fully traceable ownership record with the current long-term custodian, Mr Anthony Manning, a respected expert with a total of four RS1600s. His experience, knowledge and understanding combined with KGF Classic Cars desire to work with authenticated Condition One cars is absolute reassurance to the next owner in an ever confusing market place. A file of invoices from industry experts, letters from the AVO Owners Club signed by the Club Secretary all make fascinating reading. A valuation of £80,000 was placed on the car in August 2016 with a certificate in the history file. The ultimate Mk1 Escort and the holy grail of any Ford collection.

HPI Clear.