1970 Ford Escort RS1600 Rally Car, Registration no. TPP 341J Chassis no. BB49KS20013
• Iconic Ford 'homologation special'
• Restored and converted to rally specification
• 1,700cc Cosworth BDA engine
• Extensively refurbished in 2016
It was the Escort that really put Ford on the rallying map, proving capable of winning World Championship events from 1968, when the Twin Cam model was the works' frontline rally car, right through to 1981 when Ari Vatanen became World Rally Champion driving an Escort RS. In 1970 the Ford Twin Cam engine was replaced by a Cosworth BDA 16-valve unit to create the definitive Escort rally car: the RS1600. In its ultimate form the Escort RS1600 proved good enough to win the RAC Rally three times on the trot between 1972 and 1974, as well as a host of other World Championship events.
This Escort RS1600 was constructed around a strengthened Type 49 two-door bodyshell built at Ford's plant at Halewood, Merseyside in March 1970. It would then have been sent for completion to the specialist Advanced Vehicle Operations facility in South Ockendon, Essex, which had been set up to cater for Ford's expanding range of performance-orientated models. This 'RS' was first registered on 9th October 1970, its original colour being Ermine White.
In 2001, 'TPP 341J' was acquired by the immediately preceding owner, Mr Andrew Swanston, who proceeded to restore the car and convert it to rally specification (restoration photographs on file). Specification highlights include a 1,700cc BDA engine built by AGRA Precision Engineering of Dundee, one of Scotland's foremost competition engine builders. The engine features dry-sump lubrication, BD3 camshaft, Lumenition electronic ignition, and twin Weber DCO45 carburettors, and we are advised that it produces a dynamometer-verified 180bhp.
Power is delivered via a four-speed helical-cut gearbox up-rated with a needle-roller layshaft thrust bearing, improved lubrication, modified selectors, and a strengthening aluminium cover. The rear axle is a Baby Atlas with limited-slip differential. Safety equipment includes an FIA-approved roll cage, dual fire extinguishers (cockpit and engine bay), four-point OMP harnesses, and OMP competition seats. Other noteworthy features include a laminated windscreen, hydraulic handbrake, Bilstein rear dampers, original Cibié spotlights, and Wilwood disc brakes with balance adjuster.
In June 2016, the car's underside was completely stripped, and all of the key drive train components and suspension rebuilt with new bushes. Welded repairs were made to the sills and floor before the underside was repainted with Raptor stone-chip protection. In addition, the wiring was fully re-commissioned, new spot lamps fitted, the carburettors rebuilt, and the tune optimised for fast road use.
Accompanying documentation consists of sundry restoration bills, MSA Competition Car Logbook (issued 2003), a quantity of expired MoTs and tax discs, current MoT, and a V5C Registration Certificate.
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• Iconic Ford 'homologation special'
• Restored and converted to rally specification
• 1,700cc Cosworth BDA engine
• Extensively refurbished in 2016
It was the Escort that really put Ford on the rallying map, proving capable of winning World Championship events from 1968, when the Twin Cam model was the works' frontline rally car, right through to 1981 when Ari Vatanen became World Rally Champion driving an Escort RS. In 1970 the Ford Twin Cam engine was replaced by a Cosworth BDA 16-valve unit to create the definitive Escort rally car: the RS1600. In its ultimate form the Escort RS1600 proved good enough to win the RAC Rally three times on the trot between 1972 and 1974, as well as a host of other World Championship events.
This Escort RS1600 was constructed around a strengthened Type 49 two-door bodyshell built at Ford's plant at Halewood, Merseyside in March 1970. It would then have been sent for completion to the specialist Advanced Vehicle Operations facility in South Ockendon, Essex, which had been set up to cater for Ford's expanding range of performance-orientated models. This 'RS' was first registered on 9th October 1970, its original colour being Ermine White.
In 2001, 'TPP 341J' was acquired by the immediately preceding owner, Mr Andrew Swanston, who proceeded to restore the car and convert it to rally specification (restoration photographs on file). Specification highlights include a 1,700cc BDA engine built by AGRA Precision Engineering of Dundee, one of Scotland's foremost competition engine builders. The engine features dry-sump lubrication, BD3 camshaft, Lumenition electronic ignition, and twin Weber DCO45 carburettors, and we are advised that it produces a dynamometer-verified 180bhp.
Power is delivered via a four-speed helical-cut gearbox up-rated with a needle-roller layshaft thrust bearing, improved lubrication, modified selectors, and a strengthening aluminium cover. The rear axle is a Baby Atlas with limited-slip differential. Safety equipment includes an FIA-approved roll cage, dual fire extinguishers (cockpit and engine bay), four-point OMP harnesses, and OMP competition seats. Other noteworthy features include a laminated windscreen, hydraulic handbrake, Bilstein rear dampers, original Cibié spotlights, and Wilwood disc brakes with balance adjuster.
In June 2016, the car's underside was completely stripped, and all of the key drive train components and suspension rebuilt with new bushes. Welded repairs were made to the sills and floor before the underside was repainted with Raptor stone-chip protection. In addition, the wiring was fully re-commissioned, new spot lamps fitted, the carburettors rebuilt, and the tune optimised for fast road use.
Accompanying documentation consists of sundry restoration bills, MSA Competition Car Logbook (issued 2003), a quantity of expired MoTs and tax discs, current MoT, and a V5C Registration Certificate.
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