1973 Ford Escort RS2000

The Ford Escort RS2000, launched in 1973, was a high-performance version of the Mk1 Escort, developed specifically to build on the car’s strong rallying reputation. The Mk1 Escort had already proven itself in motorsport, most notably by winning the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, which helped establish its image as a capable and durable performance car.

In response to this success, Ford created several rally-inspired road cars at its Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) facility in Aveley, South Essex. These models were built with reinforced bodyshells and performance enhancements that made them better suited for both rally and road use.

The RS2000 was the final version in this lineup, introduced after the Twin Cam and RS1600. It was fitted with Ford’s 2.0-liter Pinto overhead cam (OHC) engine, which provided a good balance of power and reliability. This engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox and sent power to the rear wheels. While not as exotic as the earlier BDA-powered RS1600, the RS2000 was easier to maintain and cheaper to produce, making it very popular with enthusiasts and club-level racers.

The RS2000 quickly became a favorite for fast road use and amateur motorsport, contributing to the Escort's legacy as one of Ford’s most successful and iconic performance models of the 1970s.