Background
Whilst Ford’s rallying history can be traced back to before the Escort, with cars such as the Anglia and Lotus Cortina, 1968 is the important year as far as blue oval rally fans are concerned, as this year saw the launch of the Mark I Escort. The Escort redefined rallying, dominating from its launch through to its replacement by the Mark II in 1975.
The RS1800 picked up the reins left behind by the Mark I. The first win for the Mark II came on the 1975 RAC rally, with an Escort also winning the event the following year for a fifth time. The Escort’s wins in the British Rally Championship were of even greater dominance as it secured 1st place in the championship for 8 consecutive years between 1971 and 1978.
1979 witnessed the Escort dominate the World Rally Championship, taking the Constructors and Drivers titles with wins on the Portuguese, Acropolis, New Zealand, Canadian and UK rounds, the UK for the eight time in succession.
As Ford switched development to the new front wheel drive Escort, which would culminate in the aborted RS1700T project, Ari Vatanen entered a privateer Mark II Escort rally team in the 1980 and 1981 World Rally Championships and took the driver’s title in 1981, a feat not achieved before or since.
This Car
Is an Ex David Sutton Rothmans Ford Escort and is shown in the colours of Malcolm Wilson’s 1981 RAC Car. It was never a very successful car for Malcolm, his best result being third overall on the 1981 Manx International Rally 1981. In previous incarnations it won the Safari Rally 1977 and Cyprus twice, firstly with Ari Vatanen and then in 1980 with Roger Clark.
The car was originally in a private museum for 10 years, before being imported into the UK in 2002. Over the next two years using as many original parts as possible it underwent a thorough restoration. The car continues to regularly compete most recently on the Killarney International Rally of the Lakes, Southern Ireland and at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Technical
Engine: Original Terry Hoyle Ford Alloy Blocked 2000cc BDG DOHC 16 Valve
Induction system: Naturally Aspirated Twin 45 Weber DCOE’s.
Transmission: ZF 5 Speed gearbox RWD
Power Output: 240 Bhp