Left to rot in a garden! - Mk 1 Escort RS2000

[@phredflypogger4425]

As a young Telecom trainee in Australia I drove Mk I and II company vans. We young blokes gave them a hiding but they just came back for more. They handled like a roller skate on rails on tar and dirt and we had a ball in them. We even managed to get a bit of work done with them too ;-)

[@castlepointjoggerstv]

Thanks for sharing your memories with us phredflypo 😊

[@Classiccarstories]

Thanks for sharing this 😊

[@davespain7716]

Great video about an iconic car none of us can afford now, good to see it’s gone to a good home.

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you Dave

[@robleary3353]

Love seeing old bits of kit getting another go!. Nice one!. Nuff said.

[@kennethwebb4385]

I remember seeing a mk 1 escort apache ..with the 3ltr engine ...am i dreaming

[@PS-td5cs]

It was my car. Stuart has done a Fantastic job!!! There is a lot more history to it than what Stuart knows - it was the number 1 RS in it's day, nothing could touch it. It even has a link with Les Armes the premier Kawasaki Pro Street Racer in his day.

[@Classiccarstories]

Hi PS-td5cs please let me know the full history that would be great email to [e-mail]

[@deanmarskell1518]

Totally amazing work absolutely gorgeous remanufactured original mk1 like so many have been a huge fan off the mk1 for over 40 years have only have the 1100 and 1300 version when you could pick them up sometimes free or about £20 my last one was about 20years ago was an early 1300 super gutted that I had to part with it to try and stop myself being made homeless sadly eventually I lost the car and the roof over my head. At least this car is where it belongs with such a great guy and it's been saved for future owners 👍♥️

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for sharing your story Dean glad you enjoyed it

[@weedaviec]

Had a Mk2. Always loved Mk1s but never had one. Lovely car.

[@JohnSmith-ei2pz]

MKI was a lot nicer, than the German rubbish

[@billywhizz98]

The car is brilliant it’s a credit to you

[@Classiccarstories]

Thanks for your comments billywhizz

[@johnwaddell7239]

remember my cousin taking me round knockhill in his mk1 rs 2000,not far from where he lived ,just drove there ,no one about so just drove round the circuit ,his brother had an avenger tiger ,good two cars to have

[@Classiccarstories]

Thanks for sharing the story

[@markjordan5303]

I actually know and remember this car when it was new. It originally came from Skippers of Burnley which was an RS dealership at the time in Burnley, Lancashire who also was a Rallye Sport dealer. I had a part time job there as a car cleaner while I was in school (worked for Charlie). I recall this was in the main showroom for a few weeks before being placed into demo service and remember this specific car as I was the guy who put the number plates on it. The RS saleman was a D^&k though as I never got to ride in it when I asked. There were a limited amount of RS escorts that came through the dealership, and Skippers did manage to get only one Capri RS3100 as I recall which was Modena Green, remember that car as well. Had a great time and learning experience there and owned and loved classic Fords ever since. Very glad to see it made it back through the years.

[@Classiccarstories]

Very interesting story Mark and amazing that you are connected to the story , do you still have a classic

[@markjordan5303]

@@Classiccarstories Yes, in fact I have a 1974 Escort Mk1 1300E (purple) imported in 2004 to the US, in addition to a 1978 Cortina 2.0 Ghia imported in 2006 and a 1960 Morris Minor that I imported last year. I can send photos if interested, would also like to ask a question or two about HCW. Is there a way to get in touch off-line?

[@Classiccarstories]

@@markjordan5303 yes I would please send to [e-mail] and we can put you in touch

[@angeloluis4130]

All that needs is twin 40's and a KentCam they used to fly when you did that to the 2L pinto! Beautiful BTW

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for sharing Angel

[@danielball7595]

That's stunning! I love the back story of it. I think it's amazing that it was restored in the original AVO factory. 😍👌👍

[@Classiccarstories]

Yes a great story Daniel glad you enjoyed it and thank you for input please make sure you subscribe for more content like this 😊

[@frenchenstein]

The later Mk1’s had the quarter light window support/drop glass runner post painted in satin black, I think from about 1974 onwards if memory serves me correctly! Sorry to be a pedant.

[@garrywitcomb2334]

Smart piece of history 👍👍👍👍👍

[@Classiccarstories]

Yes it is Garry

[@markr3140]

The ultimate Q car back in the day!! I bought a mk1 1.1 and dropped a 1.6 into it from a Capri, had to remodel the sump to make it fit! Happy memories 👍

[@Classiccarstories]

Glad you enjoyed the video, do you still have a classic Mark

[@leeharris4897]

Very nice looking RS im 55 now and had an escort as a daily driver from my first car at 19, and my last escort at 31 which woz my only RS model w reg base model, I restored sed RS2000 base model and its still owned by someone in kn today I woz always under the bonnet out came the 13, in went a 2ltr and 5 speed capri struts with gear box oil in them make the stiffer cage buckets, up the forestry sideways next day fix the hand brake coz it broke the night before being yanked too much, those were the good old days

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you Lee for sharing memories of your Escort !

[@martynanstis1620]

What a fantastic story, beautiful car 👍

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you Marty for your comments 😊

[@66ManFromUncle66]

What a great story

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you 66manfromuncle glad you enjoyed it make sure you subscribe you you can enjoy more content in the future 😊

[@1979phill]

always great to see an old car saved, even better to see an RS2000 saved! great job.

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for your comments Phil

[@paddyglenny]

An 1100 mk1 was given to me by a mate,in Berlin, back in 1980. Even though it was well knackered, my previous car had been a Morris Minor so the Escort felt like an F1 car compared with the Moggy. Totally reliable too even through that trying 1980/81 winter when it got down to minus 25 °C in Berlin.

[@Classiccarstories]

Hi Paddy, welcome to the channel and thanks for your input

[@graemebowyer4901]

I always wanted an RS 200 Mk 1 or 2, but at the age of 20, I simply couldn't afford one. Now, I couldn't justify the expenditure. Beauty.

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for your comments Graeme 👍

[@cousinbilly4741]

Loads of people like yourself in the same boat, I still can’t afford one but would love one or a mk2 Harrier like the one on Minder👍👍

[@JohnSmith-ei2pz]

I bought a Mexico @ 20 years old.

[@ringstinga]

Stunning !!

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for your comments Jim

[@wendellfugate4225]

Excellent work, mate.

[@JohnSmith-ei2pz]

Nice to see an English RS!

[@Classiccarstories]

Do you have one Johnsmith ?

[@JohnSmith-ei2pz]

@@Classiccarstories Sadly no longer! The wife wanted the money!

[@MarathonGsar]

Heated seats in a Mk1! Apparently every day, can be a school day! In the right hands, was quite the machine, back in the day. A lot of work, but very nicely done. I remember when the Mk2 was discontinued. I was certain that they would be the biggest 2nd hand bargain... Kinda got that wrong! I just stuck with my Daytona yellow 1.1... Although the quarter bumpers must have gave it Mexico performance...maybe not quite!

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for sharing

[@frankbailey3382]

Had one of these for many years, one of the last n reg Daytona yellow happy days

[@Classiccarstories]

Thanks for sharing

[@TheLRider]

What a great story. It is always so much more interesting when you hear from folks who actually worked in the actual automotive industry like in this case AVO. Not some idiot like Jeremy Clarkson.. Loved the MK1 RS2s especially that colour scheme. What a unique story. Remember Gerry Marshall and Roger Clark peddling the same cars around Mallory Park on the Tour of Britain in 1974? Think Avon or Mobil were the sponsors that year.

[@Classiccarstories]

Appreciate your comments TheLRider thank you for watching

[@clooperman3745]

@@Classiccarstories A great looking RS2000, had an early Mexico in Ermine White many years ago (VBM 24K) Wish I still had it.

[@seanforde7766]

Lovely car Stuart

[@alastairwatson3201]

What a great resto! Better than a restomod but I like them, too.

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for commenting Alastair

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

What a great car🚗😁👍

[@Classiccarstories]

Yes it’s pretty special isn’t it

[@uncensored5104]

Got to love a MK1 RS2000. I had a Modena Green Custom in the mid 80s, I wanted a MK2 at the time but couldn't afford one, but ended up selling the MK1 a couple of years later to buy a Venetian Red MK2 RS2000 base model. At the time having a newer MK2 was much cooler, but looking back the MK1 has aged better IMO. I still have a MK1 today, its not a genuine RS, but it is an Australian HD shell.

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for sharing this story

[@MrOsweeney]

Excellent!

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you Mr Sweeney

[@stevemiller8794]

Great story mate, iconic car, all the best, GSF

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for sharing

[@ciaranburke3243]

Very interesting story the end result is glorious well done for saving it, learned to drive in my dads 1300 xl very cool car both in there day and now 👍

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for your comments Ciaran 👍

[@woolmer608]

I remember going on a training course at AVO when I worked at KT Dartford Ford dealers when we were made rally sport dealers.I worked in the parts dept and went on the course with one of our mechanics that was going to do all the works on the RS models.I remember when we went to AVO there was a capri there with a v8 in it apparently the car came from South Africa and ford UK were considering making them at AVO.

[@Classiccarstories]

Interesting story Woolmer, thank you for sharing 👍

[@russcooke5671]

In Afrika they were called the perana. Basil green motors.

[@steverogersolo4]

I had a 71 Mexico I believe to be the first AVO car ordered without Stripe's in Ermine White. I blanked out the side badges and took the J reg. off and replaced it with OLO 4 I still have the reg on my car the only reminder of my mis-spent youth.

[@Classiccarstories]

Thanks for sharing this story Steve 👍

[@pauljackson6593]

I used to live in Aveley up to four years ago and remember the AVO facility well . All housing now. I had a mk2 rs2000 only had a short while was stolen from outside my house.

[@Classiccarstories]

Ah no!! Guess you never got it back? Do you still have a classic car?

[@pauljackson6593]

@@Classiccarstories No never did get back. Bought it in 1983 when it was four years old . T reg got paid out £3500.. for it. No I don’t have a classic car anymore . But still go to the shows around essex .

[@Classiccarstories]

@@pauljackson6593 Thank for sharing please subscribe to the channel 😊

[@chrisstephens6194]

My number 1 purchase if I won the lottery ❤

[@leeomahoney9516]

Lovely

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you Lee please be sure to subscribe

[@tonyaylott4555]

What a great story and history, iam doing my RS which I got about 4 years ago, always wanted one, really enjoyed this video 👍

[@castlepointjoggerstv]

Thank you Tony send me some pictures of yours I’d love to see it

[@JohnSmith-ei2pz]

Make sure it is not a 950Pop!

[@MegaReddevil71]

Good thing about ford's of this era was the parts interchangeability my friend built a replica mk1 rs2000 from a export shell and had a atlas axle of a mk1 capri the scrapyards were full of them so parts were cheap in the early 80s no one ever thought these cars would be so sort after in the future they were just used and abused

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank for sharing your thoughts

[@markherd3116]

My mrk6 fiesta st150 has a lot to thank for this car. First, its white with the optional 800 quid blue stripes pack. But secondly I feel the heritage of the Ford idea of big engine little car, in this a Cortina engine, in mine a 2 ltr mondeo duratec in a fiesta. I would have loved to be in the ford office when both of these decisions were made. :) Its just a shame nowadays the options now are small turbo engines or even smaller hybrid in small cars. :(

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for your Comments Mark would you like to send me some pictures of it and I can post on our community board ?

[@frikkeneck]

used to be a couple of them in Kilsyth back in early 80s. bucket seats and rollbars inside, and the dash brought back to fit a cortina engine

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for sharing

[@nordic1121]

Out of all the cars I would want the mk1 RS2000 is my choice, i first saw one from my school classroom passing bye as a driving school car in diamond white with blue graphics. Awesome and to this day I would still love one but they are still just as far away as ever in price.

[@Classiccarstories]

Nice memory thanks for sharing

[@geoffmatthews8302]

I had a Mk1 1100, well it was my mums car, an N reg same year as this one.

[@stu2427]

Had 2. One was for sale for 160 pound a Pakistani man had it didn't realise what he had. I looked around it it had bilsteins all round 2inch straight exhaust 2 litre pinto oil cooler lists goes on. It was metaluc brown with blue wing white bonnet. It was a right mess. I bought it fixed it all up sprayed it daytona yellow with blue rs decals put rs alloys on it cage etc. Urned out to be stage 3. It ended up a lively quick car. My other one was a bda with all linings etc inside nice carpeted fishnet recaro seam welded. A nice road car.. Wish had them now hay

[@Classiccarstories]

Stu sounds great 👍

[@grahamenicholls7639]

enjoyed the video....how long ago did you get it, and did you take it to the aveley plant to get the work done ? i worked there for some time remember the avo line, i left in 1986.. the plant was of course demolished some years ago sadly thanks

[@Classiccarstories]

Yes all the work was done at the plant

[@grahamenicholls7639]

thank you . when was the work done , (what year),i am just thinking i may have been there at the time ! i was in the maintenance dept. ..great car @@Classiccarstories

[@Classiccarstories]

@@grahamenicholls7639early 1990s

[@chrisplumb4456]

I do believe matchbox has made a model of this exact car

[@Classiccarstories]

Yes they have indeed Chris

[@adamsfamilydottwo]

Great video I was working at Fosker,s the Ferrari garage at the back of Brands Hatch when a chap turned up looking for HT Racing, fortunately I knew where it was, he was in a blue and white RS2000 from Ford Heritage, and he very kindly let me sit in it I thought it was great! . Could that have been this car?

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for this interesting story adamfamilydottwo , that would be spooky if it was !

[@stevepoulton8826]

Best vid so far, just need to be a bit longer.

[@deegreen3351]

Great to see a quality Mk1 especially with no stupid fog lamps all over the front

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for your comments deegreen

[@terrys1595]

I've owned 4 MK1 Escorts over the years, 2 saloons and 2 estates, one of which was a very rare 1300gt estate. Unfortunately it got written off in the 80s by a woman driver ploughing into the car behind me forcing that into me and me into the car in front. No idea if this would have been made at the AVO plant or not. Also loosely knew 2 people who I think worked at AVO. Also in the 90s a work colleague knew of a RS2000 estate sitting in someone's back garden rotting away.

[@Classiccarstories]

Interesting stories Terrys1595 thank you for sharing wonder if the Escort is still out there somewhere!

[@terrys1595]

@@Classiccarstories My 1300gt estate ended up being banger raced by my younger brother, it's previous owner. As for the RS2000 estate, I struggle to remember what I was told about it, I'm sure the owner again was an ex AVO employee (don't quote me on that) and he wouldn't sell it, would rather let it rot away. I'm sure that's what I was told.

[@Classiccarstories]

@@terrys1595 strangely sounds a similar story

[@arthurdardalis]

Looks great, as I used to work for Ford of Europe, the different market spec differences bring back memories, he forgot to mention the front opening quarter lights. Sweden was not RHD in 74, it was in the early 60’s, so the car is not Swedish spec & the heated seats switch looks like an accessory not a genuine Ford part. The twin number plate lights were fitted to all export market cars, they weren’t Sweden specific For accuracy as to the build specifications the options tag needs to be decoded Last point, the engine doesn’t sound right, it sounds breathless and running like a bag of nails

[@Classiccarstories]

Hello Arthur, thank for your input on the car

[@robertlloyd7493]

😊

[@AurelioZen67]

Bought mine back in 1975 - my ninth car that year! It was about 6 months old then and I kept it for 9 years. Blue on white like this one, of course I regret selling it (£75 loss in value over 9 years!). Sadly it was stolen from the chap who bought it from me.

[@Classiccarstories]

Thank you for sharing Aurelio

[@RodBaker-o7o]

❤❤❤

[@ratachepuda]

Ni lo arrancan???

[@Dean-n9s]

opening quaterlites

[@andysaunders3708]

I had a Mk 1 1100cc. Does that count? Didn't think so. It was horrible.

[@manofweed1]

Worth upwards of 50k now, whatever condition it's in !!

[@cousinbilly4741]

Smart as f**k👍👊💯

[@robertelliot9508]

Sweden wasn't right hand drive in 74/75. Don't know where you got that from. I know because I lived there then.

[@dungareesareforfools]

Top speed 100? Nah, at least 110. Mine has a 5-speed but lower diff ratio, so tops out at about 105 - and yes I've been there. You have to! It accelerates well right up to that speed. That's the thing not mentioned here - the RS2000 was a German idea, and intended for competency on the autobahns.

[@chiefrocka8604]

Wots John Herbert doin on here

[@MC-kz9we]

this story doesn't surprise me back in the late 80's Mk1 escorts had little value.... I picked up my first Mk1 in '88 for £200.....even had a new MOT! shortly after that picked up a scrap SPORT Model (very early K reg with seperate Tacho) for £27.50p ! then picked up a Mexico for less than £200.....albeit needing restoration they were the days.....

[@Classiccarstories]

£27.50? Interesting figure do you still have the Mexico ?

[@MC-kz9we]

@@Classiccarstories Yes, Twenty Seven pounds fifty pence 😆 Sadly had to sell the Mexico in 1991..... put it in auction and it went for £440.....was desperate for cash at the time

[@Classiccarstories]

@@MC-kz9we that’s a shame

[@daviddickinson6346]

That engine sounds like a bag of nails, mine didn't sound like that.

[@getreal6978]

Time served on Fords. Cut my teeth on Mexico was paid to wreck one so bosses son could get a Capri. Loved the Mexico but it could spank you if you pushed it to far. Re-bulit lots of times.

[@psrfpsrf]

The Escort 1 was for me at those years an ugly car, when you compare it with the straight clear design if the Fiat 128, the Mini, the Simca 1100 or the German Ford 12m P6. Today he looks for me more interesting and a bit funny. Today on the German Car Magazine AMS you see the new cars for next autumn. The frontdesign is so equal between all the new ones, bouring. In 1977 I drove the succeeder RS2000 Rubber Nose.

[@Classiccarstories]

Hello psrf, welcome to the channel thank you for sharing your thoughts

[@Toby_the_Glen]

Lovely original car. Let's hope it doesn't end up with a stupidly modified turbo engine as so many seem too?

[@korma9732]

Sold a MK1 Twincam for..... £455 in 1985 😂

[@manofweed1]

Sold an air cooled 911E for £1800 in around 83-84 ! We've all been there !😒

[@markholroyde9412]

LOL they were just tin cans with 105hp, there is no magic going on here , its all dropping in value now the post covid fruitbats have blown their savings on overpriced cars at auctions, ive owned classic cars for 45 years..tick tock...

[@SuperDickiedavies]

Great memories of a lad I knew at college who had one. Felt so rapid compared to my Mk3

[@Classiccarstories]

Glad it brought back memories 😂