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An impeccable matching numbers AVO registered Mk1 Ford Escort RS1600.
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, rear stone deflector, safety glass, anti-burst locks, black painted aluminium grille, RS1600 wing badges, RS circular boot badge, 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; Quartz iodine headlamps, reversing lights, hazard warning flashers, cigarette lighter.
EXTERIOR
This AVO Club Registered stunning example is finished in desirable and build specification, Daytona Yellow, (Code T). 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. All the glass is mark free and lighting is correctly branded with uprated twin-bulb Carello Quartz iodine headlamps bright and chrome trim indicator lenses. Twin-wire Trico Speedblades are fitted and all discreet RS badges are present and fitted. Rarely does a genuine and correct RS1600 come to market arguably making this the ultimate Mk1 high performance Escort.
INTERIOR
A basic RS1600 with L-spec black PVC, (Code AA), interior and the correct black one-piece rubber floor mat only fitted to cars built until August 1972. The RS three-spoke steering wheel with leather rim is unworn offering a view to the prized 140mph speedometer and 8,000rpm rev counter. All gauges and controls function along with the heater fan on both speed settings. Door cards, headlining and all other trim is in excellent condition with original features correct to this build date. The boot compartment is pristine with the spare wheel correctly secured to the floor. No-nonsense and all the better for it.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Where the magic happens! This example is matching numbers and fitted with the legendary Cosworth-designed BDA (Belt Driven A series) engine boasting 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 this engine has benefited from expenditure by leading experts, Vulcan Engineering with accompanying invoice. The cleanliness and detail under the bonnet is remarkable such as hoses still with delicate Ford labels attached and the original Ford chassis plate and Special Build Order body plate. 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 correct 5.5x13in pressed steel wheels featuring cooling slots only fitted to cars built between June 1971 and September 1972 are shod in Goodyear 175/70 R13 tyres with ample tread. The remote servo-assistance brakes powered by the Girling Powerstop system correctly positioned on a triangular silver bracket at the nearside front of the engine bay in place of the regular Escorts battery tray with front discs and rear drums offers fair braking performance.
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 with provenance and rarely available on the open market. Built at Fords Advanced Vehicle Operations factory in Aveley in February 1972, this AVO Club Registered example has a fully traceable ownership record. With just three former keepers from new, one of which being the AVO RS1600 Registrar himself, William Arnold for 10 years! Mr Arnolds passion, knowledge and whereabouts of each of the 489 Club registered cars is unrivalled and he provides a detailed account of this car in writing dated June 2022 to KGF Classic Cars. He vividly recalls buying the car from the first registered owner, Mr Bartram, who ran a motor repair business in Tamworth and continues to accurately account of everything from a minor incident with a Mini Cooper when the car was just one year old resulting in the OSR quarter panel being replaced to it being displayed unrestored at National Day. Photos of the car exist prior to the restoration kindly provided and included in the history file by Mr Arnold himself and the car was entrusted by industry experts ASM Restorations in 2012. Mr Arnold concludes in his detailed account, ‘the car has full traceable history and retains it’s original chassis plates, engine and in fact virtually all it’s original components and trim. That in itself is quite a rarity these days.’ What better testament exists for one of the rarest most valuable sporting RS Escorts?
MOT July 2023, Tax Exempt, HPI Clear.
Restored
