1980 Ford Escort (Europe) RS2000

KEY FACTS A rare and highly sought-after Australian-delivered Mk2 Ford Escort RS2000 four-door sports sedan, presented in its factory Midnight Blue hue. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre inline-four Pinto engine, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. This Australian-delivered model was first registered in March 1980 and is offered for sale on behalf of its current keeper, though it is currently not registered. This example is noted to have been sympathetically restored and upgraded with a focus on drivability, while retaining the character of the original RS2000. A Ford Australia confirmation letter accompanies the car, confirming it as a genuine RS2000, alongside an RS Owners Club Pace Notes feature documenting its restoration in 2020. The odometer indicates 49,923 km, though this is not warranted. Build year: 1980 EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES This Mk2 Escort RS2000 is finished in the appealing shade of Midnight Blue with contrasting silver side stripe decals, over a black vinyl and cloth-trimmed interior, punctuated by chrome trim accents. It rides on an aftermarket set of 15-inch Chris Neale OS Formula cross-spoke split-rim alloy wheels fitted with Federal 595Evo tyres. While no longer retaining its original engine or four-speed gearbox, the car now reportedly benefits from a professionally rebuilt 2.0-litre Pinto engine and the desirable Ford Type 9 five-speed manual transmission, improving refinement and usability on modern roads. The engine is noted to have been rebuilt in 2014 by Top Torque, while the cylinder head was reportedly rebuilt by Ford specialist Warren Heath with increased compression, mild porting and a re-profiled camshaft. Additional reported upgrades include a Quaife vernier cam wheel, Weber 38 DGAS carburettor, RS alloy engine mounts, extractors and a two-inch sports exhaust. Chassis enhancements are noted to include Koni Yellow dampers, lowered King Springs, custom King rear leaf springs, Nolathane suspens