Legendary Ford Escort RS2000 Restored To New

Article written by Bush Tyres

The Ford Escort RS2000

This immaculate Ford Escort RS2000 has been subject to a full ‘Nut and Bolt’ restoration. As the finishing touches were completed the car visited our Bush Tyres Boston depot for a full alignment check and adjustment so that this beautifully restored car could be driven how the designers intended, be it a trip to the shops or a full on rally stage.

Why The Hype

This particular Ford Escort RS2000 was first registered in 1979, and for a 45 year old car you have to admit she still looks sharp, just like the day she left the factory! Fitted with a 2.0 litre four cylinder “Pinto” engine and a four-speed manual gearbox. The original 13-inch four spoke ‘RS’ wheels exude testosterone in the black and chrome finish. Complimented by the racing stripe and “RS2000” decals on the rear quarter, there is no mistaking this classic “Fast Ford” for any lesser model.

The original Mk1 Ford Escort RS2000 was a rally hero, after upgrading from the more unreliable 1600 engine to the 2.0 unit. The Mk1 car was a “hot hatch” before anyone even knew what a hot hatch was, creating a new market for a desirable but affordable performance car that can be driven every day.

The mk2 was launched in 1975 and featured a squarer look for the Escort. This new car, unlike the original ‘all UK’ constructed car, was a collaboration between Ford UK and Ford Germany. This 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 is one of the later cars towards the close of production in 1980. The Mk2 proved just as successful in rallying with the works cars receiving stiffer bodyshells and strengthening of the chassis, continuing the RAC rally success through 1975-1979.

Sadly the RS2000 name did not appear again on an Escort until the much later MK5, powered by a 16 valve version of the 2000cc engine from the Ford Sierra.

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

With looks that are sharper than a professional pencil sharpener’s pencil, and with a racing pedigree to match, you really don’t want your Ford Escort RS2000 retro classic letting you down in the handling department. Many motorists with have experienced the feeling of their vehicles pulling to one side, or looking down to see the steering wheel not exactly straight?

Apart from the visual distraction, unless addressed, this issue will lead to unnecessary irregular wear to your tyres. This then causes them to need changing before they are fully worn.

Regularly Check Your Tyre Wear

You can check your tyre health by parking your car safely in “full lock” this will give you a view of both the inside and outside edges of your tyres. If you spot any irregular wear, or especially if you see any chorded material, you should visit your local Bush Tyres branch as soon as possible. Our tyre experts will fully check your tyres and recommend any replacements where necessary.

After a tyre change, if left unchecked, poor alignment can cause your replacement tyres to wear the same way. After making that investment in your new tyres it is a great opportunity and highly recommended to check the alignment and make sure you’re going to get full use of the new tyres. Our checks are always FREE, charges are only made for any adjustments, if they are required. Adjusting your alignment back to factory specification will not only improve your cars ride and handling but also make your car more fuel efficient and extend the life of your tyres.

Returning this Ford Escort RS2000 back to her factory specification was a labour of love for our Boston technicians.

Getting Your Wheel Alignment Checked

Call into any one of our many local branches to get your FREE alignment check today, with no appointment necessary we can check your car’s wheel alignment. Our fully trained Alignment specialists can reset your car to factory specification and ensure your wheels are pointing straight down the road. Click here if you’d like to book an appointment.

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