The Escort RS1800 Mk. II is one of the most iconic rally cars of the late 1970s and early 1980s, celebrated for its performance, engineering and outstanding competition record. Introduced in 1975 as the successor to the Mk. I, it was powered by the 1.8 litre Cosworth BDA engine, producing over 240bhp in competition trim and enabling it to rival far larger and more powerful cars. Retaining a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive chassis with finely tuned suspension, the RS1800 was renowned for its balance, durability and effectiveness on loose surfaces. Its rallying success included multiple WRC victories with drivers such as Bjorn Waldegård, Hannu Mikkola and Ari Vatanen, who secured the 1981 WRC Drivers' Championship in an RS1800. Today, the Mk. II remains highly prized by enthusiasts and collectors, with its blend of performance, history and timeless design ensuring a lasting legacy.

Built from one of the spare shells supplied to Ford South Africa's Works rally team, this RS1800 was acquired by renowned Italian driver Piazza Musso when the team closed, along with extensive factory spares. UK Escort specialists Phil and Mick Squires were commissioned to complete the builds in South Africa, and a deal was subsequently agreed to purchase this car, complete with original 'Team Span' factory stripe decals that remain fitted today. Prior to export, its 2.1 litre engine was removed for UK eligibility, and the car arrived as a rolling chassis. Prepared to BTRDA specification, it competed successfully between 2003 and 2009 in both 1600cc and 1800cc classes, before being converted to period specification for historic rally events and later placed into long-term storage. The accompanying history file details the full specification, with highlights including a 2.0 litre three-stud BDX competition engine with 48 Weber carburettors, Terry Samuels five speed ZF gearbox, AP Racing twin-plate clutch, Tony Law exhaust, works wiring loom, Safety Devices roll cage, Atlas LSD, Bilstein suspension, GP4 adjustable pedal box and front struts, 'Monte Carlo' brake calipers and a dry-sump oil system.

Acquired by the current vendor three years ago, the RS1800 was immediately subjected to a comprehensive and highly sympathetic refresh, undertaken with the aim of preserving originality while ensuring absolute mechanical integrity. The work was extensive, with complete overhauls of the braking system front and rear, suspension components including struts, shocks, springs, roller top mounts and spring caps, along with the steering rack and column. The fuel system was removed, flushed and cleaned, while the carburettors were stripped, ultrasonically cleaned and rebuilt with new components throughout. Further attention was given to the exhaust system, rear tramp bars, wiring and air horns, ensuring every mechanical and ancillary system functioned exactly as intended. In total, this meticulous process accounted for well over 300 manhours.

The bodyshell and structure were treated with equal care. The car was hot-washed inside and out, with the underside and all four-wheel arches stripped, rust-protected and repainted. The interior was removed, cleaned and refinished in black, while localised bodywork repairs were carried out before the lower half of the car was resprayed around the original graphics. All components were rustproofed and refinished prior to refitting, followed by a full service including all fluids, belts and ignition items. Numerous period-correct new and new-old-stock parts were fitted throughout, including Ford RS1800 steering wheel and trim, bumpers, grille, lights, seals and rubbers, alongside new clutch components, bearings, bushes, tyres and hardware. The result is a superbly refreshed RS1800, presented exactly as one would expect from a fastidious enthusiast with a deep understanding of the model. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1975
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Mk. II RS1800
Registration: KOL 643P
Chassis No: BBATRL08643
Odometer: tba

* Successful competition history
* Excellent specification
* Recently sympathetically refreshed and ready to be enjoyed