Estimated Price: £25,000 - £30,000

Unlike the Mk1 Escort, which was designed by Ford of Great Britain, the Mk2 was a much more sophisticated design jointly developed with Ford of Germany. Based on a standard Mk2 two-door saloon shell, the RS2000 used the familiar 2-litre, four-cylinder, SOHC, Pinto engine mounted longitudinally in the bay driving the rear wheels. A single twin-venturi 32/36 DGAV Weber carburettor was fitted with the option of a Group 1 dual-Weber 40 DCNF or IDF set up. The front suspension used independent MacPherson Struts with an anti-roll bar and at the rear, traditional leaf springs with telescopic dampers were utilised. Front-mounted discs and rear drums were used, and four-spoke alloy wheels came as standard. Its biggest distinguishing feature was the droop-snoot polyurethane nose housing four headlamps which gave it a rather aggressive look. The new car was capable of 110mph with 0-60mph taking 8.9 seconds, not too shabby in 1976 and, when combined with the car's distinctive looks and that iconic RS badge, set Ford's showroom doors swinging.

Offered directly from Richard Hammond, this well known RS2000 was restored by his Smallest Cog Workshop and the work included the removal and careful replacement of any panels and parts showing the inevitable signs of wear and corrosion, a full new interior by Aldridge Trimming, new front suspension and front and rear brakes, a full belt service, and finally a shiny coat or two of Ford Midnight Blue with the gleaming RS ending up almost 'showroom fresh'.

Originally supplied in the UK in 1979, registered DRY 548T, it remained with its first owner until 2007. Four further keepers enjoyed it before it landed in the Isle of Man on its way to the Republic of Ireland where it settled in to a private collection and was registered there in December 2014. There are extensive records for servicing around this time, including the all-important timing belt in 2014. It's accompanied with interesting literature including sales media, brochures, and magazine test drive reprints.

Hot off the heels of its appearance on Richard Hammond’s Workshop, Corgi announced a new partnership with the Smallest Cog. Together, they planned to release an officially licensed selection of 1:43 scale die-cast vehicles in Corgi’s Vanguards range. This collaboration merges the craftsmanship of Corgi with the automotive expertise of The Smallest Cog to bring enthusiasts a unique collection of models that celebrate the art of car restoration. The inaugural model to emerge from this partnership was the 1:43 scale replica of the iconic Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 in Midnight Blue. The model is presented in exclusive dual-branded packaging featuring both The Smallest Cog and Vanguards logos, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike. A signed example of the Corgi RS2000 will accompany the car.

Used sparingly by Richard in his ownership, the RS2000 has been shown at various concours events and even took part in the VSCC’s Pomeroy Trophy at Silverstone in 2025 with Richard at the wheel. Given that all things Fast Ford have seen a boom in interest this last few years, and the association of Richard and the team at The Smallest Cog, this sensibly estimated RS2000 is sure to create a stir in the sale room.