1974 | Ford Escort RS 1600

The RS1600 was a combination of the Escort Twin Cam chassis and running gear, and the newly developed Cosworth sixteen-valve twin cam BDA (Belt Drive Type A) engine, often described as a detuned Cosworth Formula 2 engine. The two engines, however, shared only their design philosophy, and no actual components. The BDA produced 120bhp+, giving the car a 0-60mph of about 8.5 seconds and a top speed of almost 115 mph. Quite the performance for a family saloon in the early 1970s!

Production began in January 1970, and in November 1970 transferred to Ford's AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations) department in Aveley, South Ockendon, alongside the Escort Mexico. From October 1972 the original cast iron cylinder block was replaced by a light alloy component - which is present in this car.

Around 1137 RS1600s were produced, of which fewer than 150 were fitted with the alloy block, and production peaked in 1971/1972, declining thereafter. By late 1973, very few RS1600s were sold, and only a few dozen vehicles are believed to have been manufactured in 1974, with production finally ending in November of that year. Therefore, this RS1600, TUB 470M is a late, and very rare, example.

The car's history and authenticity have been verified by the AVO Club's RS1600 registrar, including the mileage, which the Club confirms as having been 46,000 in 1981, whilst images from 2024 show 55,713 miles. Its first recorded owner, an AVO Club member, restored the car to concourse standard, making it probably the nicest example at that time. While originally a base model with PVC trim the owner added the cloth Custom Trim, centre console, and wood panels to the dashboard (original Ford options). The wood trim and console were later removed, and a radio was fitted into the dash on the passenger side (most likely in the early 2000s).

TUB 470M passed through the hands of a few owners in the 1980s, before three long-term owners, including one in Hong Kong, before coming into the possession of its current keeper. He has made improvements to the RS1600 over his two-year ownership, totalling £15,000: the gearbox has been rebuilt, but remains the original unit, the propshaft has been refurbished, and the rear axle and some minor items have been replaced. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Lot details
Year: 1974
Make: Ford
Model: Escort RS1600 Mk. I
Registration: TUB 470M
Chassis No: BFATNB00380
Odometer: 56,250


* One of 150 alloy-block examples

* Matching numbers

* Fantastic Condition

* AVO Club verification