Log in / RegisterSince it was launched in 1968, the Ford Escort Mk1 had been hugely successful in motorsport, whether it be on the track, in the forest and on the rallycross circuit. The Ford RS brand had been born and had a huge following from owners with Twin Cam, RS1600, Mexico and the RS2000 Escorts. But the Mk1 had been a mainly British affair, with the AVO (Advanced Vehicle Operations) specially built factory in South Ockendon, Essex building the RS models. But by 1974, Ford wanted to move on to the Mk2 and wanted a more European success for it’s sport models.
So in January 1975, the Mk2 Escort was launched and Ford enthusiasts all over Europe long awaited the RS version models to be announced. As a Ford nut myself, a trip to the local Ford dealer bore fruit with the first small tempting brochure (FP326) in October 1975 of what was to come. But this time, the Ford plant in Saarlouis, Germany had been selected for the production of the RS range A single fold out sheet showing the RS1800 and RS2000 models, with a full photo of the RS2000 inside. And here it:-
Note that it says, ‘is available through Ford Rally Sport Dealers from January 1976’ Also note that when launched, the RS2000 had a badge spelling ‘F O R D’ in letters on the front grill rather than the later models with the Ford oval badge, plus also a ‘2.0’ badge on the front wing.
January 1976 arrived and in those days the small number of RS dealers had fantastic launch nights for the new RS cars with often motorsport personalities there as well. I remember going to Lloyds of Stafford for the evening in my Escort Mk1 1300XL with some mates and being blown away ! The RS1800, RS Mexico and RS2000 just in front of us and we could all sit in them and pretend to be Roger Clark ! We all came away with the launch brochure for the RS Mexico and RS2000 (FP338) which was like gold ! And here is that very brochure showing the new models:-
The RS Mexico with it’s jaw dropping 95 bhp from it’s 1600cc Pinto engine and the whacking 110 bhp of the 2 litre Pinto engine of the RS2000. Of course these were well known engines, being used in both the Capri and Cortina Mk3. Here’s the first photo of the RS Mexico we’d seen:-
Here’s the RS Mexico interior shot with the standard bucket seats, although you could pay extra for the high backed Recaro reclining seats.
Now the Daddy the RS2000:-
With interior shot of the reclining seats and the fantastic RS steering wheel we all love:-
And now the spec of each car. Interesting that at launch the RS Mexico was available in 4 colours. Carvival Red, Daytona Yellow, Diamond White and Olympic Blue. While the RS2000 was just available in Carnival Red and Daytona Yellow. These were all carry over colours from the Escort Mk1. The brochure even tempted us with ‘additional colours will be available when production restrictions permit !
But by May 1976 the new colours had arrived and you could have Diamond White, Venetian Red, Signal Orange, Signal Yellow or Signal Green for your RS2000 or Mexico. Later in 1976, you could pick Black, but only for the RS2000. Here’s the colour chart (FP341) of May 1976:-
What about the prices? Ford also issued separate price list for the RS range and here’s the one we got from the launch night
Fascinating reading ! And the late 1970’s must have had some kind on inflation going on, as after the January 23 1976 price list, there were more price increases in April 1976, July 1976 and November 1976 ! The RS Mexico moved £250 and the RS2000 £400 in 11 months !
So did I ever buy either of these cars ???
Indeed I did ! In March 1977, I took delivery from Lloyds of Stafford of a brand new RS Mexico in Signal Yellow (SVT 425 R) and then later in March 1979, a Diamond White RS2000 (NUY 21 T) from Kidderminster Motors. Both cars have long disappeared from the DVLA register !