1970 Ford Escort RS 1600 Group 2
1970 Ford Escort RS 1600 Group 2
Brand
Ford
Year
1970
Country
United States
Generation
Escort I
1970 Ford Escort RS 1600 Group 2
Brand
Ford
Year
1970
Country
United States
Generation
Escort I
About this car
Discover the history
The 1970 Ford Escort RS1600 Group 2 was one of the most significant rally cars in Ford’s history, particularly in the world of motorsport. Born from the need for a more competitive engine and chassis combination to replace the aging Twin Cam, the RS1600 carried on the legacy of Ford’s earlier rally successes, but with enhanced performance thanks to the development of the Cosworth BDA engine. This engine was a direct evolution from Cosworth’s Formula 2 technology and featured a 16-valve cylinder head mated to the Kent block, producing up to 122 hp with Webber carburetors. The RS1600 made its mark as one of the first Escorts to feature such an advanced and high-revving engine, which set the stage for Ford’s motorsport dominance during the early 1970s.
The RS1600 was the product of Ford’s newly established Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO) division, located in Essex, UK. The creation of AVO was pivotal in making the Escort RS1600 a true motorsport weapon, as it allowed for the development of specialized, high-performance vehicles to be carried out away from Ford’s more standard production lines. The AVO plant was responsible for the production of not just the RS1600 but several other iconic Ford RS models. The RS1600 itself became a highly desirable model due to its combination of a lightweight, rigid body, and its Cosworth-developed engine. These cars were built with competition in mind, specifically designed to meet the FIA’s Group 2 homologation requirements, which allowed the Escort to compete in both touring car racing and rally events.
The RS1600 quickly proved itself on the rally stage. Ford was able to homologate the car for Group 2 competition in September 1970, and its rally pedigree was solidified by drivers like Roger Clark, Timo Mäkinen, and Hannu Mikkola, who used the car to achieve numerous victories. The Ford works team dominated rallying with the RS1600, and its rugged design, combined with the powerful BDA engine, made it nearly unbeatable in its class. The Escort RS1600 not only proved competitive but also became a fan favorite for privateer teams, thanks to Ford’s strategy of making the works team’s developments accessible to private buyers. This led to widespread use of the Escort in rallies across the UK and Europe, further bolstering its legacy.
The RS1600’s technical evolution was shaped by a combination of motorsport demands and technological advancements. The car’s rear suspension design, which utilized a live axle with coil springs and trailing arms, contributed to its excellent handling on both tarmac and gravel. It also used Ford’s Type E gearbox, a close-ratio four-speed unit, which allowed drivers to fully exploit the high-revving nature of the Cosworth BDA engine. The Escort’s lightweight body, particularly when paired with Minilite wheels, helped keep the car agile and responsive, key traits in its rally successes.
In racing, the Ford Escort RS1600 continued to excel, but its rallying history is where it truly left its mark. Its success was not only due to Ford’s engineering expertise but also the adaptability of the vehicle, allowing it to compete in a variety of motorsport disciplines. Whether in rally stages or touring car events, the Escort RS1600 was a potent competitor and left a lasting impact on the world of motorsport.
