1977 Ford Escort RS Zakspeed Group 4
1977 Ford Escort RS Zakspeed Group 4
Brand
Ford
Year
1977
Country
United States
Generation
Escort II
1977 Ford Escort RS Zakspeed Group 4
Brand
Ford
Year
1977
Country
United States
Generation
Escort II
About this car
Discover the history
The 1977 Ford Escort RS Zakspeed Group 4 was an iconic racing car built by the renowned Zakspeed team, which was deeply involved in touring car and silhouette racing in the 1970s before their later entry into Formula 1. The Zakspeed Escort was based on the Ford Escort RS1800 MkII and adhered to the FIA Group 2 regulations, which governed modified production cars. Zakspeed, under the leadership of Erich Zakowski, had a strong partnership with Ford and became known for engineering highly competitive race cars for various touring car championships.
The 1977 Zakspeed Escort made its debut in the European Touring Car Championship (ETC) and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft (DRM). One of the standout moments for the car came during the 1978 Macau Guia Race, where it was piloted by Dieter Quester. Alongside his teammate Hans Heyer, Quester’s performance drew suspicion from competitors due to the car’s speed, leading to multiple scrutineering checks. However, misfortune struck during practice when Quester was forced into the barriers, necessitating a rebuild of the car using parts from Jackie Stewart’s crashed Escort. Despite this, a puncture during the race led to another crash, ending Quester’s promising run.
Following its Macau outing, the Escort was rebuilt and became the weapon of choice for Herbert Stenger, the reigning Group 1 European Hillclimb champion. Stenger continued to race the car in 1979, securing the German Hillclimb Championship and nearly clinching the European Hillclimb title. The Escort achieved numerous victories that season, including triumphs at prestigious hillclimb events such as Ampus, Mont Dore, and St. Ursanne.
After its competitive career, the car was sold and passed through various owners, including a brief stint in Italy during the 1980s. By the 1990s, it had largely faded from the racing scene until its restoration in the 2010s. The car was restored to its original 1978 Marlboro livery and remains a significant part of Zakspeed’s illustrious history in touring car racing. It now competes in historic racing events, where it continues to showcase its competitive heritage.
The 1977 Zakspeed Escort RS Group 4 is remembered not only for its technical prowess but also for its involvement in some of the most competitive touring car series of its time, where it consistently pushed the limits of what was possible within the Group 4 regulations. Its legacy lives on in both the history of the Ford Escort and Zakspeed’s racing pedigree.
