1972 Ford Escort RS1600 MK1 AVO BDA,1 of only 27 LHD (not xke, kit car, classic)

Original LHD 1972 Ford Escort MK1 RS1600 BFAT Type 49 AVO car.

For sale is a beautiful newly nut and bolt restored genuine RS1600 with Matching BDA engine! In terms of Ford investment, it does not get any better than this (very rare). The restoration has been completed to the highest standard possible with no expense spared; it is simply like a brand new car with 26k miles on clock and the best on the market.

Ford's Mark 1 Escort proved a winner in rallying and touring car racing right from the outset, beginning with the Twin-Cam of 1968 using the same running gear found in the Lotus Cortina. Smaller, lighter and with a stiffer bodyshell, the Escort proved a world-beater, famously dominating the London-Mexico World Cup Rally in 1970 and proved a fabulous weapon on the road. The Escort was clearly capable of handling even more power and Ford created a legend when it launched the limited production RS1600 in 1970, the first in a lineage of "Rallye Sport" Fords that lives on today. The heart of Ford's new frontline rally weapon was, of course, the Cosworth-developed BDA engine, a heavily reworked version of the Kent motor with belt-driven camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Initially produced at Halewood, production shifted to Ford's new AVO facility in Essex from November 1970 and just 1,139 were built by the time the model was phased out in late 1973. Ford made a number of improvements to the RS1600, including Dellorto carburettors replacing the Webers in April 1972 and the final 200 built featured alloy engine blocks and upgraded interiors, with full carpeting and new sports wheels. With 120bhp on tap, the BDA-powered Escort was an exceedingly rapid little sports saloon, capable of reaching 113 mph.

This is one of approx 27 LHD cars ever built!, the last one sold in 2013 was sold inexcess of $85,000.

The Escort did some races in Italy. I also have all the documents which proves that the car is 100% original AVO RS1600.

History

This car took delivery new to Sicily in 1972 and have lived there until 2007 when it was sold for restoration. This is a known car in Italy where it entered various national races during the years. It has for many years participated in the annual hill-climb up Etna. It is also a known car to UK Ford Escort Owners Club.

General

This RS1600 comes with complete history documentation, documentation of restoration process and many more documents like:

- Original Italian Papers

- FIA Papers

- Many invoices and documents from past which proves the originality

- Automobile Club of Italy Papers

- UK Club registration document

- UK 12 months MOT certificate

hundred photos of the car before restoration, during restoration and after restoration.

Engine

The BDA engine is a LEGEND! Car still has the matching BDA engine andwas completely stripped/rebuilt with new bigger forged racing piston, bearings, oil pump, water pump, head rebuilt with new valves etc. Only ran approx. 200miles since restoration.

These engines delivered pure Rally Experience and were very successful over the years in many classic races and rally! As you probably know a BDA engine alone cost an excess of $35k.

Suspension/Gearbox

This RS1600 has complete original suspension and gearbox that has been rebuilt/restored. It's perfect for races but also very drivable on streets!

Also brakes, transmission etc. were rebuilt during the restoration process.

The roll cage brings some stability and safety for racing.

Exterior

The car has been stripped/prepped, shot blasted, rust protected and painted in original "sunset red”. It is in excellent condition with no scratches. The restorer did an excellent job with the painting it, you won't find any imperfections on the surface.

Summary

The car is currently registered in Italy but UK registration with DVLA is in progress and should be completed soon.

I am only selling because I have not had time to use it as anticipated, I planned to put original interiors back in as well (It doesn't come with it). I am in no hurry to sell so please no silly offers, these rarely come up for sale and I am sure there is non in this condition.

If you have any questions or more questions, please send me a message or on +447393986824.

The car is currently located in London but can be shipped to the US. I'm always interested in a deal with other classics I'm interested in Jaguar Etype, Mercedes, Porsches etc. This car will be sold as seen and without warranty!

This car is advertised elsewhere so I have the right to remove before the end of auction.

I can help with exporting the car, the cost will be approx $1500 but only after cleared funds.

Thank you