This '79 Ford Escort MKII RS2000 van is a rally car for tradies

  • Sign in required

    Please sign in to your account to add a vehicle to favourite

  • Share this article

Photos / Classic Car Auctions

Classic Car Auctions in the UK will soon auction off a highly unusual, less than standard, far from original performance vehicle - a Ford Escort RS2000 van.

Once a standard 1979 Mk II Escort van, it was purchased in 2007 by a new owner with a vision to upgrade the simple commercial vehicle to something more like the most famous rally-bred performance saloon of the seventies, the Ford Escort MkII RS2000.

For this unique build, which was carried out over approximately three years, the van was completely stripped and rebuilt using original parts sourced from a Mk II RS2000 donor car.

The rebuild included the installation of a modified 2.1 Pinto engine along with a short shift gearbox and motorbike carburettors for extra whizz.

The interior refit features an original RS2000 six-pod dashboard, steering wheel and black RS seats, not forgetting the exterior details which include Minilite alloy wheels, as well as the owner’s choice of chrome bullet wing mirrors. Finally the van was finished in Ford Modena Green to foot the invoice totalling more than $76,000.

Since the van’s transformation it has been kept in storage and is due to be sold so that someone can enjoy it fully. It will be offered on auction day with a pre-sale estimate of $23,000 to $28,000.

“Escort derivatives have a huge following on the market and this one is no exception!” said Simon Langsdale, classic car specialist at Classic Car Auctions.

“All parts are original standard parts from a donor RS2000, from the engine to the seats, meaning this van has all the power and thrills of the car, just inside a van’s body. Why not?”

Today the van presents in very good condition after its recently completed rebuild, with the odometer reading 78,000 miles (125,500km) from the mileage covered in its former life.

-Driven

Gallery

Keep up to date with DRIVEN Car Guide

Sign up for the latest news, reviews, our favourite cars and more.

By signing up for this newsletter, you agree to NZME's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.