1971 Ford Escort RS1600

The Escort’s first owner, who bought it on the 24th of July 1971, exported it to Malta where it stayed for the next 34 years and 42,000 miles. As you might expect, it was in an unusually rust-free condition when it returned to the United Kingdom in 2005.

Finished in its original colour of Ermine White and thought to be still powered by its original engine and gearbox, ‘BDA 2J’ was the subject of a reputed nine-year restoration before joining the Kinlee Collection, from which its third UK keeper purchased it in 2023.

The benefit of starting with a better-than-average bodyshell plus an unhurried restoration and improvements in paint technology mean this RS1600 is probably finished to a higher standard now than when it was new.

Because everything is spot-on: Squat down and admire how straight the flanks are; open the doors and appreciate the work that went into getting them to latch so easily; note the glazing, which is securely retained by plump and pliable rubber seals; and run your fingertips across the carefully applied Ermine White paint. 

Yes, there is a small amount of bubbling at the base of both rear wheelarches, a small scuff on the offside rear, and cracked paint across the seam between the offside front wing and the sill but that’s it – and given how easy Ermine White is to colour-match, repairs should be very straightforward.

The chromework is also close to perfect with no rust or damage and only very light pitting to the mirror bases plus a small section of lost chrome on the outer edge of the offside front bumper. 

The 13-inch RS alloy wheels are new, so they too are flawless having never made the acquaintance of a kerb. They’re also fitted with a matching set of 175/70R13 Pirelli P3000 tyres, all of which have good tread. 

The tyres are getting on a bit now, and while there isn’t any obvious perishing or other age-related damage, they’ve almost certainly gone a bit hard and would benefit from being replaced.

The details are equally impressive: The lamp lenses are clear and free of chips and cracks (and the plate under the bonnet suggest it was built with the reversing lamps it’s fitted with); the aluminium radiator grille with its painted centre is geometrically perfect and free of impact damage; the louvred exhaust vents at the base of the rear screen run parallel and true; the badging lets the world know that they’re in the presence of greatness; and the Triplex windscreen sports a badge declaring membership of the RS Owners’ Club.

Minor blemishes include a slightly wonky rear numberplate and a slightly misaligned nearside front bumper, which is very much the definition of #firstworldproblems

Our man says the interior “feels like new”.

Job done then, so shall we move on?

No, seriously; what else is there to say other than it is fitted with the correct flat three-spoke ‘RS’ steering wheel. 

Or that the black vinyl seats, which have a contrasting basketweave finish to their centre sections, are still firm and supportive, including the outer edges of the front bucket seats – and because the front seat covers were professionally replaced in 2013, there is no noticeable wear to their seat faces either. 

The rear seats show a little age-induced discolouration to the cushion, but this is minimal and only to be expected. 

The recently replaced instrument binnacle contains the ‘two-plus-four’ instrument cluster that monitors speed, engine revs, coolant temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and battery charge. All work as they should, and the Escort has retained its original instrument panel, which is a nice touch. 

Other replacement interior parts include the headlining, the wheelarch covers, the gearlever gaiter, the rear quarter trim, the parcelshelf, the carpets, and the seatbelts. As you can see, these are all still in an excellent condition, including the plastic heel protector in the driver’s footwell.

As for non-original features, the floor mats are modern aftermarket items, two additional switches have been fitted to the left of the ashtray, a metal panel has been installed underneath the gearlever, and a red stripe has been painted on the trim panel that sits on top of the transmission tunnel.

The spare wheel is a Minilite-style alloy with an unused Pirelli P3000 tyre fitted. The battery sits in the boot, and because this is only retained with a luggage strap, we’d suggest the new owner fit the correct bracket to hold it more securely. 

By way of compensation, the Facet fuel pump and Filter King fuel filter have been very neatly installed on the opposite side of the luggage space.

As has everything underneath: Clearly the expression “out of sight and out of mind” played no part in the Escort’s restoration. 

Nice touches include Spax gas dampers at the rear, neatly run hard brake pipes, uprated polybushes for the suspension and steering, and body-coloured metalwork that looks solid and free of rust, as does the boot floor.

The engine bay is practically to concours standard. 

It also contains a stamped plate giving the details ‘BATLL5’, which we believe translates to a British-made Escort two-door made in 1972 with an RS1600 engine. 

The AVO plate is fitted on the other side of the slam panel, and a letter on file suggests this means that the car was the 16th RS1600 to be built at Halewood.

The 16-valve BDA engine (Belt Drive A-series) inhales through a pair of Weber 40DCOE carburettors, which gasp and rasp as loudly as you’d hope when you flex the accelerator pedal. 

It exhales through a beautifully fabricated tubular exhaust manifold that feeds into a stainless-steel exhaust system. This too sounds as epic as you’d hope – and you’ll be able to enjoy running it up and down the four-speed gearbox without fear because the engine doesn’t produce excessive smoke or make any odd noises. 

And you will enjoy it because a rolling road session in August 2015 revealed 148.8bhp at 6,270rpm, and 131.2lb.ft of torque at 5,640rpm, considerably more than stock and ample given the car’s sub-tonne weight.

(Paperwork on file states that the engine was rebuilt as a 170cc engine with Omega pistons and a big-valve cylinder head and the standard camshafts. We haven’t been able to confirm this is all still the case, although receipts from 2005-07 for engine parts suggest that the engine was rebuilt as part of its restoration.)

There is also an invoice on file from Olton Transmissions Ltd for rebuilding the gearbox in 2011. There is also mention of the Escort having a limited-slip differential.

The Ford does not have an MoT certificate, its last having expired in October 2024. It was an advisory-free one though, as were the five before it, so getting a fresh one may not be too onerous. 

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for not having any tax. 

The history file includes paperwork from its time in Malta, details about its specification and build history, the Owner’s Handbook, and a very good quantity of invoices for parts and work over the years.

Icons are rarer than some would have you believe, although surely everyone can agree that an RS1600 qualifies: With the legendary BDA under the bonnet and classic rear-wheel-drive handling, the older members of our team can remember watching these being driven in anger, swung from lock to lock at impossible angles at improbable speed in the hands of Gods.

Well, you know what? You too could elevate yourself to the status of deity.

Which isn’t as bad as it sounds for two reasons.

The first is that you can’t put a price on being a God. 

The second is that while the admission price might be high, you can’t accurately price a car until you’ve sold it, so you might be pleasantly surprised as how little it’ll cost you overall.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.