A METICULOUSLY restored retro Ford is heading to auction - expected to sell for a cool £35,000.
Part of the upcoming Iconic Auctioneers Classic Car auction, this achingly cool third-generation Ford Escort RS 1600i rolled off the production line back in 1983 and has since undergone a painstaking overhaul that reportedly took some five years to complete.
That includes a bare-metal strip and repair, which then saw it refinished in its original Sunburst Red.
The interior features a restored Shark Grey crushed velour trim, a replacement headlining, and a new, correct-style steering wheel.
What’s more, the factory alloy wheels have been refurbished and fitted with new Toyo tyres, while the rare original spare wheel with a Dunlop Super Sport tyre has been retained.
With just 42,470 recorded miles on the clock, the car remains a well-preserved example of Ford's iconic RS series, retaining as many original parts as possible, supplemented by NOS (New Old Stock) replacements where needed.
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It will be sold freshly serviced, with a new MOT certificate, ready for its next owner.
It represents a rare opportunity for collectors or classic car enthusiasts to pick up one of Ford’s most iconic models.
The auction will be part of the upcoming Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show 2025, held at the NEC, Birmingham.
It will take place on Saturday, March 22 2025.
The third-gen, or Mk3, Escort was first introduced in 1980 and was built until 1986.
It marked a significant departure from its predecessors, featuring a front-wheel-drive layout and a more modern hatchback style design - representing a departure from the earlier rear-wheel-drive saloon and estate models.
It was a hugely popular car in Europe during this period, especially in the UK where it became Britain’s best-selling car during much of its production run.
This comes as a cult favourite Ford Capri recently went up for sale for as little as £26,000.
Much like the Escort, this Capri has been meticulously rebuilt in recent years by a marque specialist, with no area left untouched.
Images show the Ford finished in a striking graphite grey and red go-faster stripe over grey ‘Carla’ fabric interior with strato silver accents.
The exterior was superbly refinished by Classic Dreamworks, while the interior, engine bay, and underpinnings have also been restored to an outstanding standard.
Since its restoration, this Ford Capri 2.8 Injection has covered minimal mileage and is in excellent condition throughout.
