FORD ESCORT RS2000
Model 1979 Ford Escort RS2000
Engine 1993cc 4cyl, ohc, 8v
Max power 70kW @ 5200rpm
Max torque 148Nm @ 3800rpm
torque 148Nm @ 3800rp
Transmission 4-speed manual
Weight 978kg
0-400m 17.5sec (tested)
Price $25,000-$50,000
IT’S ODD HOW history can be re-written. In automotive circles, for every car whose flaws have been forgiven (or forgotten) over time, there’s always another that cannot escape its tarnished reputation, no matter how good the design or how great the driving experience. The Ford Escort MkII (1975-81) falls into the former category.
There wasn’t much wrong with the fundamental design of ‘Project Brenda’, as the MkII was codenamed. Co-developed by Ford of Germany and Ford UK, it was so continental in flavour that Ford Australia marketed it as “The European Formula” in what it hoped would be a decisive counterpoint to the proliferation of Japanese small cars dominating our market in the mid-1970s.
Neatly proportioned styling gave the MkII Escort real visual flair, with its
