Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2 - Genuine X Pack Option

The Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2 is a rare car in its own right... but when did you last see a X-Pack on Australian roads? Given there are maybe three or four in the country, chances are you may never have come across one.

Back in the mid-1970s, Ford UK created a range of upgrades for the RS2000 so that it could run in the local Group 1 racing series. The parts were available only via appointed Ford dealers, with the dealer able to order any amount of Group 1 parts to fit the RS2000 depending on what the customer wanted. By far the most desirable of these enhancements was the “X-Pack body kit” which turned what was already a hot looking hatch into a race car for the road.

Trying to find a RS2000 with a genuine X-Pack kit is virtually impossible in Australia so whenever this car is taken to a show or entered into an event, it turns a LOT of heads. An Australian-delivered example, the current owner acquired it from a friend of his who had it for approximately 10 years. Upon taking custodianship in 2017, a full rotisserie build commenced and the journey began towards building the ultimate RS2000. Already sporting the Group 4 tunnel and 4-point link rear suspension, weld mounts had been previously installed prior to ownership. Diamond White was selected for the Escort’s impressive paintwork, finished with distinctive X Series decals that were especially ordered for the car.

It would be virtually impossible to estimate the number of hours (and investment) that has gone into the car however as you can see from the image gallery, this is very much a case of “no expense spared” to bring it to this level. The owner has documented the build process and has an extensive collection of photos and information that will be included as part of the sale.

Vehicle specification:
• 1979 Ford Escort Mk2 X-Pack
• VIN/chassis number: CK41/Y79126R
• Engine number: L3 313364
• Weight: 890kgs (dry)

Build details:
• Duratec Cosworth 2.3L engine (205hp at the wheels on E85)
• High compression (13.5:1)
• Roller-barrel throttle bodies
• Omex 600 Series engine management
• 750cc injectors
• Ford coil pack and plugs
• Quaife sequential six-speed gearbox
• Spicer prop shaft and upgraded RS axle
• Quaife LSD, high speed heavy-duty bearings and floating Group 4 axles
• 890kgs dry weight
• Bilstein fully adjustable front suspension and fixed rear on leaf springs
• Anti-dive kit (front) and Watts linkage (rear)
• 6-pot Wilwood calipers (front) and 4-pot brakes (rear) with bias adjustment control
• 15x7.5 4-spoke RS wheels (sourced from the UK)
• 225x45x15 Nankang Sportnex AR-1 semi-slick tyres

The owner states that the engine is incredibly reliable – it started first time after being in storage for two years – and has an impressive torque curve allowing the car to pull smoothly from 3,000rpm to its 7,500rpm limiter. The car has been expertly dyno tuned by the team at Allsparks Performance in Keilor to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Every component in the engine is Cosworth, with the owner even flying to the UK to personally pick up parts from the official Cosworth factory. Suppliers such as Burtons, Grp4 Fabrications and Motorsport Tools (Mk1 and Mk2 Escort specialists) were also utilised during the course of the build. Suffice to say, a huge folder of receipts is available.

Inside the RS2000 is just as impressive as outside, with a Velo racing seat for the driver and Recaro sports bucket for the passenger. Sabelt harnesses keep occupants safe as well as a comprehensive welded roll cage and twin fire extinguishers. The suede Motamec steering wheel is detachable for easier ingress and even has a launch control button built in. And finally, the Escort has been professionally rewired with a full complement of gauges and circuit breakers.

Having enjoyed the Escort at events such as the Mt Gambier “Legend of the Lakes”, track days at Winton and sprints at Sandown, it is now time for the keys to the RS2000 to be passed to its next custodian. We can’t recall the last time a X-Pack hit the market in Australia let alone one with this level of specification. If you are in the market for a very special – and incredibly rare X-pack – then this opportunity may be too good to pass up. Place a bid now to make it yours.