Skip to content
Search
TPR Motors

Vehicle details

Make
Ford
Model
Escort
Year
1974
Mileage
82,334 miles
Engine
1.6L
Transmission
Manual
Fuel Type
Petrol
Body Style
Not Supplied
Colour
Red

THE LISTING

About this vehicle

1974 Ford Escort MK1 RS1600 - Custom Pack

Red 82334 Miles

£70,000.00 Make Ford Model Escort Year 1974 Transmission Manual Fuel Petrol Engine Size 1,601 ccm Mileage 82,334 Miles Emission class This lot will be auctioned by Iconic Auctioneers at The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 on Saturday the 14th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The price indicated is the lower estimate. Please note we are unable to offer part exchange or finance. Description: ‘SJU 588N’ is an exceptional example of one of Ford’s most significant and desirable performance Escorts, the legendary RS1600. Manufactured in 1974, during the final production period of the first-generation Escort, this matching-numbers example has been comprehensively restored over the years and now presents to an exceptional standard throughout. It's finished in Sebring Red which, despite its name, is famously known among enthusiasts for looking distinctly orange under certain lighting, making it one of the defining ""oh-so-'70s"" Ford factory colours.Developed by Ford’s Advanced Vehicle Operations, the RS1600 was a significant step beyond the already highly regarded Escort Mexico. Built alongside the Mexico at Ford’s AVO facility at Aveley in Essex, it combined a strengthened bodyshell (Type 49), competition-inspired suspension and the remarkable 1,601cc twin-cam BDA engine.Closely related in concept to Ford’s FVA Formula 2 engine, the BDA, or Belt Drive A-Series, produced approximately 115bhp and 112lb/ft of torque, giving the lightweight Escort a 0-60mph time of around 8.5 seconds. Its engineering and robust bodyshell also provided the ideal foundations for one of the most successful rally cars of its generation.Production was comparatively limited, with only around 1,100 RS1600s manufactured, many subsequently seeing competition use and suffering accordingly. Surviving original road cars are therefore particularly scarce, making this beautifully presented example especially desirable.Of particular significance is its late 1974 production date and highly sought-after factory alloy-block BDA engine. The Brian Hart-designed light-alloy cylinder block was introduced into production during 1972 and, as a late example, ‘SJU 588N’ benefits from this desirable and exceptionally rare specification. It is understood that fewer than 150 factory road-going RS1600s were produced with the alloy-block engine.It was ordered from new with the 'Custom Pack' which dramatically altered the spartan interior of the standard Type 49 bodyshell, adding Contour semi-bucket seats upholstered in brushed Bri-Nylon, extra sound insulation, deep-pile looped black carpets, a centre console with a clock or oddments tray and a map-reading light, heated rear window, cigar lighter, a brake warning light, and a push-button PYE or Ford radio.The only notable departure from factory specification is the fitment of a Quaife rear end, a sympathetic and practical enhancement. Otherwise, the car retains its original character and is equipped with several desirable period options, including the vinyl roof, Minilite alloy wheels and a discreet internal safety cage.The provenance is particularly compelling. The car spent the majority of its life with Michael Cass, the renowned Ford Main Dealer and respected Blue Oval collector, and was displayed for many years throughout his dealer network. Another former custodian was William Arnold, the knowledgeable RS1600 Registrar, further strengthening its credentials.It's accompanied by a comprehensive history file containing copies of previous V5Cs, handwritten notes, correspondence, invoices and the original ‘Escort RS1600 Supplementary Workshop Manual’.Rare, highly specified and possessing outstanding provenance, ‘SJU 588N’ represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable and collectable Mk1 Escort derivatives. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the opportunity on offer.                                                      

Iconic Auctioneers

For Sale By Auction

Call 01926356420 Call 01926356420 Email Email Visit our Website

The Forge Harwoods House

Banbury Road

Ashorne

Warwickshire

CV35 0AA

Vehicle history Not stolen Pass Not scrapped Pass Not exported Pass Not Cat A/B Pass Not Cat C/D Pass Not Cat S/N Pass Not imported Pass Original number plate Pass Original colour Pass Our vehicle history check is provided for guidance only. Please check all details with the seller before purchasing. Visit our eBay Showroom Information about the vehicle above is provided by the Dealer for guidance. eBay does not make any representations or warranties that such information is correct. eBay does not have control over and does not guarantee the quality, safety or legality of items advertised or the truth or accuracy of the content of this information. Please satisfy yourself before purchase that the information is correct by contacting the seller. Copyright © 1995-2026 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

Vehicle specification

  • Make: Ford
  • Model: Escort
  • Year: 1974
  • Mileage: 82334
  • Engine: 1601
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Body Style: Not Supplied
  • Colour: Red

Important information

This vehicle is advertised by an independent eBay seller. The information shown has been taken from the seller's listing. Please review the original eBay advert for the complete description, condition, history, photographs and terms of sale before purchasing.