Introduction to Rallye Sport
Just over thirty years ago, in 1970, Ford introduced its first-ever RS-badged
car, the Escort RS1600. The RS (Rallye Sport) identity has been an important
part of Ford's sporting image ever since.
Over the years the Rallye Sport name has been applied to 19 spectacular road
car models, which often proved their point by winning in races, rallies, in
rallycross - and in the marketplace.
The 'RS' badge has never been applied lightly, for each and every model and
derivative has offered outstanding performance, roadholding, vehicle safety and
value for money. RS-badged Fords have always shared a proud sporting tradition
and have been built in many different forms. There have been front-engined or
mid-engined types, front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
cars, with four-cylinder or six-cylinder normally-aspirated or turbocharged
engines. Many have employed wind tunnel testing to evolve innovative
aerodynamic features such as the rear aerofoils fitted to Sierra and Escort RS
Cosworths.
All have pushed out the boundaries of technology and all have been
successful in motorsport. The original RS-badged Ford - the Escort RS1600, was
the first-ever Ford to use a 16-valve twin-overhead-camshaft engine.
