Escort Mk1 RS1600 Introduction The RS1600 was announced 1970, which was a very important year for the Ford Motor Company of GB. This was the year in which the Ford Advanced Vehicle Operations (AVO), and the Ford Rallye Sport (RS) dealer network was setup: AVO to build performance versions of the Ford range of cars and manufacture tuning equipment. The Rallye Sport dealer network to merchandise the AVO products to the public. 1970 was also the year of the Daily Mirror World Cup Rally - won by Hannu Mikkola driving a Ford Escort. In fact Escort took not only 1st but 3rd, 5th, 6th positions.

Escort Mk1 RS1600 Specifications Engine: 4 cylinder in line. Cubic capacity 1601cc (97.68cu in). Bore 80.98mm (3.19in). Stroke 77.72mm (3.06in). Compression ratio 10:1. Power 115hp (DIN) @ 6500rpm. Torque 110lb/ft @ 4500rpm. Overhead valves - 4 per cylinder. Twin overhead camshafts driven by toothed rubber belt. Four branch exhaust manifold. Acceleration 0 - 50 mph 6.4 secs. Top speed 110mph plus. Fuel System: Mechanical pump. Electrical fuel gauge. Tank capacity 9.0 gallons (40.9 litres). Twin 40 DHLA DELLORTO carburetors. Cooling System: Pressurized. Capacity of system 12.5 pints (7.1 litres). Transmission: Three rail shift, four -speed synchromesh gearbox, single plate hydraulic 8 inch diameter diaphragm clutch. Ratios: 1st 2.972: 2nd 2.010: 3rd 1.397: 4th 1.00. Reverse 3.324. Final drive 3.77:1. Suspension: Front - Independent coil springs, MacPherson struts with integral dampers and stabilizer bar. Rear - Live Axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and radius arms. Telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. Brakes: Front - disc brakes, diameter 9.625in (24.44cm), swept area 190.0sq in (1225.5sq cm). Vacuum servo-assistance. Rear - drum brakes, diameter 9.00in (22.86cm) , swept area 96sq in (619.2sq cm). Vacuum servo-assistance.