Escort Mk2 RS1800 Introduction This is Fords most successful rally car, almost 25 years after its launch this car is still capable of winning Clubman & international rallies today, although in a much different spec. The RS1800 was in production from March 1975 to September 1977. The press cars and the very early road cars were British built using the same body shell as the Escort Sport. The later cars were originally the MK2 Escort RS Mexico which were built in Germany at the Saarlouis factory. These RS Mexico's were transported to Britain and the Ford engineers then removed the OHC engine to put in the BDA engine. In many ways the RS1800 can be considered as a BDA powered MK2 Mexico. It shared the same heavy duty body shell, brakes, suspension, split-propshaft, differential, and rear axle.

Escort Mk2 RS1800 Specifications Engine: Cosworth 1800cc, compression ratio of 9:1. 115bhp @ 6000 rpm. Fuel System: Mechanical pump. Electrical fuel gauge. Tank capacity 9.0 gallons (40.9 litres). Transmission: Single selector rail shift, four speed synchromesh gearbox, cable operated diaphragm clutch 8.5 inch diameter . Gearbox Ratios: 1st 3.65: 2nd 1.97: 3rd 1.37: 4th 1.00: reverse 3.66 Suspension: Front -Independent coil springs, McPherson strut incorporating double acting hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers, stabiliser bar. Rear - Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Double acting telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. Brakes: Dual line braking system. Front - disc brakes, diameter 9.625in (24.45cm), swept area 191.0sq in (1,230.0sq cm). Direct acting vacuum servo assistance. Rear - drum brakes, diameter 8.00in (20.32cm), swept area 75.4sq in (485.5sq cm). Direct acting vacuum servo assistance.