Escort Mk3 RS 1700T Introduction
In 1980, following the launch of the MKIII Escort, Ford plans were started to produce
a rear wheel drive Escort to replace the MK II Works rally cars, the RS1700T, with a
full programme expected in 1983.
The Ford Escort RS 1700T was under development for 2 years. The plans for the 1700T
were to be the successor to the ultra successful Mk2 Escort RS1800. The RS1700T was
to be entered into the up and coming Group B category for the World Rallying
Championship.
The RS 1700T Program was canceled along with the C100 Sports car project when Stewart
Turner was offered control of Ford Motorsport for the Second time. This gave rise to
one of Ford greatest cars the RS 200. This car to showed promise, and could of well
have blitzed the World Rally scene. The group "B" category of cars was closed in the
mid 80's. Most of the 18 RS 1700T examples were crushed, but a few remain.
