The Ford Escort, a legendary automobile, enjoyed a remarkable 34-year production run marked by both sales dominance and motorsport triumphs. This collection pays homage to its success by featuring one iconic sports variant from each generation. From its inception as a motorsport contender, thanks to the vision of Ford's Bill Mead and Henry Taylor in 1967, the Escort proved its mettle. The Escort Twin-Cam was born, and it went on to achieve 30 International and British Rally Championship victories, solidifying its motorsport legacy.
The Mk1 Escort left an indelible mark, including the RS1600, with nearly 1.1 million units produced. The Mk2, introduced in 1975, continued the legacy with both sales success and motorsport victories, highlighted by Ari Vatanen and David Richards' 1981 World Rally Championship win in the RS1800. The Mk2 RS2000 remains an iconic symbol of that era.
In 1980, the Escort underwent a transformation with the Mk3, featuring front-wheel drive in a stylish hatchback. The XR3i variant combined fun driving with practicality and was a sales hit. The RS1600i took the mantle in Group A racing.
The Mk3-based Escort RS Turbo emerged in 1984, evolving into the Mk4 RS Turbo in 1986, offering a balance of speed and practicality. By 1992, the Escort RS Cosworth took the WRC stage with a compact body and the Cosworth 4×4 running gear, becoming a rally legend.
This collection captures the enduring legacy of the Ford Escort, from its racing roots to its status as a celebrated classic on both road and track.