Ford Escort RS2000 F1 Edition | 1996

Ford Escort RS2000 F1 Edition | 1996

Highlights:

– 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, petrol, 5-speed manual transmission, 150000 km

– Full restoration completed in 2023 from a bare shell, with invoices documenting the process

– Finished in original Lugano Blue with a full set of new OEM RS badges

– ST coilover suspension with TÜV certificate and 17-inch Ford Softline wheels, diamond-cut with new powdercoat

– Rare F1 Edition, one of 500 built to mark the Ford-Sauber Formula 1 tie-in with Heinz-Harald Frentzen, with signed certificate, original price list and brochure

The seller offers for sale this 1996 Ford Escort RS2000 F1 Edition, powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Finished in the model’s signature Lugano Blue metallic paint, this example was imported from Germany in 2020; the German papers show six previous owners. The car wears a complete set of new OEM RS badges and sits on ST coilover suspension, documented with a TÜV certificate, with 17-inch Ford Softline wheels finished in a fresh diamond-cut powdercoat to match the diamond-cut RS badges and wheel caps. It comes with a matching, brand-new OEM set of keys and locks.

The vehicle underwent a full restoration in 2023, carried out from a bare shell. The bodywork received new paint in the original Lugano Blue, while the underside was finished in three stages: a cold zinc layer, an epoxy primer and a period-correct underside coating, followed by a wax protective layer, with the hollow body sections also treated with wax. The engine was fully rebuilt at standard size, all zinc-plated parts were cleaned and regalvanised, aluminium components were aquablasted, and iron parts, including the subframe, driveshafts and knuckles, were powdercoated. The restoration is backed by a substantial file of invoices covering the work and the new OEM parts fitted throughout.

The Escort RS2000 F1 Edition was a limited run of 500 examples, offered mainly to the German market and based on the three-door RS2000 hatchback. It was launched to mark Ford’s technical tie-in with the Sauber Formula 1 team, whose lead driver for the 1996 season, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, was closely associated with the model. The F1 Edition is distinguished by its own badging and seat trim, and this example is accompanied by a certificate signed by Frentzen, together with the original price list and sales brochure for the edition, giving it a documented and collectible identity beyond the standard RS2000.

Under the bonnet, the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Zetec engine drives the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox, giving the RS2000 a lighter and more agile character than its turbocharged Cosworth sibling while still carrying the RS badge’s sporting intent. The uprated coilover suspension sharpens the car’s responses further, and the diamond-cut Softline wheels underline its identity as the flagship of the naturally aspirated Escort range. Combined with its extensive, invoice-documented restoration and its rare F1 Edition provenance, this Escort RS2000 represents a thoroughly prepared example of one of Ford’s most collectible 1990s hot hatches.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction vehicles offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This vehicle comes from a private collection and is currently located in the province of Varna, Bulgaria.

This vehicle drives, brakes and shifts.

The vehicle has a Bulgarian registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this vehicle is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the vehicle from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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