Ford Escort RS1600i, 100% Genuine & Original

Here we have for sale a car that I have restored and loved. making it my pride and joy. It is a genuine and very rare RS1600i. which as you will know were very special cars only manufactured for homologation in to group A racing and rallying back in the early '80's. There are only a few hundred of these cars left now. and those which are un-modified and still run all the original equipment are super rare and desirable.   Red and white are fairly common colours. but my car in Stratos Silver is even rarer.

I bought my car 16 years ago and it was missing a lot of original parts.   I then spent two years travelling all over the UK sourcing the correct parts (on top of the unique RS1600i parts. there are numerous differences between early (as this is) and late cars. )  Once I had all of the parts together. I set about restoring the car to its former glory.   I rebuilt the engine with 1mm oversize pistons. ported and polished cylinder head and balanced bottom end.   The original and unique RS gearbox was stripped down and fitted with a limited slip diff.   The front dampers were replaced with the very last set of genuine Koni original equipment direct from the Koni factory (the spring platform is 23mm lower on the RS than all other cars).   The rear dampers are top adjustable Koni's.   Springs are original Ford items. not stupidly lowered ones which result in poor handling and a horrible ride.   The exhaust is a Janspeed 4-2-1 tubular manifold mated to a full stainless steel Scorpion system which sounds fantastic.   This follows the original route of the genuine RS exhaust going over the rear wishbone. not under it like all other Escorts.

The car was fitted with Ford's period upgrade to improve the slightly poor brake pedal feel.   This is a brace for the brake cross-bar that runs across the bulkhead and in and out of the cabin.   The original aluminium front cross-member with adjustable tie rods and separate anti-roll bar is present. I have an original and very rare rear anti-roll bar which was an upgrade sold by Ford to improve the handling. but I never got round to fitting it.   The wheels are all genuine RS1600i items. not RS Turbo which are different and are shod with Pirellis on the front and Michelin Primacy's on the rear. all with excellent tread.   The front and rear spoilers are the genuine items. as are the spot lights and foglights (some could do with the reflectors replacing).   The car has four genuine Ford mudflaps.

The engine is running on the original Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system and the very rare twin coil. wasted spark computer controlled igntion system.   It starts beautifully from hot or cold and runs really well.   Once the engine had been run in. it went on the rolling road and gave 130bhp which was a nice boost on the original 115bhp from the factory.   The battery has been relocated in a box in the boot.

Moving inside. the interior is in exceptional condition.   The original four spoke leather RS steering wheel is present and has very little wear.   The original Scheel (not recaro) front seats are extremely comfortable and supportive and the rear seat is superb.   All seats are fitted with the original Ford RS seat badges.   The carpet is in great condition and it has original period Ford rubber over mats fitted.   The door cards are in excellent condition and are in matching crushed velour fabric to the seats.   The grey headlining is perfect.   The car is rarer still by not having a sunroof fitted. which helps to prevent bad corrosion in the sills where the drain tubes come out.   The electric front windows work well and it has the nice and very rare opening rear quarterlights fitted.   The door window outer weatherstrips could benefit from being replaced due to age.   It has an oil pressure gauge fitted in the centre console to keep an eye on that prescious engine.   The original instruments are fitted and the very special fuel cut off lights operate correctly when the throttle is shut over certain rpm.   The fuel gauge does not currently work and I do not know whether this is a sender issue or gauge issue.   The parcel shelf is immaculate and has not been butchered to fit nasty speakers.   The front speakers in the footwells are period upgraded items and it now has a Kenwood head unit.   The electric aerial is operational. but a little sticky so would benefit from cleaning and lubricating to get it to extend fully.

When I finished restoring this car. it was absolutely immaculate in every respect.   It has been stored in an open sided barn since.   It is still very presentable as it is. but if you wanted to return it to its immaculate condition it would be relatively easy to tidy up the engine bay and few minor bubbles on the bodywork.   While I was driving the car many years ago. I was hit in the side by another vehicle which resulted in the car being declared beyond economical repair (due to the value of the RS at that time).   Naturally I bought the car back from the insurance company and had a trusted bodyshop repair it and respray the entire car.

I have a pile of paperwork with the car. including all receipts for the parts that I bought when I restored the car. original operating manual. supplementary workshop manual and numerous copies of original Ford technical bulletins and the complete unique parts list including all part numbers.

I have loved this car from the moment that I bought it and having restored the entire car myself. it is very precious to me. but sadly I have to live with the reality that I just don't use it anymore (it has been off the road for the last eight years. but started and driven regularly on private land).   I have other toys and sadly the RS just doesn't get used.   Therefore. I would like it to go to a new home where it will be cherished. appreciated and enjoyed by someone who has the time to use it.   Naturally due to the rarity of the car and the personal attachment that I have to it. I will not consider any silly offers.   Collection is to me made from South of Maidstone. Kent and terms are strictly cash on collection or cleared Paypal fees in advance with you paying the fees.

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