Classic Cars & Practical Classics.pdf

‘This Sideways-Sid is an absolutehowl, with a hardcore nature thatcan’t help but shine through’FORD ESCORT RS2000Through MkI Twin Cam, Mexico, RSs 1600, 1800 and 2000competition cars there’s one constant – success. To detail all ofthe rallying and touring car victories of Ford’s original sideways,rear-wheel drive demon would require a BMW CSL-batteringappendix to this feature.In Europe, 1971 had been a false start for the Escort RS1600s;the following year, using a 260bhp Hart-BDA engine, a Borehambackedmodel was more competitive. But in ’73 – as Ford of Britainshifted all of its funds to rallying – factory interest dwindled.However, by then the Zakspeed cars had arrived and the followingyear these would essentially become the works Escorts.Using iron-block two-litre engines they were built for reliability,rather than outright go, making a seemingly paltry 275bhp. Theywere competing in a smaller class than the 420bhp Capri RS3100sand similarly-powered BMW 3.0 CSLs but did better, winning theDivision One championship and the Nürburgring round outright.Brutally embarrassing for Ford’s new Capri talisman, but the perfectend to the Escort MkI’s European track career.Representing sporty Escort MkIs here is this striking blackRS2000 (for sale at Kent-based Porsche specialist 911Box).Although it’s the BDA-engined cars that bask directly in the glory,their slightly softer 2000cc Pinto-powered sibling is arguably thenicer road car – a little less highly strung, more pleasing inside andnot to mention considerably lighter on the wallet today.It features the same strengthened Type 49 bodyshell, completewith flared front arches, but this example doesn’t have the usualcontrasting stripes on the body. Into this is shoehorned the bulkierPinto engine – good for 100bhp – which is mated to the CortinaMkIII’s Type E gearbox and the same Timken rear axle as otherAVO products, but now with a higher 3.54:1 final drive ratio.The interior is sporting but spartan compared to the others, andfeels built down to a budget. That’s not a criticism because the AVOsix-instrument binnacle, flat three-spoke RS steering wheel andsuperb Recaro sports bucket seats work together to focus attentionon the one thing that matters in this car – the road.Driving it is a physical, Greco-Roman wrestling whirlwind of anaffair; the harder you manhandle it, the better it responds. Theengine isn’t the most sophisticated – antediluvian compared to theCSL’s unit – but response is willing from the off, and there’s lashingsof torque delivered throughout the rev range all the while with adelightfully rorty wide-boy soundtrack.The steering is razor-sharp but it’s the gearbox that astounds, itsincredibly micro-short throws and snicky-nature rendering all rivalsboth flabby and redundant in an instant.Despite revised suspension – firmer front and softer rear springs,and different damper settings – the RS2000 is initially neutralthrough corners, but a hard prod of the throttle will still initiatelurid but controllable oversteer.This Sideways-Sid is an absolute howl, with a hardcore naturethat can’t help but shine through. On track there’s more than52