The Cosworth BDA-powered RS1800 was a homologation special, produced so Escort Mk2s could enter international motorsport. It’s rare because Ford homologated it as an evolution of the similarly powered Mk1-based RS1600. Consequently, only 109 were built, all to order – 106 in white. All were converted to RS1800 specification in a small two-ramp workshop on Ford’s Aveley development site, Essex.

The first 20 were based on Halewood-built Sport bodyshells and are easily recognisable by their blue stripes, although at least three also had body-coloured rear spoilers. Later RS1800s were based on Saarlouis-built Mexicos. Ford retained the first two for PR work, but the car modelled is believed to be the first RS1800 sold to a customer.

It was registered in Northampton in July 1975, then exported to Malta in 1978 and allocated a new UK registration on return. The current owner, Perthshire-based Gary Wilson, acquired it in 2009 and traced its history with the help of then RSOC RS1800 Registrar, the late Dave Robinson. Dave proved it was the 'missing' first RS1800, which enabled it to be returned to its original registration.

Gary spent ten years on a very detailed, complete restoration with expert Neil Arnold at Auto Restoration, Stockton-on-Tees. The finished article debuted at the RSOC’s Knockhill event in September 2021 and is considered the most perfect RS1800 extant.

It has since won many trophies, including Concours Car of the Show at the RSOC National Day, 28th August 2022.

We’ve only made 1,400 of these limited-edition die-cast Ford Escort Mk2 1:43 scale models. Secure your Vanguards model today!

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