1979 FORD ESCORT PRÉPARATION 2000 R

Unregistered
Chassis n° GCATUG77764

High quality Group 1 preparation
Fun, powerful model
Ready to use in the big regularity rallies

This Escort, corresponding to a superb Group 1 preparation, remained in the hands of the same owner until the end of the 1990s. Baudouin Lempereur acquired the car in 2006 and oversaw its restoration. During this work, the chassis number was moved right next to where it is supposed to be, suggesting the use of a different body, probably from a standard Escort, in order to start from a sound base. It was carefully rebuilt in a way that has retained the original spirit of the car. It has the interior of a competition car, stripped out and equipped with two bucket seats and Sparco harnesses, a dashboard that has been modified to suit its use and a bolted-in roll-cage to protect its occupants.
The Ford Pinto engine has a camshaft control with phased shift pulley. The two Dell’Orto carburettors are fed by an electric pump, and the ‘4 in 1’ exhaust manifold ensures optimal gas flow and an impressive roar. In this configuration, the 4-cylinders are likely to produce around 140 bhp, giving this lightweight car excellent performance, with the help of a 5-speed Type 9 gearbox, probably from a Ford Sierra. To improve the weight distribution, the battery has been fitted in the boot.
The car is equipped with 6×15 inch Minilite wheels and will be sold with its Belgian certificate of conformity dating from 1979. This is a lovely Group 1 machine, ready to take to the track or compete in regularity rallies to defend its new owner’s colours.

Photo © Peter Singhof

The auction of this lot will take place on Saturday 19 March 2022.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1979-ford-escort-preparation-2000-rs-no-reserve-4134-359