Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1

Two Ford Ecort Mk1s battle it out at Dijon-Prenois, 2015 GP del'Age d'Or. An RS 1600 chases an RS2000.

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For more photos of the 2016 GP de l'Age d'Or at Dijon-Prenois, click on the link above.

Ford, Aveley Essex, England. The Ford Escort Mk1 was introduced in 1968.  In 1970 Ford introduced the Escort RS1600 with a Cosworth tuned 1,600cc 16 valve twin cam BDA engine.  This gave the Escort a power to weight ratio that enabled it to compete successfully in touring car racing and rallying with its already good handling. The top speed was over 110 mph and the 0-60mph time was under 9 seconds for the road version. Over the years the size of the engine progressed up to 2 litres and thus some cars became known as the RS1800 and RS2000.  Wins on tarmac included Jochen Mass and John Fitzpatrick's win in 1971 in the European Touring Car Championship event at Jarama but many other podiums and class victories were scored.  In rallying they were even more successful.  Roger Clark won the 1972 RAC rally in an RS1600.  Timo Makinen won the RAC Rally in 1973 and 1974 and the 1,000 Lakes in 1973 driving an RS 1600.