Ford Escort RS2000 restored by Richard Hammond up for auction

A 1979 Ford Escort RS2000, restored by Richard Hammond’s new workshop, will be sold this weekend. 

It’s the first finished vehicle to emerge from ‘The Smallest Cog’ venture, and will appear on a Discovery+ documentary series later this year

Classic Car Auctions will sell the RS2000 as part of the Practical Classic Cars and Restoration Show sale.

Another cog in the machine

Silverstone Auctions Ford RS2000

Earlier this year, Hammond raised more than £230,000 through the sale of his own vehicle collection. The funds from this were used to establish The Smallest Cog workshop. 

Located in Rotherwas, Herefordshire, Hammond started the business with father and son Neil and Anthony Greenhouse.

The Mk2 Escort RS2000 is the first car to be recommissioned by the team, having previously been purchased at auction.

Originally supplied to a UK owner, the RS2000 moved to the Isle of Man, followed by the Republic of Ireland.

Returned to RS standards

Silverstone Auctions Ford RS2000

The car was displayed at the London Classic Car Show in its unrestored state. Following the work, the RS2000 made an appearance at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance event.

Attracting attention at the Concours of Elegance was the Escort’s deep Midnight Blue paintwork. The famed ‘droop snoot’ nose and four-spoke Rallye Sport wheels are also present and correct. Inside, an entirely new beige interior has been fitted by Aldridge Trimmers.

The RS2000’s famed 110hp 2.0-litre Pinto engine has been checked over. New front suspension has been fitted, along with new front and rear brakes.

Classic cars and TV stars

Silverstone Auctions Ford RS2000

Despite the booming values for classic fast Fords, the guide price for the RS2000 seems relatively modest. Classic Car Auctions expects the car to achieve between £35,000 and £40,000.

It will give the new owner an impressively prepared classic Ford – and one that will appear on TV later this year.  

The sale of the RS2000 takes place on Saturday 25 September during the Practical Classic Cars and Restoration Show at Stoneleigh Park.

Other cars listed for sale include a 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, 1986 Porsche 911 3.2 SSE and a restored 1970 Jaguar E-Type.

ALSO READ:

The Ford Escort story: how Britain’s best-seller blew it

The greatest second-generation cars

2002 Ford Focus RS review: Retro Road Test

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

spot_imgspot_img

Latest

Ultra-rare MG XPower SV-R supercar is up for sale

One of only 42 examples built, this V8-engined MG XPower SV-R is a true piece of British motoring history – and you could own it.

History of Lamborghini: in pictures

As Lamborghini reveals the Urus SUV, we look back at the firm's pedigree

Film star Porsche 911 964 Turbo could be yours

This Porsche 911 Turbo featured in the 1995 movie, Bad Boys – and was previously owned by director Michael Bay. It heads to auction in 2022.

1990 Renault 5 GT Turbo review: Retro Road Test

Fragile, fast and fun, the Renault 5 GT Turbo lives up every cliché about French hot hatches. We drive one – and offer up some buying advice.

Auction Car of the Week: 1986 Porsche 924S

Looking for an affordable classic Porsche? This four-owner 924S automatic has covered just 28,575 miles from new.