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Escort Mk3 RS 1700T

The Works Escort Rally Programme 1983

In 1980, following the launch of the MKIII Escort, Ford's plans were started to produce a rear wheel drive Escort to replace the MK II Works rally cars, the RS1700T, with a full programme expected in 1983. As all Ford rally enthusiasts will know, the development was hindered by all kinds of problems, and ultimately the project in the UK was cancelled.
Ford Germany had initiated the development of a MkIII Escort with a view to circuit racing, and produced the RS1600i. Right hand drive versions were completed in late 1982, and homologated on January 1st 1983.Peter Ashcroft announced the decision to run a limited program of Rally events with the GpA RS1600i, for contracted driver Malcolm Wilson, and the up and coming Louise Aitken. However, due to the commitments of Fords Rally HQ at Boreham with the RS1700T, the program was passed over to MCD of Widnes (later to become Rally Engineering Developments or R.E.D.), fresh from their success with Ari Vatanen in 1982

RED took delivery of the first vehicle on Christmas Eve 1982, and had to have both cars built and ready for the first round of the British Rally Championship, the Mintex, on Feb 25th - a tall order by anyone's standards.

The RS 1700T Program was canceled along with the C100 Sports car project when Stewart Turner was offered control of Ford Motorsport for the Second time. This gave rise to one of Ford greatest cars the RS 200. This car to showed promise, and could of well have blitzed the World Rally scene. The group "B" category of cars was closed in the mid 80's.

Most of the 18 RS 1700T examples were crushed (WHY), but a few remain.

The 200 engines that had been developed for the 1700T ended there life being re-developed with a revised spec and fitted to the RS200 project.

The Ford Escort RS 1700T was under development for 2 years. The plans for the 1700T were to be the successor to the ultra successful Mk2 Escort RS1800. The RS1700T was to be entered into the up and coming Group B category for the World Rallying Championship.

 

This was Ford's first attempt at a turbocharged rally competition car, a brief spec below :-

  • 1778cc, BDT engine, 200 Bhp (Road) 350 Bhp (Works), aluminum block, developed by Ford & Cosworth.

  • Engine mounted longitudinal unlike the transverse mounting for the Escort Mk3 road car. 

  • Rear Wheel Drive.

  • Full independent suspension all round.

  • Top speed 140 mph

  • 0-60 mph 4.2 (350bhp)