The MKII.
Launched in 1975 to replace the MKI, the only real changes were in the styling, revised suspension locations etc but there were some differences in the engines. The whole range was much more product placement orientated though.
The first 'fast Escort' was the very rare RS1800 which used a bored out version of the RS1600 Cosworth BDA engine and essentially was a newer version of that car, although the engine block had been replaced by an alloy version (actually this was done in '73 and featured in the last run of RS16's in 1600 form). Some of the first cars had the twin 40's as of the RS16 but most came with a single twin-choke 32/36 DGAV. The power output was compareable to the 1600 version but torquier. This was a rare car and only about 108 were ever made.
January 1976 saw the launch of both the RS Mexico and the RS2000. The RS Mexico was, like the MKI, a 1600cc but instead of the Kent engine it had a 1600cc version of the pinto engine and like it's predecessor it was a cheap and straight forward mass production fast Escort.
With bold graphics and a 1300/1600 sport interior it filled the same role as the MKI.
The MKII had a slightly uprated version of the 1998cc pinto as used in the MKI, with a different exhaust manifold it gave a little more power than the MKI or the same engine when used in the Cortina or Capri.
The main thing about the MKII RS2 was the redisigned front end. Whereas all other fast MKII's had the same flat front as the rest of the Escort range the RS2 had a unique polyurethane 'droop snoot' nose with four round headlights. South African and Australian versions stuck with the mass production style flat front set up however.
The later RS2's were well appointed even for the standards of the day with a radio, centre console with clock, extra dials (like the RS Mexico and RS1800) and high back, sumptuous and reclining Recaro front seats. They also had a glovebox unlike the lowly RS Mexico.All three second generation Fords had bold exterior graphics, a lower front spoiler and rubberised boot spoiler, although they weren't extravagently styled like the later hot hatches they weren't exactly shrinking violets either.The coming of the hot hatches may have over shadowed these later cars, the likes of the VW Golf GTi may have looked more modern at the end of the 70's and took a lot of the RS2000's limelight. They aren't any quicker and are no better to drive. In fact, all the rear-drive Escort's were such lovely handling and controllable cars near their limits(although people who have been brought up on safe and predictable FWD cars may find the older RWD Escorts a bit of a handful in the wet) that it's hard to see how a Golf could be as satisfying to drive, having driven many Escorts and a few Golfs I would take an Escort any day.
The later RS2's were well appointed even for the standards of the day with a radio, centre console with clock, extra dials (like the RS Mexico and RS1800) and high back, sumptuous and reclining Recaro front seats. They also had a glovebox unlike the lowly RS Mexico.All three second generation Fords had bold exterior graphics, a lower front spoiler and rubberised boot spoiler, although they weren't extravagently styled like the later hot hatches they weren't exactly shrinking violets either.The coming of the hot hatches may have over shadowed these later cars, the likes of the VW Golf GTi may have looked more modern at the end of the 70's and took a lot of the RS2000's limelight. They aren't any quicker and are no better to drive. In fact, all the rear-drive Escort's were such lovely handling and controllable cars near their limits(although people who have been brought up on safe and predictable FWD cars may find the older RWD Escorts a bit of a handful in the wet) that it's hard to see how a Golf could be as satisfying to drive, having driven many Escorts and a few Golfs I would take an Escort any day. Having been replaced in 1980 by the 3rd generation MK3 these cars are getting on for 25 years old at least but don't let that put you off. The main problem, of course, has to be getting hold of one these days as their constant rise in popularity in the last decade has made even fair examples expensive to buy. You can still buy an old one for little money but it won't have been restored and if you don't know your stuff it is easy to buy a pile of junk.
Good ones, especially the ones I've reviewed here go for substantial sums these days, I've seen MKII RS2000's go for a little under £2000 but you can pay much more than that for a real good example.Parts availability is good and getting better all the time because of the growth of interest in these cars plus there has always been a strong rallying tradition which has kept these cars from disappearing into obscurity. Their rallying success is legendary and this just points to their overall capabilities.Being in effect a very mainstream type of car in their day you won't find them at all hard to drive or hard to live with, especially the RS Mexico and RS2000 models although the early TC, RS16 and RS1800 models are technically complex compared to normal Ford's and take a lot more looking after and regular attention to their engines to keep them on top form.Fuel consumption figures are not excessive nor would you find them hard to insure, particularly under classic insurance.If you want a car that has personality, history, looks good yet isn't a pig to live with then one of these fine cars would be a very good choice.
