SINCE Ford first imported a limited number of RS2000 Escorts into Australia there had been speculation that this was a prelude to the blue oval backing motorsport again. Of course by then the 2nd generation "European look" Escort had become a real succcess story, and the addition of the RS2000 was targeting a very select group of Australian enthusiasts.
However the RS2000 was only the 'tip of the iceberg' of the Escort range of goodies available to enthusiasts in England. There, the RS1800 Escort was a force to be reckoned with, and the two UK works prepared RS 1800 Escorts entered in the Southem Cross Rally at Port Macquarie (driven by none other than
Roger Clark and Timo Makinen, two of the quickest and most experienced rally drivers in the world) demonstrated the brilliance of the little Ford.
It was during this time that the
Escorts dominated the rally scene in the UK, however in Australia with no factory participation they were rarely seen in major events against the many Datsuns and Lancers. The Group 2 rally Escort RS1800 was basically the same as the regular production Escort RS1800 although the Group 2 rally car incorporated modifications and refinements to cope with the extraordinary demands of international rallying.
Under-body protection was increased by the addition of a light weight alloy shield which covered the underside of the engine and gearbox. The twin overhead camshaft 1800cc, 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine had its capacity increased to 2-liters and with the addition of two twin choke 45mm Weber carburetors - replacing the single twin choke, down draught Weber - with modified camshafts engine power output was increased to an average 171.5kW at 8,200 rpm.
Brian Hart prepared and tuned all the works engines and power increased to a whopping 183kW on some engines! Additionally, the engine's lubrication system was changed to the dry sump type with the oil reservoir located in the boot of the Escort. The four-speed gearbox was changed to a ZF five speed and a limited slip differential was incorporated in the rear axle. In order to produce high rates of acceleration with a comparatively low maximum speed the ratio of the final drive unit was also changed between a 5.1 or 5.3.
In 1974 no less than 8 different types of Dunlop tires ranging from extra wide, hand-cut racing tires to narrow snow tires were available to the drivers in the Ford 'works' team. The Minilite alloy, extra wide wheels were enclosed within special wheel-arch extensions and both the front and rear suspensions systems incorporated gas/oil filled Bilstein shock absorber units.
The rear axle location was also improved and modified by the addition of extra suspension links. In order to provide maximum protection for the occupants of the rally Escort RS1800 a special steel safety cage was built into the car and mounted to the body at 14 points. Full aircraft type seat harnesses were provided for both driver and navigator, a special fireproof bulkhead was built across the rear of the car between the boot and the passenger compartment, and the long range fuel tank, mounted in the boot, was filled with plastic foam to prevent fuel spillage in the event of the tank being ruptured.
All fuel and brake lines were routed through the inside of the car for protecction while the front and rear brake systems were on separate circuits. The ignition could be switched off from either inside or outside the car and a special fire extinguishing system was fittted. In case of fire the system was designed to automatically release a special gas which would extinguish the flames but was not dangerous to the occupants of the car.
Escort aficionados of today know the major role international rallies were to Ford's Esscort development programmes. The many improvements which had been brought about in suspension, brakes, lights, comfort and durability were in most respects a direct result of development in competition. Additionally, the specialist components which were fitted to Ford 'works' rally cars were available to the private owner who wished to compete in competition.
Ford performance parts were marketed throughout Britain and Europe through the network of Ford Rallye Sport Dealers. The Ford Rallye Sport Club concentrates more and more on providing technical information for its members who wished to take part in motor sport competiition. A series of facts sheets which could be incorporated into a comprehensive binder to make up a complete volume on rally preparation was distributed to members. This facts service was designed to enable the private entrant to keep pace with the works drivers.
The Ford Rallye Sport Club
As a further part of its activity, the Ford Rallye Sport Club established a comprehensive film library of motor sport films. These included the 1973 Scottish, the 1972 Safari and the Ford instructional film on rally driving, a filmed report of the 1975 Lombard-RAC rally and the 1975 Scottish Rally. Thanks to the RS Escort the Ford Rallye Sport Club had an annual turnover exceedding $30,000 in 1975, with almost half of it going for export, the Ford Rallye Sport Club's clothing range now extending from Timo's Lombard-RAC rally winning hat to marshalls golf-style umbrellas.
