Latest news with #FordEscort
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Quarter million pound Ford Escort: MkII RS 1800 owned by the same family for 50 years sells for record price
A 1976 Ford Escort that's been retained by the same family for almost half a century has been sold at auction - and for a new record price. The MkII RS 1800 is one of 109 limited edition road-going models built at the car giant's Advanced Vehicle Operations Pilot Plant at Aveley, Essex - each one finished in Diamond White paint. But few remain in the same condition with such low mileage as the one sold on Saturday - let alone an example that's been kept in single family ownership almost from new. The vendor's late husband acquired the car from Ford in 1977, shortly after it had concluded its duties as the second of five vehicles provided to the press for test drives - the first being written off during this time. While the price he paid for the car remains undisclosed, when new in 1976 the RS 1800 was priced at £2,990 plus tax. When the hammer dropped at the weekend, registration ONO 804P sold for almost 100 times that amount to become the most expensive MkII Escort in history. This is Money has exclusively spoken to the collector who was last to raise their paddle in the auction hall at the weekend... Record-breaking Ford Escort: This MkII RS 1800 has been in one family ownership for the best part of half a century. Its low miles and incredible original condition has made it the world's most expensive second-gen model When the hammer dropped at an auction in Windsor at the weekend, registration ONO 804P sold for almost 100 times its original price to become the most expensive MkII Escort in history The vendor's late husband reportedly drove the rally-inspired Fast Ford for around 10 years before it underwent a restoration and was kept off the road in a barn. As such, it has a mere 24,186 miles on the clock - barely 500 miles for each of its 49 years since rolling off the Essex assembly line. Following his death recently, the keeper's widow commissioned classic car specialist Historics to offer the lot the highest bidder at an auction in Windsor. The car, described as the lone owner's 'pride and joy' has now become the world's most expensive second-generation Escort. The lot winner - having been embroiled in a 'frenzied' bidding war in the auction room - paid an eye-watering £278,848 to secure the keys on Saturday. The previous record was held by a 1975 Ford Escort RS 1800 rally car campaigned by Björn Waldegård, Roger Clark, Ari Vatanen and Pentti Airikkala. That car was sold at by Bonhams at the 2015 Goodwood Members' Meeting for a comparatively paltry £85,500. The sale price also far eclipsed the pre-sale estimate of £160,000 to £185,000 as the winning bid exceeded the top end by an additional six figures. The vendor's late husband acquired the car from Ford in 1977, shortly after it had concluded its duties as the second of five vehicles provided to the press for test drives - the first being written off during this time 'After travelling 25,000 road miles during its lifetime, this Escort has rested gently under cover in a farm barn for decades,' Historics says. It adds that the performance RS Ford has twice been painstakingly and professionally restored, all with the accent on originality. It is understood that the car remained in the barn for 35 years with a fully rebuilt engine sitting on a pallet next to it. With time and a lack of use taking its toll, the second restoration project was undertaken just five years ago, with the aim of returning the Fast Ford to its former glory. 'It is probably in a far better condition than when it left Ford's Essex low-profile side assembly line, nearly half a century earlier,' the auction house says. The lot winner - having been embroiled in a 'frenzied' bidding war in the auction room - paid an eye-watering £278,848 to secure the keys on Saturday Jeremy Walton from Historics added: 'The MkII Escort RS1800 is an icon of Ford's World Championship motorsport history, but this blistering sale result - most surely a world record for a 1976 Ford Escort - is a spectacular endorsement of how few unmodified public road examples of these Escorts remain. 'Certainly, far fewer original RS1800s survive than many exotic classics, bearing more prestigious badges.' Stewart Banks of Historics Auctioneers described Saturday's auction hall as an 'electric atmosphere'. He said: 'After publicising the car far and wide, we had great expressions of pre-sale interest, and bidding on the car was intense - as was to be expected as the Escort RS1800 was such a star of world rallying. 'However, nobody could have predicted such a stunning result. The performance RS Ford has twice been painstakingly and professionally restored, all with the accent on originality Speaking exclusively to This is Money, the winning bidder - who requested to remain anonymous, told us: 'I am thrilled to be able to secure what is probably the most original, low-owner RS1800 with such super provenance. 'It has been purchased to enjoy as part of a private collection of some of the most important historic Ford race and road vehicles. 'ONO 804P will be hugely cherished. 'I cannot thank Stewart Banks and the whole Historics team enough as well as the previous owner.'
The Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Impeccably restored Ford Escort kept in same family for 50 years finally sells for staggering 6-figure sum
AN impeccably preserved Ford Escort which was in the same family for nearly 50 years has been sold for a staggering sum. The 1976 Ford Escort Mk II RS 1800 was kept off the road in a barn for most of its life. 4 4 4 The amazing vehicle was purchased in 1977 for an unknown amount but the owner only drove it for ten years. The motor then underwent a restoration and was hidden in a barn for over 35 years. After the owner's recent passing, his widowed wife has put the Ford up for sale at auctioneers Historics, of Iver, Bucks. The exceptionally rare vehicle sparked a bidding war and went under the hammer for a whopping £276,000. His 'pride and joy' was originally registered to the Ford Motor Company and one of just five cars used by Ford as a Press car. There were only 109 examples manufactured all together of the model which enjoyed huge rallying success in the late 70s and early 80s. Its rallying abilities were enhanced by the 1.8-liter Cosworth BDA (Belt Drive A-Type) engine which generated over 240bhp. The lightweight and nimble chassis and suspension of the Mk. II were carried over from its predecessor. Its responsive handling and balance, especially on loose gravel surfaces, made it a driver favourite thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup. The white car with the small strip of bright and dark blue paint above the wheels has only travelled a total of 24,186 miles, or 500 miles annually on average. Iconic 1965 Ford Racer that starred in Top Gear is so rare only two in the world exist - but could be yours at auction The sought-after Ford has undergone a second revamp before the auction but has to be treated gently due to its low mileage. A Historics spokesperson said: "Beyond its rallying success, the Escort RS1800 Mk II remains a cherished car among enthusiasts and collectors. "Its combination of performance, history, and timeless design continues to captivate fans. "Restored and modified examples are frequently seen in classic car rallies and events, a testament to its enduring legacy. "The car sat in a barn for 35 years with the rebuilt engine sat on a pallet next to the RS1800. "Time had taken its toll and another restoration project was undertaken, with the plan to present the car in the best possible condition. "The registered keeper sadly passed away and the car is now registered in the name of his widow. "It runs beautifully although needs to be treated gently as it has only done less than 50 miles since the rebuild." 4
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Impeccably restored Ford Escort kept in same family for 50 years finally sells for staggering 6-figure sum
AN impeccably preserved Ford Escort which was in the same family for nearly 50 years has been sold for a staggering sum. The 1976 Ford Escort Mk II RS 1800 was kept off the road in a barn for most of its life. 4 1976 Ford Escort Mk. II RS1800 sells for a staggering sum at an auction Credit: Historics Auctioneers 4 The rare car was kept in the same family for 50 years Credit: Historics Auctioneers 4 The vehicle sports a low mileage as it was kept in a barn for most of its life Credit: Historics Auctioneers The amazing vehicle was purchased in 1977 for an unknown amount but the owner only drove it for ten years. The motor then underwent a restoration and was hidden in a barn for over 35 years. After the owner's recent passing, his widowed wife has put the Ford up for sale at auctioneers Historics, of Iver, Bucks. The exceptionally rare vehicle sparked a bidding war and went under the hammer for a whopping £276,000. read more on motors His ' pride and joy' was originally registered to the Ford Motor Company and one of just five cars used by Ford as a Press car. There were only 109 examples manufactured all together of the model which enjoyed huge rallying success in the late 70s and early 80s. Its rallying abilities were enhanced by the 1.8-liter Cosworth BDA (Belt Drive A-Type) engine which generated over 240bhp. The lightweight and nimble chassis and suspension of the Mk. II were carried over from its predecessor. Most read in Motors Its responsive handling and balance, especially on loose gravel surfaces, made it a driver favourite thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup. The white car with the small strip of bright and dark blue paint above the wheels has only travelled a total of 24,186 miles, or 500 miles annually on average. Iconic 1965 Ford Racer that starred in Top Gear is so rare only two in the world exist - but could be yours at auction The sought-after Ford has undergone a second revamp before the auction but has to be treated gently due to its low mileage. A Historics spokesperson said: "Beyond its rallying success, the Escort RS1800 Mk II remains a cherished car among enthusiasts and collectors. "Its combination of performance, history, and timeless design continues to captivate fans. "Restored and modified examples are frequently seen in classic car rallies and events, a testament to its enduring legacy. "The car sat in a barn for 35 years with the rebuilt engine sat on a pallet next to the RS1800. "Time had taken its toll and another restoration project was undertaken, with the plan to present the car in the best possible condition. "The registered keeper sadly passed away and the car is now registered in the name of his widow. "It runs beautifully although needs to be treated gently as it has only done less than 50 miles since the rebuild." 4 The iconic Ford has undergone two revamps to bring it back to its full glory Credit: Historics Auctioneers
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Impeccably restored Ford Escort kept in same family for 50 years finally sells for staggering 6-figure sum
TURBO HERO Impeccably restored Ford Escort kept in same family for 50 years finally sells for staggering 6-figure sum Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN impeccably preserved Ford Escort which was in the same family for nearly 50 years has been sold for a staggering sum. The 1976 Ford Escort Mk II RS 1800 was kept off the road in a barn for most of its life. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 1976 Ford Escort Mk. II RS1800 sells for a staggering sum at an auction Credit: Historics Auctioneers 4 The rare car was kept in the same family for 50 years Credit: Historics Auctioneers 4 The vehicle sports a low mileage as it was kept in a barn for most of its life Credit: Historics Auctioneers The amazing vehicle was purchased in 1977 for an unknown amount but the owner only drove it for ten years. The motor then underwent a restoration and was hidden in a barn for over 35 years. After the owner's recent passing, his widowed wife has put the Ford up for sale at auctioneers Historics, of Iver, Bucks. The exceptionally rare vehicle sparked a bidding war and went under the hammer for a whopping £276,000. His 'pride and joy' was originally registered to the Ford Motor Company and one of just five cars used by Ford as a Press car. There were only 109 examples manufactured all together of the model which enjoyed huge rallying success in the late 70s and early 80s. Its rallying abilities were enhanced by the 1.8-liter Cosworth BDA (Belt Drive A-Type) engine which generated over 240bhp. The lightweight and nimble chassis and suspension of the Mk. II were carried over from its predecessor. Its responsive handling and balance, especially on loose gravel surfaces, made it a driver favourite thanks to its rear-wheel-drive setup. The white car with the small strip of bright and dark blue paint above the wheels has only travelled a total of 24,186 miles, or 500 miles annually on average. Iconic 1965 Ford Racer that starred in Top Gear is so rare only two in the world exist - but could be yours at auction The sought-after Ford has undergone a second revamp before the auction but has to be treated gently due to its low mileage. A Historics spokesperson said: "Beyond its rallying success, the Escort RS1800 Mk II remains a cherished car among enthusiasts and collectors. "Its combination of performance, history, and timeless design continues to captivate fans. "Restored and modified examples are frequently seen in classic car rallies and events, a testament to its enduring legacy. "The car sat in a barn for 35 years with the rebuilt engine sat on a pallet next to the RS1800. "Time had taken its toll and another restoration project was undertaken, with the plan to present the car in the best possible condition. "The registered keeper sadly passed away and the car is now registered in the name of his widow. "It runs beautifully although needs to be treated gently as it has only done less than 50 miles since the rebuild."
Telegraph
a day ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Ford Escort belonging to family for 50 years sells for £276k
A Ford Escort which was in the same family for nearly 50 years has sold for a staggering £276,000. The vendor's late husband bought the 1976 Ford Escort Mk II RS 1800 for an undisclosed sum in 1977. He drove it for about 10 years before it underwent a restoration and was kept off the road in a barn. The owner died recently and his widow put the Ford up for sale at auctioneers Historics, of Iver, Buckinghamshire. The car which was his 'pride and joy' was originally registered to the Ford Motor Company and one of just five cars used by Ford as a press car. There were only 109 examples all together manufactured of the model, which enjoyed huge rallying success in the late 70s and early 80s. Enduring legacy The white car with a thin light and dark blue strip on the paintwork above its wheels has done only 24,186 miles – on average, 500 a year. A spokesman for Historics said: 'Beyond its rallying success, the Escort RS1800 Mk II remains a cherished car among enthusiasts and collectors. 'Its combination of performance, history, and timeless design continues to captivate fans. 'Restored and modified examples are frequently seen in classic car rallies and events, a testament to its enduring legacy. 'Out of the 109 cars that were built, there were five Press cars, owned by Ford Motor Company, and this is one of the five Press cars. 'In March 1977, it was purchased by the second owner, who used the car for a number of years and in the late 1980s it was restored. 'The car sat in a barn for 35 years with the rebuilt engine sitting on a pallet next to the RS1800. 'Time had taken its toll, and another restoration project was undertaken, with the plan to present the car in the best possible condition. 'The registered keeper sadly passed away and the car is now registered in the name of his widow. 'It runs beautifully, although it needs to be treated gently as it has only done less than 50 miles since the rebuild.'
