Legendary 1970 Ford Escort given racing makeover to sell for £100,000 as Fast Fords continue to rocket in value
A CLASSIC 48-year-old Ford Escort that was turned into a souped-up race car is tipped to sell for a staggering £100,000.
Built in 1970 at Ford's Essex plant, the RS1600 was the racing version of the Mk1 Escort.
Having lived most of its life as a regular commuter, not much is known about the car's early years.
But in 2008, the motor was purchased by Ford racing driver Vince Woodman who set about building up the white runabout to full FIA racing standards.
The renovation saw Woodman completely strip the interior, with all seats removed except for the driver's.
He then fitted a roll cage and a simpler control panel on the dashboard with very few switches and dials.
The car now drives on a rebuilt 2.0 litre Cosworth engine with a new five-speed gearbox.
It was also fitted with disc brakes at both front and rear - as well as a five-point safety harness.
Woodman raced a range of Escorts and Ford Capris in the 1970s and 80s and has now decided to sell the custom RS1600.
Given how little use it has seen in recent years, the Escort's bodywork remains in fantastic condition, with pristine white paint and classic blue stripes - similar to the cars Woodman used to race in his heyday.
The racing number 45 is printed on the doors and bonnet, as well as on a chrome mudguard beneath the bonnet.
Classic Ford racing models continue to rocket in value, with a number reaching incredibly high prices in recent months.
In November last year, a 1996 RS Conworth Escort and a 1980s RS2000 both went to auction for just over £90,000, while a 1970 RS1600 similar to the one built by Woodman was tipped to sell for £45,000 in early January this year.
Earlier in 2017, a 1968 Mk1 Ford Escort sold for a world record £203,100.
More classic motors for sale
The modified Escort will be sold off by Silverstone Auctions of Warwickshire at their February 23 sale in Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
Adam Rutter, a classic car consignor with Silverstone Auctions, said: "This fabulous RS1600 comes from the home of a well-respected, British racing car driver, Vince Woodman.
"Presented in Vince's own racing livery, it has only been used once since its rebuild and certainly makes for a rare and unique purchase opportunity at auction."