What inspired you

[Trickster]

What inspired u to buy a MK11 RS Escort?? mine was the professionals as a kid so i always wanted a Diamond white RS2000

[Banishit]

Mine was watching the rally cars racing round Hafren Forest and I wanted to do it, just loved the sound, even though I have a droop I would rather have a Flat front with 4 Cibies :geek:

Brian

[BigNige]

Bani

Mine is the same as yours really

Saw them rallying and loved them

My sis then went and brought a 1.1 Pop that had harrier decals loved that so was looking for a cheap RS and had to be a Mk2 after plenty of cossies

This one came up so i brought it

NIge

[Fraz]

Just a right place right time sort of thing......

Took money out of bank to buy a 3dr Cos but couldnt find 1 that I wanted at the same time Guy put DDA up for sale, had seen pictures in the past and I liked so took the 900 mile round trip to buy her :) now she gets more attention than my other cars :)

[Chesney]

What inspired u to buy a MK11 RS Escort?? mine was the professionals as a kid so i always wanted a Diamond white RS2000 me too trickster, i've loved them ever since, especially riviera blue. Mine's ok and useable but one day i'll have an absolute minter, even if it means living in a caravan lol!!!

[Tara]

A mate of mine has always liked them and he has a mk2 mex and over time he talked me into getting one so he had someone to go out with and mess around with them (so i did) :bom:
Never thought about them before now but i am really glad i went ahead and got it.

[roths]

Saw a picture in a car mag of an RS2000 Mk2, when I was in short pants..must have been late 70's....then The Professionals!

Said I'd get one one day.....

[ders]

I was inspired by 2 local boys who had them and used to rip by the house everyday. One was a signal amber "S"reg with 45`s etc, the other was a mates signal red "W" reg with BVR. His old man bought it for him for passing his test, this was 1982, not even 2 years old...the jammy ****er!
It was at this time i knew i had to give up the paper round and get a proper job, 3 years later i got my first RS2000 in 1985. VLS222R venetion red with BVR. Been hooked ever since.

CheeRS Ders.

[martin c]

Dabbled with several other RS's 16i's,S1's,xr2's but saw the light in 89 and bought a yellow mex :cheers: - best fun ever - 2.1 engine,45s etc only problem was I couldn't afford to run it :bigcry: Followed by normal {boring} cars for a while. Lost the plot for a while, bought a house etc {even bought a diesel car} but finally got my dream car - my amber mex :wav:

[arron]

Seeing the cars around and about when I was a kid, I remember following an estate car with a java green nosecone in the back and thinking - that's off the car I want when I grow up !

I think The Professionals had an influence as well.

[Gooey]

The attention they get at shows and now I ve got it, the attention it gets on the road.

[Frosticles]

Grew up with them, My dad had a signal Green Mex when I was a kid............ Will be part of me forever I think.

[M11RF]

The rally cars did it for me and also my brother had a white mex, which i
wish i had have bought now about 8 years ago...
And a harrier and a sport... :cheers:

[chrisp]

My late mum's mum and dad (thus my gran and grandad) had a 1980 1.3 GL 4 door in Nordic Blue - BHY 693V

That little 1.3 x/flow had a lovely burble that made me think 'when I'm old enough, one of them will do for me'. I got given it when I was 14 after my gran died (she was the driver and the car served no further purpose) and with my Dad being a vicar, had a church car park where I could learn to drive and abuse it.

Quite a gravelly car park it turned out and so I learned the art of sideways in low gears at an early age. I was hooked! It turned out to be a bit rotten, so at the tender age of 15 my mate an I undertook a bit of a resto...

Out came the engine for some bulkhead work and after an engine bay repair and respray, back in it went. It was sorted by the time I was 17 and I ran it for 2 years.

Going back a bit, this wagon had a decent set of owner manuals and so I read of this RS2000 thingy... Bloody 'ell I thought, a 2.0 in one of these... mine's tail happy enough on this gravel... one day, I promised myself, I'd own one of these beasts.

This thought never left my mind - my mate thought it was fad, but was pleasantly surprised when (10 years later) I finally bought one of these bleeders and took him for a spin in it.

It took some doing... I had to convince my wife (who knew me, although we weren't 'involved', when I had the 1.3 GL and she thought it was hideous!) that is was a good idea to sell that nice creature comfort air conditioned Vectra SRi and buy something that's darn noisy, bumpy and crap in the wet... but I did it!

And so I came to own STN 735S and it's lived in our garage (and come out on nice days) ever since! My daily driver changed from that accident magnet Vectra (another long story) to a rust bucket £300 Fiesta and latterly (currently) an Alfa... so I'm finally back in the good books again cos I've got an airconditioned car to take my lovely lady out in again!

Take a breath, Chris!...

[mk2phil]

I'm a bit younger than most of you guys on here *pauses*, but quite a few things conspired to me wanting and getting one.

A few of my neighbours used to have Mex's RS2000's and Harriers all the time outside their house working on them. Then when I passed my driving test at 17 my mate had a white 1600 mk1 escort. I didn't really think much of it at the time until we went out in it once and the amount of looks and people pointing and giving you the thumbs up in the car was amazing. Coupled to the fact that it blew the doors off all the local nova ****s while it overtook them sideways was a big reason to smile.

Then one day a mate bought a mk2 RS2000 all painted in the Michelin Pilot colours - looked lovely. That evening we went to a local biker/car meet place on a large roundabout where everyone meets and aprks up in the middle to have a chat. MY mate came screaming round the roundabout sideways in the RS and its a picture I remember to this day - then I thought 'I'm having one of them'.

[rsash]

I used to go climbing around Gower with my late brother in law in his Mk1 with a cartridge player playing Steeleye Span and his belief that anyone turning right in front of him on the narrow roads would always move out of the way before he lifted.

I used to have a white Harrier before moving joining the dark side and driving an HS Chevette, don't laugh, technically way ahead of an Escort and enormous fun with a capital F especially around Epynnt with the black Mk2 against Waldergard in a Quattro.

Anyway, years move on with kids etc. so time to chill out and spend some money.

Instead of a holiday I wanted a Mk2, would have preferred a Mexico but ended up with an RS2000.

I bought it through a local Agency supposedly specialising in Escorts (work it out - South Wales - Agency for Escorts).
Unfortunately what I bought turned out to be a dogs dinner with the so called expert liberating the LSD and tyres for himself before turning me over - sorry, turning it over to me.
P*ss*s me off to see an article in October Classic Ford that might be considered to approve their work, but really they should be avoided at all costs.

Two years later YJC 11W is nearly ready for the road again, MOT is done, Tax is done so in a couple of days I will be out and about.

Ashley

[Hixxie]

My dad bought his signal yellow 2000 when I was 7 and my mum used 2 use it 4 the school run, all the boys used 2 b well impressed that my dad had a racing car! After spending all my sundays as a child with the rsoc surrounded by mk2's it was only natural when i turned 16 2 buy my own :happy10: couldn't ever part with it now, every1 thinks I'm mad but I'm keepin it 4 life!

[Mr Hoarder]

The Professionals.

Having a similar name to one of the main characters got me a lot of stick at school, but I didn't care because he was driving the best car in the programme.

R Doyle !!!

[raybs]

Hi, I have not posted much here before, but this topic is too good to resist. This sort of question makes you sit back and think and for me I have to go a long way back.

I have been a car enthusiast since I can remember and I would go around the main dealers in Cardiff on my push bike picking up brouchures. Ford were my favourite and I wanted a Capri 3.0S when I grew up (still waiting for that!). I have a photo of a terracotta RS2000 in the showroom at UBM Ford Newport Road and an RS2000 Brouchure that I picked up myself off the dealer shelf (memories ... wish I had 10 now)

Got into Escorts big time when a mate bought a MK1 1.3L which we modified cosmetically, but he wanted more power (dont we all) so I mentioned that there was something called a Mexico .... he went out an bought one from a mate in the RAF. That was the start, I was 16 at the time and another mate was road rallying a Harrier so we got into rallying and I sent most of my time in College going off watching Escorts in the forrests of Wales.

Bought a Mk1 1300 Sport as my first car (rotten to the core) then the car I had been saving for ever for (and building up no claims) and the car I should never of sold a Signal Yellow MK2 RS2000, CAB 123W 1981 reg. Had that car for about 18 months when I lived in Peterborough, sold it just before I got married (1988) to buy an RS1600i. I have had continuous RS ownership since, but thay have been the Front wheel drive type which we dont talk about here.

Finally got back into a Mk2 in 1999 when I built an RS2000 Rally car with a friend, should be out an about at track days in it in 2005.

I also have another MK2 project on the go right now... cant believe the prices on bits ... wish I had hoarded when I had the chance!

So I am old ... but I take comfort from the fact that I am not as old as Phil Teear...hey Phil.

Sorry to bore you all, but if you are going to post you might as well make it a big one I spose!!

Regards, Ian

[Tim]

same as many others gp4 rally escort goin very saideways on the lose

[gartrack]

mine was my mates brother had a 1 when we were 15 he used to take us out in it and he drove like he stole it never forget it and always wanted 1 now got 1 to keep for my little boy for when he is older.

[rsdc1]

Lad a few doors up from me had a yellow mk2 rs2000 with bvr, and black Perspex headlamp covers, and that did it for me when I was 10, then the professionals kinda cemented it!
Oh by the way the guys little bro had a 350LC so I had one Of them too lol

[flyingpilot]

The metalwork teacher at school had a rally preped RS1600 with bubble archs, he would blast into the car park with all guns blazing, first seed planted.
I was given an MOT failure, a 1100 J reg super, which I learnt to drive in, around the back gullies to the house. Loose gravel, RWD...roots now forming:).
One Sunday morning while doing my paper round a load of group 4, RS1800's came down the Hagley Road, Birmingham, on there way to West Midlands Safari park after just leaving Sutton Park. It was the RAC rally.
Sapling well and truely growing now:D.
Use to pop in Bristol Street Motors in Birmingham where I saw a Signal yellow RS2, job done, I was hooked:D.

[KelvinS1965]

This thread was coming up 8 years old before you woke it back up RSDC1. :D I wonder how many of the former posters still have an Escort?

FWIW I was inspired by my Mum and Dad buying their RS2000 in 1980, a black 1979 Custom. My first car was a 1.3 Mk2 Escort, but I always looked enviously at their RS2000 which, by then was a summer use only car. Eventually they decided they weren't using it enough and offered it to me for a grand in 1995 on condition that if I sold it we'd split the 'profit'. I've had it ever since, though it's been off the road over 10 years due to needing inner wing rail repairs that I didn't want to bodge. Might get it back on the road later this year.

[lee bishop]

one day i'll have an absolute minter, even if it means living in a caravan lol!!!


Yeah, any luck with that theory yet Ches??

[RS2000EXPRESS]

When I was 19 I had a 67 Vauxhall Viva SL90, bit of sporty touch about it but cheap to insure. It was these little 1159cc engined cars that Jack Brabham modified slightly to make what was called the Brabham Viva.

Then I fell in love with the new Mk1 1600GT Capri, Sunset Red, Vinyl Roof, with a rally pack which I started saving up for, it was about £1365 on the road.

While I was saving up for that a 4 month old facelift Mk1 Escort Sport in Daytona Yellow, option Cloth Reclining Seats, came into the garage as a part ex against a new Avenger estate. I wanted that and had to fight with someone in the office to get it as I said I would have it first. Once I was in an Escort Sport I began to learn about the RS's and so I would want one for my next car.

I did buy another Sport before I got there though, and by that time the new Mk2 had already been introduced. It was quite different from all the others, fitted with a twin headlighted nosecone, luxury interior, and would be there attracting my attention. I remember seeing a Signal Orange one go past my mums shop, it had the bold RS2000 on the back quarters, it looked great and I had to have one. By 1979 I had bought my first RS2000, 14 months old, in Signal Yellow, from City Speed in Gloucester. I felt I had finally made it in life! :D

Tim.

[Chesney]

me too trickster, i've loved them ever since, especially riviera blue. Mine's ok and useable but one day i'll have an absolute minter, even if it means living in a caravan lol!!!

my dream did come true, :d

[Chesney]

Yeah, any luck with that theory yet Ches??

well got the car and manged not to sell the gaff :D

[turbospud]

malloch nicols barn,when he was sponsored by ford there was loads of gp1 bits and cars to play with,wanted one as soon as i could afford it

[Frosticles]

I wonder how many of the former posters still have an Escort?

Just :o

[SHIFTY]

Jeezo this is a pretty cool oldskool thread! lol

Well for me its cause my maw n paw rallied Mk1 Escorts for 7 years back in the 70's within the Coltness Car Club and I have been into cars from a very young age. Always been a Ford man and been through various marques until I seen the light and bought my first rwd escort and havent looked back since...needless to say the folks are still very much into them as I am and we all have a real passion for mk1 and mk2 Escorts...must be in the genes! :cool: :D

[Andyc]

I didnt buy one just stole em it was cheaper:D

[jimmer]

Ten a penny when I bought my first one when a youngster. Trying to relive my youth, now sad old git in my late fourties!

[Mr Hoarder]

Still got mine.

Seven Escorts at the last count ;)

[Chesney]

One thing that strikes me is that no matter what other cars I look at or consider going for, the mk2 escort in my opinion cannot be beaten.

Was at a local classic show yesterday with the mex and kept looking at a lovely dolomite sprint, always liked em but just could not see me owning one over the escorts. How many sell for something else and regret it?

Also saw a lovely 911 porker, now that is tempting :D

[RS2000EXPRESS]

One thing that strikes me is that no matter what other cars I look at or consider going for, the mk2 escort in my opinion cannot be beaten.

Was at a local classic show yesterday with the mex and kept looking at a lovely dolomite sprint, always liked em but just could not see me owning one over the escorts. How many sell for something else and regret it?

Also saw a lovely 911 porker, now that is tempting :D
Yeh the Dolly Sprint was always a nice car, interesting engine, overdrive, nice quality finish, but it never had the looks of the Ford and it's still the same now. Probably a good alternative for the larger person who could not get comfortable in those narrow Recaros. I think it would deserve a place in my collection but would not be first choice when there's an Escort to be had!

Tim.

[dazmoss46]

My dad bought me a dinky mk2 rs2 in white when was about 7 loved it go bits then grew up watchin Doyle thrash about in the same and its just stuck with me ever since last count was 10 inc one I have now but always regretted my Java green 16 sport :-((

[Skids]

Just :o


youv'e become a sinical **** of late Kev you must be spending too much time on the Bimmer Forum and with a bike seat stuck up your arse :eek:,
get the red shed out and get to some Track events so you can give it some more gravel rash .;)

[Dave1800BDA]

watching rallycross on saturdays started it.
then leaving school and going into the motor trade...working on the Fords for Bristol Street Motors, the bloke i was apprentice for had a MK1 RS2000, that was it, had a 13GT for a while but ended up with that MK1 RS2000:cool:

[bumble]

Started work locally in the mid 80s and the engineer I was working with had a Mk1 Lotus Cortina. We travelled around the area doing surveys. Wow what a car - hadn't really any interest in cars, let alone Fords before that.

Then a mate got a Mk1 Mex and the RS bug hit! He got a Mk2 Mex and I quickly followed getting mine, and then another mate got another one! Three mates hammering around Bournemouth in Mk2 Mexicos!!

Had an RS ever since!

[prs]

First MK2 RS2000 I saw in the flesh was around '77 or '78. Was with my Dad in a truck delivering load of bricks to a new house build in west Cork -somewhere beyond Clonakilty.
Had seen lots of photos of RS's & couldnt believe it when the guy met us to give directions in a Venetian red RS. The owner was English.
Maybe was one of you guys on here :D:D anyone build a holiday home in west Cork around that time?

only took me 30 years to get one:D

[wetandwindy2]

what got me into them was my mates yellow mk2 Mexico OSO---R was a lovely car and drove really sweet been hooked since have looked at other cars over the years but keep getting drawn back to the MK2 escorts strange really

[waggy1600]

wew as im only 19 i missed the golden era when these cars were cheap an everywhere so i missed the good part bt can always remember my dad talking bout his escorts when he was younger an hearing tales of sideways moments an thinking wow the sound fun . that an the fact i started going to rallies realy got me into them an i got my first mk2 when i was 17:jumpy::jumpy:

[FOR24D]

Me and my Dad and the Granite City rally when i was 11/12 ,
and the sound and look of the escorts , has never left me , 20 years later
1st Mk2 rs2000 and 3yrs later 2nd mk2 rs flat front with the 4x cibies and arches , my dream from 10/11 yrs old , and my wee boys have the bug :cool:

[rikb80]

gone on about it a bit in other places on here but my passion was due to my Uncles mk2 RS2000, STN735S. Funnily enough the very car is mentioned by a owner who had it later on earlier in this post.

He built it in our garage in the early 80's and kept it around 12 years. We used to go to shows with him in it, and he used to pick me up as a kid with my mum and take us out for a blast round in it.......you could hear it coming from the end of the street and I remember legging it to the window to see it. I used to think it was the fastest thing on 4 wheels and the roar of it when he put his foot down I used to think was awesome............happy days :jumpy:

[mk2mania]

Martin Schanche on the bbc on a saturday afternoon doin what he does best



http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=5ubBdN_nP7g

[bluevan1]

ah was hook on mk2 escorts.
after u sat with a local rally driver in the woods in the dark at the age of 15 thats got me started and never looked back.
brill.

[alancdavis]

Could never afford to buy one in 1978