1981 Zakspeed Ford Escort II Group 4
Chassis No: ZAK-G4-001/81
Engine No: M731LF 6090 AA
Odometer: N/A
Key Facts..
Genuine 1981 Denim-liveried Zakspeed Escort II Group 4
Driven in-period by German racer Jörg van Ommen
Fully documented, including original 1981 ONS Wagenpass
100% race-ready condition with all items in date
Eligible for top-tier historic racing and hillclimb events
Provenance..
This is the original Denim-sponsored Zakspeed Ford Escort II Group 4, as entered by the Zakspeed factory team for German driver Jörg van Ommen in 1981. Van Ommen campaigned the car through 1981 and 1982, securing multiple victories and numerous podium finishes (detailed in the race history section).
Specification..
A true state-of-the-art Group 4 Escort, featuring:
2.0L BDA (1992cc) – 280 bhp, Lucas mechanical injection
ZF 5-speed race gearbox
75% limited-slip differential
4-pot Girling (front) / ATE (rear) brakes
15" BBS wheels
Race History..
Campaigned by Jörg van Ommen in German national-level circuit racing during the 1981 and 1982 seasons, the Denim Zakspeed Escort II achieved a highly successful in-period competition record. Highlights include multiple Division victories and regular podium finishes within German touring car and DRM-support events.
The car proved particularly competitive on fast circuits such as AVUS, Salzburgring, and Wunstorf, where it secured class wins against strong contemporary opposition. Its period results are supported by original documentation, including its 1981 ONS Wagenpass.
History..
After spending several years with Zakspeed, the car was acquired by JB Classic Racing, who undertook a complete ground-up restoration, completed in late 2009. It later appeared on the historic hillclimb scene before being sold in 2015 to the Swiss owner whom we purchased the car from, he had run the car in:
DRM Revival at the Oldtimer Grand Prix
Peter Auto’s Heritage Touring Cars (HTC)
Notable Drivers..
In-period, the car was raced by Jörg van Ommen, a highly respected competitor in German circuit racing during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Van Ommen built his reputation across touring car and GT machinery, becoming a regular front-runner in German national championships. His career later extended internationally, including successful appearances in long-distance and GT racing, most notably at Le Mans, where he achieved overall victory as part of a manufacturer-supported effort.
The Zakspeed factory team itself is synonymous with some of the most famous touring car and sports car drivers of the era, including:
Klaus Ludwig
Hans-Joachim Stuck
Dieter Glemser
While these drivers were not associated with this chassis specifically, their involvement with Zakspeed underlines the calibre and factory status of the team that prepared and campaigned this Escort during its active career.
Current Condition..
Presented in race-ready condition, with all date-sensitive items current:
Fuel cell
Fire system
Seat & belts
The car carries an FIA HTP valid until end of 2026. The BDG engine, rebuilt by Richardson Engineering, has only 4 hours of running time since rebuild. Included are two spare sets of BBS wheels and extensive documentation, notably its original Zakspeed-issued 1981 ONS Wagenpass.
Summary..
A stunning, fully sorted and historically important Denim Zakspeed Escort II, widely regarded as the Holy Grail of original circuit-racing Mk2s
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