1983 Ford Escort RS1600i Group A
Chassis No.: WF0BXXGCABDK44335
Key Features..
Works-supported Group A RS1600i with exceptional provenance
Converted by Richard Longman Engineering for the 1983 BTCC
Winner of the 1983 & 1984 Silverstone Tourist Trophy (Longman/Curnow)
Raced in BTCC and ETCC; endurance-spec with long-range fuel system
Original bodyshell and major mechanical components retained
Fully rotisserie-restored to an outstanding standard
Overview..
This pristine Group A Ford Escort RS1600i, chassis WF0BXXGCABDK44335, is one of the most historically significant surviving examples of its type. Originally delivered as a standard RS1600i by the Ford Motor Company in early 1983—alongside two sequential sister cars—it was sent directly to Richard Longman Engineering in Christchurch, Dorset.
There, under Ford’s works-supported programme, it was transformed into the Datapost-liveried Group A machine that competed in the 1983 British Touring Car Championship and European Touring Car Championship.
Period Competition History..
Configured as the team’s endurance-spec car, complete with long-range fuel tanks, this RS1600i was raced as car No. 71 by:
Richard Longman
Alan Curnow
Its achievements include:
Winner – 1983 Silverstone Tourist Trophy (TT)
Winner – 1984 Silverstone Tourist Trophy (TT)
In addition to its ETCC programme, the car also made appearances in the BTCC, including a one-off outing driven by Karl Jones, and served as a key spare/team car throughout its active career.
At the end of the 1984 season the Ford was sold to Paul Mabee in New Zealand, where it continued its competition life in:
The Benson & Hedges Series
The Nissan Mobil 500 at Wellington and Pukekohe
Long-Term Ownership & Restoration..
In 1988 the car was purchased by its current owner, Myles Hicks—one of New Zealand’s most respected classic car restoration specialists—who retained it for his private collection for over three decades.
Hicks carried out a full rotisserie restoration, ensuring that:
All bodywork and paintwork were completed to an exceptional standard
All mechanical systems—engine, gearbox, suspension, fuel system—were fully overhauled
Maximum originality was preserved throughout
Most importantly, the car still retains its original bodyshell, along with all major mechanical components, including:
The original Longman-built engine block
Original cylinder head
Special Longman camshaft
Numerous unique period components from its works-supported racing life
The result is one of the most authentic and best-preserved Group A RS1600i race cars in existence.
Summary..
With its rare works provenance, dual Tourist Trophy victories, continuous documented ownership, and concours-quality restoration, WF0BXXGCABDK44335 represents a unique opportunity to acquire an iconic and historically important Group A Escort.
Equally suited to a premier motorsport collection or to a return to the track after decades of retirement, this car stands as one of the finest surviving examples of Ford’s early Group A era.
