1980 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom — One Owner Example (NOI 2000)
Registration: NOI 2000
Chassis No: GCATAG117090
Engine: 2.0L Pinto Inline-Four
Odometer: Low mileage (supported by history file)
Key Facts..
Ex concourse show car for most of its life
Genuine Ford Escort RS2000 Custom
One owner from new
Finished in rare Special Vehicle Order black paintwork
Retains distinctive registration NOI 2000
Comprehensive history file including original bill of sale
Highly original example with rare Custom specification features
Recently inspected and serviced by ASM Classics
Provenance..
The Escort RS2000 was one of Ford’s defining performance models of the late 1970s and early 1980s, offering accessible rear-wheel-drive performance combined with everyday usability.
Powered by the robust Pinto engine and benefiting from Ford’s competition heritage, the RS2000 quickly became a favourite among enthusiasts, bridging the gap between road car and motorsport-inspired performance.
Chassis GCATAG117090, registered NOI 2000, represents a particularly special example, not only due to its single ownership but also its rare specification and level of originality.
Specification..
Factory RS2000 Custom specification including:
2.0-litre Pinto inline four-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel drive configuration
Approximately 110bhp output
Five-speed manual transmission
0–60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds
Finished in Special Vehicle Order black
Custom specification features include:
Fishnet-pattern Recaro seats
Factory Ford seat cross-bracing (to prevent seat movement)
Full door cards
Centre console
Remote driver’s door mirror
Painted rear panel around tail lights
Original 6J x 13” alloy wheels
Un-used original spare wheel
Boot carpet and original trim elements retained
History..
Supplied new in 1980, this Escort RS2000 Custom has remained with its original owner from first registration.
The car has clearly been carefully maintained throughout its life, benefiting from consistent servicing and preservation, allowing it to stand today as a highly original example.
A particularly desirable feature is the original “Stormont” Ford dealership rear window sticker, still present — a detail rarely retained and indicative of the car’s authenticity.
Maintenance & Documentation..
The car is accompanied by an extensive and well-documented history file including:
Original bill of sale
Owner’s handbook and manuals
MOT certificates
Historic tax discs
Service and maintenance invoices
Recent inspection and servicing carried out by ASM Classics, a recognised specialist, ensuring the car remains mechanically sound while preserving its originality.
Originality..
NOI 2000 remains an impressively original example throughout.
Key features include:
Original Special Vehicle Order black paintwork with deep gloss finish
Original interior trim and Recaro seats
Original wheels and unused spare
Original dealership sticker
Factory-correct specification retained
The overall condition reflects careful ownership and sympathetic maintenance rather than restoration.
Notable Drivers..
While this example has remained a privately owned road car, the Escort RS2000 name is closely associated with Ford’s rallying success during the period.
Drivers such as:
Björn Waldegård
Hannu Mikkola
helped establish the Escort’s reputation as a competitive and durable performance platform.
Current Condition..
Presented in highly original condition with excellent preservation throughout.
Key highlights include:
Single ownership from new
Extensive documentation file
Original finishes and components retained
Recently checked and serviced by a specialist
The car remains a strong and usable example while retaining its historical integrity.
Summary..
A rare opportunity to acquire a one-owner Ford Escort RS2000 Custom, finished in Special Vehicle Order black and retaining a high degree of originality.
With its distinctive registration NOI 2000, extensive history file and carefully preserved condition, this example stands out as a highly collectable and authentic representation of one of Ford’s most recognisable performance models.
