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Ford RS & Rally Memorabilia The Mk3 Rally Escorts |
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XR3
RS1600i
RS S1Turbo West Cork 85 Circuit of Ireland 85 Welsh 85 Scottish 85 Ulster Rally 85 Rothmans Manx 85 RAC 85
European RS1600i's Rallye Principe de Asturias 83 Rallye Sanremo 83 Rallye Antibes 83 |
Works Rally Escort Info
The Works Mk3 Escort Rally Programme
In 1980, following the launch of the MKIII Escort, Ford plans were started to produce a rear wheel drive Escort to replace the MK II Works rally cars, the RS1700T, with a full programme expected in 1983. As all Ford rally enthusiasts will know, the development was hindered by all kinds of problems, and ultimately the project in the UK was cancelled.
Ford Germany had initiated the development of a MkIII Escort with a view to circuit racing, and produced the RS1600i. Right hand drive versions were completed in late 1982, and homologated on january 1st 1983.
Peter Ashcroft announced the decision to run a limited program of Rally events with the GpA RS1600i, for contracted driver Malcolm Wilson, and the up and coming Louise Aitken. However, due to the commitments of Fords Rally HQ at Boreham with the RS1700T, the program was passed over to MCD of Widnes (later to become Rally Engineering Developments or R.E.D.), fresh from their success with Ari Vatanen in 1982
RED took delivery of the first vehicle on Christmas Eve 1982, and had to have both cars built and ready for the first round of the British Rally Championship, the Mintex, on Feb 25th - a tall order by anyone's standards.
With Louise Aitken joining the Ford team, it seemed relevant to start with her first outing - the Swedish Rally in 1983, in a Group N XR3
email: fordrsstuff@hotmail.com Martin Whittaker YORK, England
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