Brand: Pirelli | Ford Escort Mk1 RS1600 1970 to 1973

The RS1600 was Ford's homologation of the BDA engined Escort for race and rally competition. Originally fitted with a 165SR13 size radial, or a 175/70SR13 as an optional upgrade. The larger tyre became standard from 1973.

In 1968 the Ford Escort Mk1 took over from the Anglia which had been launched in 1959. At first the Escort came only in two-door saloon form with 1098cc or 1298cc engines and a choice of standard, De Luxe, Super and GT trims. For those with deeper pockets there was a Twin-Cam featuring the same running gear as the Cortina Lotus Mk2.

Also introduced in 1968 was an Escort Mk1 van, then in 1969 Ford launched four-door saloon and estate versions of the Escort. In 1970 things got interesting with the launch of the sporty Escort RS1600 and Mexico, the former replacing the Twin-Cam.

Ford mixed things up in 1971 with the launch of the 1300 Sport (a low-spec 1300GT) and Escort Sport (XL interior, GT running gear, RS bodywork). The two-door 1300E debuted in 1973, with 1300 Sport mechanicals and luxury trim, alongside the RS2000, with a 1993cc Pinto engine. In 1974 a four-door 1300E went on sale, but within a year the Escort Mk1 had been replaced by the Escort Mk2.