The Mk2 kept the Mk1's proven rear-drive underpinnings under a crisp, square body with far more glass. It was cheap to run and easy to modify, and in RS form it won world rally titles.
The Mk2 shares the Mk1's floorpan layout, so the structural advice is much the same, just with ten fewer years of rust. The Sport, RS Mexico, RS2000 and Harrier are the cars buyers want. A genuine RS1800 is one of the rarest road Fords of its era, with only around 109 believed built. Treat any RS1800 offered privately with no history as a replica until it's proven otherwise.
Ford built the Harrier to celebrate the Escort's eighth RAC Rally win in a row and its 1979 World Rally Championship title. Based on the 1600 Sport, just 1,500 were made: 1,000 in Diamond White and 500 in Strato Silver. It cost £4,330 new and came with RS alloys, a boot spoiler, three-tone blue stripes, spot lamps, bronze-tinted glass and Recaro seats. If a Harrier is any colour other than white or silver, ask why.
The better-equipped RS2000, with "fishnet" Recaro seats, full door cards, a clock and gauge pod, centre console, 6Jx13 alloys and a carpeted boot. These parts are easy to add to a base RS2000, so check the paperwork.
The Linnet (1979) was a four-door 1.3 in bright colours. The Goldcrest (1980) was a four-door 1.3 or 1.6 in metallic Sable Brown or Gold. The Huntsman was an estate special with extras such as driving lamps. Few of any of them survive.
Specifications are approximate period figures. Value ranges are indicative UK prices for good to excellent cars in 2026; see the full price guide.
A 1,500-car limited edition celebrating the 1979 world rally title. Based on the 1600 Sport, with RS alloys, a boot spoiler, spot lamps, Recaro seats and three-tone blue stripes. 1,000 were white and 500 silver.
The Mk2 Mexico. Rarer than the RS2000, with only around 2,000 made.
A homologation special in the truest sense. Only around 109 road cars were built, but the rally versions won everything.
The polyurethane "droop-snoot" nose made it the most aerodynamic Escort of its day. This is the rear-drive hero most people picture.
The better-equipped RS2000, with "fishnet" Recaros, 6Jx13 alloys, a centre console and full trim. It's the version most buyers want.
Check each of these areas, in this order, at any viewing.
A fake Mexico or a rotten RS2000 can cost you more than the car. The Escort Buyer's Bible is 46 pages of what the specialists check, written for people about to hand over real money.
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