What to look for
Your first move should be to decide which RS2000 you fancy – Mk5, Mk5A, Mk5A 4x4, Mk6 or Mk6 4x4.
Mk5s (1991 until October 1992) have the purest shape, and are perhaps most likely to be considered collectible in future. Some may say the styling’s a bit bland, but those polished 15in alloys and twin bonnet bulges add a little panache. The Mk5A features a somewhat challenging appearance, retaining the rims but dropping the bulges and adding an oval grille, bigger taillights and chunkier side skirts. A similar-looking but beefier bodyshell was used for safety, which improves structural solidity.
The Mk6 has smoother styling, but can easily be mistaken for an Escort GTi, or even an Si model! Its revised five-spoke wheels are pretty plain, but the modernised cabin is comfiest of all. Handling was supposed to be better thanks to some new suspension, having revised struts ( along with threepoint strut top mounts rather than the earlier two-point setup) and stiffer gas damping.
As for four-wheel drive Mk5As and Mk6s, they’re externally identical to front- drive RS2000s except for 4x4 badges; underneath, you’ll see an alloy rear crossmember, differential and driveshafts. The spare wheel well is also shallower, necessitating a space-saver to fit.
RS2000 4x4s boast impressive grip but blunted performance ( ideally needing a 2.3 engine conversion to cope). They’re rare machines ( according to the RS Owners Club, just 600 were produced), so may well carry investment potential. Needless to say, make sure the transmission system is present and fullyfunctioning before buying.
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for an original BBR- converted RS2000 turbo; a handful were built, and reportedly packed 200bhp.
Fake RS2000s aren’t common, but they’re out there. Make sure you’re not viewing a mere XR3i ( or worse!) and ensure all the numbers match from V5 to VIN plate ( on the slam panel) and chassis number stamped into the floor beside the driver’s seat; post-September 1992 Escorts have one on the nearside dashboard too. The code should read WFOBXXGCAB followed by two letters denoting build date, and five digits that correspond with the engine number. Meanwhile, on the VIN plate it should say N7 in the box marked ENG, a Q next to TRANS and 4 in the AXLE section.