1973 Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1 Group 4 – Ex-Stig Blomqvist
Harold & Sons is exceptionally proud to present a highly significant piece of motorsport heritage: a genuine 1973 Ford Escort RS1600 Mk1, transformed to ultimate Group 4 rally specifications by the legendary David Sutton and commissioned for World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist. Rooted in one of the rarest production homologation specials, this vehicle offers a virtually unrepeatable blend of mechanical purity and world-class rallying pedigree.
Overview:
Model Year: 1973 (Group 4 Build completed in 2007)
Base Chassis: Genuine Escort 1600 RS (1 of only 900 produced)
Provenance: Commissioned and campaigned by Stig Blomqvist
Powertrain: 1.8L Cosworth BDA 16-Valve (256 HP)
Asking Price: €125,000
Engineering & Group 4 Homologation:
Cosworth BDA Powerhouse: Escaping the limitations of the standard 1600 RS, this chassis has been elevated to a 1,840 cc displacement. The fully overhauled engine delivers a formidable 256 horsepower at a soaring 8,000 rpm. Torque is equally impressive, generating 18 m.Kg at just 3,500 rpm and peaking at 24 m.Kg at 6,500 rpm. Crucially, the engine is fitted with a dry-sump lubrication system to withstand extreme lateral and longitudinal forces.
Motorsport Drivetrain: Power is managed by a specialized ZF (S5-18-3) 5-speed competition gearbox. At the rear, the standard Salisbury unit has been replaced by the heavy-duty, large Atlas axle, complete with reinforcing slings and a Watt's parallelogram linkage for maximum traction and axle location under heavy load.
Chassis & Braking Dynamics: The original RS body shell has been fully seam-welded and reinforced to withstand the rigors of stage rallying. Stopping power is provided by high-performance disc brakes utilizing AP calipers, housed within iconic Minilite wheels.
Exceptional Provenance & Condition:
The historical significance of this chassis is anchored by its creator and its pilot. In 2007, the car was entrusted to David Sutton—the very man responsible for running the factory Ford rally cars of the era—to be meticulously rebuilt to the ultimate Group 4 specification using the latest evolution factory components. It was explicitly commissioned by Stig Blomqvist to contest the 2008 Robin Hood Historic Stages, where Blomqvist and co-driver Gullick secured an impressive 10th overall and 2nd in class against a field of over 200 competitors.
Following a comprehensive overhaul by David Sutton in 2009, the car was acquired by its current custodian. Having participated in only two minor rally events since, it has spent the vast majority of its recent life preserved within a private collection. It is presented today in a condition remarkably close to new, offering an immediate, turnkey entry into top-tier historic motorsport or a crown jewel addition to any serious rally collection.