A 1979 Ford Escort RS2000, restored by Richard Hammond’s new workshop, will be sold this weekend.
It’s the first finished vehicle to emerge from ‘The Smallest Cog’ venture, and will appear on a Discovery+ documentary series later this year.
Classic Car Auctions will sell the RS2000 as part of the Practical Classic Cars and Restoration Show sale.
Another cog in the machine
Earlier this year, Hammond raised more than £230,000 through the sale of his own vehicle collection. The funds from this were used to establish The Smallest Cog workshop.
Located in Rotherwas, Herefordshire, Hammond started the business with father and son Neil and Anthony Greenhouse.
The Mk2 Escort RS2000 is the first car to be recommissioned by the team, having previously been purchased at auction.
Originally supplied to a UK owner, the RS2000 moved to the Isle of Man, followed by the Republic of Ireland.
Returned to RS standards
The car was displayed at the London Classic Car Show in its unrestored state. Following the work, the RS2000 made an appearance at the Hampton Court Concours of Elegance event.
Attracting attention at the Concours of Elegance was the Escort’s deep Midnight Blue paintwork. The famed ‘droop snoot’ nose and four-spoke Rallye Sport wheels are also present and correct. Inside, an entirely new beige interior has been fitted by Aldridge Trimmers.
The RS2000’s famed 110hp 2.0-litre Pinto engine has been checked over. New front suspension has been fitted, along with new front and rear brakes.
Classic cars and TV stars
Despite the booming values for classic fast Fords, the guide price for the RS2000 seems relatively modest. Classic Car Auctions expects the car to achieve between £35,000 and £40,000.
It will give the new owner an impressively prepared classic Ford – and one that will appear on TV later this year.
The sale of the RS2000 takes place on Saturday 25 September during the Practical Classic Cars and Restoration Show at Stoneleigh Park.
Other cars listed for sale include a 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, 1986 Porsche 911 3.2 SSE and a restored 1970 Jaguar E-Type.
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