The iconic lemon-line re-paint is perfect, the new interior trim is immaculate and the mechanicals are tip-top – the Historic Leyburn Sprints’ restored classic 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 is ready for auction at Grays.com from today.
The auction opens for on-line bids at 10.00am today and will close at 7.30pm on Saturday 15 August, day one of the 30th anniversary Sprints weekend.
The auction climax, expected to be witnessed remotely by a noisy audience at Leyburn’s 1863-licensed Royal Hotel, will be a highlight of the Sprints, which has attracted more than 240 historic, classic and modern performance cars for annual time trials around the closed streets of the tiny Southern Downs town.
The Sprints commemorates the 1949 Australian Grand Prix at Leyburn and will host 10 leading drivers and motorsport identities from past racing eras, including former grand prix drivers, as special guests at the anniversary celebrations.
Drivers Dick Johnson, John Bowe, Colin Bond, Kevin Bartlett, Charlie O’Brien, Bap Romano, Andrew Miedecke, Steve Masterton, Bruce Allison and Bill Westerman will attend a Night with the Stars, Under the Stars event at the historic Ellangowan Woolshed on Thursday 13 August. They also are due to visit the nearby abandoned grand prix site on Friday and sign autographs during the weekend.
“Our grand prix heritage festival is heading for another huge weekend,” Sprints President Tricia Chant said.
“Usually Leyburn is a peaceful little historic town of around 350 residents, but it’s transformed on Sprints weekend with an estimated total attendance of around 18,000 people, thousands of campers, hundreds of fantastic cars from 11 decades of motoring and unmatched grassroots atmosphere.”
The auction Escort is a low-mileage, original-condition example, retrieved from 10-year storage after a minor competition career and comprehensively restored for its next owner, the successful bidder.
It was raced in period by Sprints identities Mike and Chris Collins and sold to its current owner, who has donated it anonymously to aid the Historic Leyburn Sprints Community Benefit Fund. The Fund assists local community organisations and projects and has distributed many thousands of dollars during its existence.
Sprints President Tricia Chant says the auction is a rare chance to purchase a classic Ford in race-ready condition.
“We’ve spent whatever it needed to bring the Escort back to pristine condition and it’s ready to go, whether the new owner wants to compete in grassroots club-level events like the Historic Leyburn Sprints or drive it on the road or even do both,” she said.
“It’s a great little car with nothing to spend. Its 2.0 litre Pinto engine performs strongly and the handling is excellent on Minilite-style wheels and semi-competition tyres. It will give thousands of kilometres of fun for very little cost.
“These RS2000 Escorts are an iconic choice for small Ford enthusiasts and their value continues to rise. They come up for sale rarely, so I won’t be surprised to see some fierce auction bidding.”
The restoration – completed only this week - was undertaken by Ford specialists JMC Performance, with classic Ford parts supplier Grand Tourer, Excel Panel and Paint and Lea’s Contracting (interior) also providing expert assistance.
The car will be on display throughout the Sprints weekend and the on-line auction closing will coincide with the separate annual charity auction being held at the back of the Royal Hotel from 6.30pm.
Ford Escort RS2000 details –
- 1979 (September) Ford Escort Mk II RS200
- Built at Homebush, NSW, one of 2400
- Four-door version (more rare than two-door)
- Colour Lemon-Lime, as original
- 2.0 Litre Ford Pinto engine (70 kW), four-speed manual gearbox
- Competition equipment includes approved roll cage*, 2 race seats, harnesses, Minilite wheels, fire extinguisher, plus Motorsport Australia competition log book
- Pre-auction restoration includes fresh paint, hood lining, carpets, door cards, dash, all window rubbers
(* The bolt-in roll cage has been removed during restoration, but will be supplied with the car for optional re-fitment by the new owner.)
To view more photos and register to bid, visit the Grays.com site.
