The Ford Escort is born from a partnership between Ford and Lotus during the 60s. This car became a icon of racing thanks to its successes in rallying and GT racing.

Ford produced an RS2000 model as an alternative to the somewhat temperamental RS1600, featuring a 2.0 L Pinto (OHC) engine. This also clocked up some rally and racing victories; and pre-empted the hot hatch market as a desirable but affordable performance road car. Like the Mexico and RS1600, this car was produced at the Aveley plant using the strengthened bodyshell.

In 1975 Ford Australia imported 25 MK1 RS2000 Escorts from England for sale in the local market making a genuine Mk1 RS2000 a very sought after car down under.