The RS1800 was based on the two door, rear wheel drive MKII Escort of the time with a very trick engine. The RS1800 was built primarily for the European off road rally scene in Summer 1975. The basis for the RS1800 was the MK1 Escort RS1600. Ford even logged the RS1800 as modifications to the MK1 Escort RS1600 homolgomation papers, so that they did not have to manufacture the required 1000 per year to compete on the European rally scene. Ford's decision to build and race this RS1800 proved very successful.

The RS1800 engine was a BDA Cosworth 1800cc in-line four cylinder four stroke 16-valve unit. This was mounted longitudinally, with the gearbox attached to the rear of the engine. Power was then fed via a prop shaft to the rear differential and then onto the rear wheels. This unit was almost identical to the one fitted in the MK1 Escort RS1600 but using increased cylinder bores.

Carburation was via a single Weber 32/46 down draft unit fed via a paper based air filter. The use of Four Star leaded petrol was recommended since the engine ran a compression ratio of 9:1.

The engine was noted for having problem oil leaks that were never really cured during the vehicles production years.

The ignition system was a standard pre-electronic system using a conventional ignition coil and distributor feeding the four spark plugs. Spark generation was via conventional contract breakers (points) and capacitor.

This RS1800 engine setup produced a healthy 115bhp at the rear wheels at 6000 rpm.

A strengthened MK2 Escort RS2000 manual four speed gearbox was fitted, which was mounted at the rear of the engine. A cable operated 8.5 inch clutch was used.

Front suspension was via independent MacPherson struts with anti-roll bar using 130 lb coil springs. Rear suspension used 115 lb leaf springs with telescopic dampers. Steering was non power-assisted and used a rack and pinion.

Braking was via front mounted solid disks and rear drums.

The wheels were a distinctive spoked steel design, fitted with 175/70 x 13 HR tyres. Although 5.5 x 13 and 7 x 13 inch RS alloys were also available as optional extras.

The Escort RS1800 featured wide wheel arch extensions front and rear needed to span the wheels.

The RS1800 was only available in white, but featured a two tone blue side stripe with RS1800 badge work on the rear wings and tail gate.

The interior and dash was taken from the MK2 Escort Mexico. Front competition seats were fitted to the RS1800 for added fast road comfort.

It is understood that only 109 road going cars were sold in the UK. Due to this rarity, no pricing information is available.

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