The Mark I Ford Escort was introduced at the end of 1967 and was the first car developed by Ford of Europe. Mechanically conventional and usually fitted with 1.1 and 1.3 litre engines, Escort was also available with more powerful units culminating in the RS1600.

This vehicle is one of those RS1600s designed for both rallying and racing - British rally driver Roger Clark drove one to victory in the 1972 RAC Rally. The RS1600 had uprated shell, brakes and suspension, plus a 16-valve, twin-cam, 1601 cc Cosworth BDA "Belt Drive A Series" engine with 115 bhp giving a 0 to 60 mph time of just under nine seconds. Naturally in competition form, considerably more power was available.