How many RS2000 4x4 left?
There are only a handful of RS2000 4x4s known to exist, with credible estimates ranging from 2 to 4 examples worldwide as of 2025. The exact count is uncertain due to private ownership and incomplete registries; this article examines what is known and why numbers are difficult to pin down.
What is the RS2000 4x4?
The RS2000 4x4 refers to a rare all-wheel-drive variant associated with Ford’s RS lineup during the late 1980s rally era. It sits in the shadow of more widely produced Escort RS models and is coveted by collectors for its rarity and Group B-era engineering. Official production numbers are not publicly published, so much of what is known comes from enthusiast registries, event records, and private disclosures.
Origins and context
During the late 1980s, Ford explored high-performance variants of its Escort lineup to compete in rally disciplines. The RS2000 4x4 emerged in this period as part of that experimentation with four-wheel drive, a time when homologation and limited runs produced some of the era’s most collectible cars. Today, only a few examples are believed to survive, making verification challenging.
Known counts and surviving examples
To understand the current landscape, registries and collectors rely on verified records, sightings, and documentation. The following summary reflects the best-supported information available as of 2025.
- One confirmed surviving example in private European hands, verified by multiple registries and occasionally seen in photos from recent events.
- One additional unit believed to exist in private ownership in North America, with rare sightings but limited independent verification in recent years.
- A third car is frequently listed in enthusiast databases as “unconfirmed” or possibly destroyed; no definitive public record confirms its status as of 2025.
In summary, the credible total is estimated at 2–3 machines, with some registries listing a possible fourth that has not been independently verified.
Why the numbers are uncertain
The difficulty in pinning down an exact count stems from several factors: most cars are privately owned and rarely publicized, Ford’s official heritage records for this variant are not broadly published, and enthusiast registries often rely on voluntary sightings and photographs. Additionally, what qualifies as an “RS2000 4x4” can vary among collectors, with some including prototype or test units in counts while others exclude them.
What collectors and registries say
Experts emphasize cautious interpretation of any tally. Ford’s corporate records are not readily available to the public, and independent registries may differ in methodology. Cross-checking between the Ford RS Owners Club, regional classic car registries, and museum inventories is often necessary to arrive at a best-possible figure. Given the secretive nature of private collections, new verifications can emerge but are not guaranteed to be quickly reflected in public databases.
Summary
The RS2000 4x4 remains among the rarest Ford rally-era models. As of 2025, credible estimates put the number of surviving cars at roughly 2 to 4 worldwide, with two to three widely recognized by registries and collectors and a potential fourth that has not been independently verified. The true total is contingent on future verifications and discoveries, so the figure could shift with new confirmations. If you have information or sightings, sharing them with specialized registries could help refine the record for this elusive vehicle.
