What is the most expensive RS2000?
There isn’t a single “most expensive RS2000.” Prices depend on model, provenance and condition. In practice, the top publicly recorded prices tend to come from rare rally-homologation examples of the Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2, which can reach six-figure sums, while well-preserved road cars typically sell for considerably less.
What is the RS2000?
The RS2000 badge most commonly refers to the Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2, a performance variant developed from the late-1970s Mk2 Escort. It featured a 2.0-liter engine and rally-inspired handling, making it a sought-after classic for collectors and enthusiasts.
Why some RS2000s fetch more money
Several factors determine value. Provenance, rarity, condition, and original documentation all lift prices. Limited editions, factory homologation cars, or famous competition cars with verifiable race histories typically top the market.
Factors that influence RS2000 value include:
- Provenance and race history
- Rarity and specific edition or specification
- Condition, originality and matching numbers
- Documentation, certificates, and restoration quality
- Market demand, geography, and auction visibility
- Left-hand drive vs right-hand drive and import status
These elements combine to determine how high any RS2000 can sell for in a given sale.
Current market reality: typical price bands
To illustrate how prices vary, here are approximate market bands observed in recent years for Escort RS2000 Mk2 variants and closely related models. These ranges are indicative and can shift with market interest, provenance and global demand.
- Typical road-going Escort RS2000 Mk2 in good condition: roughly £25,000–£40,000
- Condition- or rarity-enhanced examples (rare colours, limited numbers): approximately £40,000–£70,000
- Rare left-hand-drive imports, special specs, or cars with notable history: £70,000–£120,000
- Notable rally/homologation cars with solid provenance: £120,000–£200,000+
In some cases, well-documented competition cars or exceptionally restored examples have exceeded £200,000 at auction or from private collectors. The market ceiling is a moving target and depends on the best-ever examples available at auction and in private sale.
How to verify the current market ceiling
The following steps help investors, collectors, and enthusiasts gauge the current top end for RS2000s:
- Identify candidate high-provenance vehicles (rally cars, homologation specials, famous owners).
- Check the latest auction results from major houses (RM Sotheby’s, Bonhams, Gooding & Co), including catalog values and realized prices.
- Consult established price guides and registries (Hagerty Price Guide, Classic Data, etc.) for recent market trends.
- Review restoration quality and originality (matching numbers, parts provenance, documentation).
- Consider market triggers such as film appearances, anniversaries, or new publications that can spike interest.
Armed with these checks, you can identify the current highest publicly recorded RS2000 sale and understand how the ceiling is evolving.
Summary
The RS2000 landscape is dominated by Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2 heritage. While the majority of the market centers on well-preserved road cars in the mid-teens to low-40s, the real top end belongs to rare rally and homologation examples that can command six figures. Because value is so provenance-driven, the “most expensive RS2000” is a moving target that shifts with auction results, restorations, and public interest. For the latest figure, consult current auction catalogs and price guides, and verify provenance meticulously.
