Chrises Cars

Its only a matter of time before Ford surpasses Lancia as the most successful.

Despite Fords earlier efforts it was the Cortina Gt and Lotus Cortina that gave Ford a future in Rallying.

In 1967 Ford replaced the Cortina rally car with the first of their Escorts, the mark one. The Escort began its winning career in 1968 and continued winning rallys for the next 30 years.

Ford’s mark 2 Escort RS1800 was a force to reckoned with. This version was kicking out 245bhp and in 1979 it was increased to 272bhp with the new onset fuel injection system.

In 1983 a new group B was introduced and Ford wanted to participate so they came up with the 450bhp RS200. The RS200 participated in 1986 but overweight and underpowered for a group B car it didnt score so well.

In 1987 group B was dropped and group A began which had a power output classification of 300bhp. Ford entered this group with their Sierra Cosworth.

1996 was the end of the Escort and the birth of the Focus. The first Focus, being driven by Colin McRae took nine wins.

The Ford Focus is till going strong and winning rallys today.