Not for sale. Presenting this meticulous Ford Escort MK2 Tarmac Rally Car—a modern-spec masterpiece that fulfills a long-held dream. Sourcing a bespoke MK2 build in the UK is like chasing a unicorn through the skies; trust me, I’ve tried. Unless you’re connected to someone like Den Motorsport, who built the chassis, or Scott Williams Racing, you’re looking at a 3-5 year wait. And even then, good luck.
While MST cars are impressive, they are not genuine Escorts; they rely on aftermarket panels and come with a completely new REGO number. When this pristine, zero-mile Escort became available, I dropped everything I was doing. I contacted the owner, Tom Blackwood, a renowned Ford enthusiast with a long history of successful Ford-related ventures. I tried to negotiate the purchase, and while I could write a novel about Tom's history with Fords and all of his achievements, he would probably despise me for doing so, so we will save that for a never day.
What sets this treasure apart, making it rarer than a courteous Instagram comment? It’s the Millington TURBO engine—a creation of Roy Millington, known for the rare prototype PUMA 4x4 rally cars and select LOLA vehicles. The engine was meticulously assembled by Ford Cosworth engine builder Harvey Gibbs, a legend in his own right. All the electronics, plumbing, and general fitment were expertly handled by former Scottish Rally Champion Andrew Gallacher at AG Motorsport. This could very well be the only operational Millington Turbo in existence, making our Escort a living legend. See the specifications below:
500BHP MK2 ESCORT
ENGINE 2.0-litre Millington Diamond – fully rebuilt, increased compression ratio, reworked cylinder head, alloy block, AH inlet plenum, dry sump, Garrett G25-550 turbo, Turbosmart RacePort blow-off valve, Pro Alloy radiator, custom exhaust manifold, stainless steel exhaust system, Life Racing management with launch control, anti-lag, traction control, and adjustable boost
POWER 500bhp, 450lb.ft
TRANSMISSION Tractive 6-speed sequential gearbox, Group 4 Atlas axle with LSD
SUSPENSION Reiger 4-way remote-reservoir dampers and springs, GRP4 Fabrications wide- track uprights and 5-link kit
BRAKES Alcon four-pot calipers front and rear (R5-spec fronts), ABS
WHEELS & TYRES 9x15" (front) and 10x15" (rear) Revolution 8-spoke wheels – powder-coated gold, 24/40 (f) and 27/35 (r) Nankang Sportnex AR-1 tyres
EXTERIOR BMW Portofino Blue, rally-prepared strengthened shell, Group 4 rally front arches, custom Gartrac rear arches, Group 4 rally front spoiler, carbon fibre roof and rear bumpers, carbon bonnet and bootlid, racing door mirrors
INTERIOR Carbon race seats, lightweight multi-point rollcage, Sabelt Alcantara multifunction steering wheel, carbon shift paddles, flocked dash, carbon trim, carbon door cards, AiM PDM, and 10" digital dash display with carbon surround, AP Racing pedals, Pro Alloy fuel cell, GRP4 Fabrications swirl pot
Paint and prep work by John at Dandrea Coachworks.
