Henry Ford II’s one-off Ford Escort RS2000 is up for auction

This is Henry Ford II’s old Escort RS2000. Yes, the Henry Ford II, former Big Boss of… Ford, obviously. It’s a car built specifically for the big man, and after two decades of being ‘under the radar’, has now come up for auction.

Gorgeous thing, the RS2000. Ford II’s increasing involvement with Ford Europe meant he was spending more and more time in the UK. He bought a house once owned by Jackie Kennedy’s younger sister in Buckinghamshire in 1974 so he had somewhere to stay while over here.

And though able to borrow anything from the nearby dealership on account of his name being above the door, he wanted his own set of wheels. He gave his good mate Walter Hayes a buzz and asked him to source “something special, a bit unusual”.

Enter the RS2000. This one’s a rare, barely used and slightly brown gem. Though, Ford calls it ‘Roman Bronze Metallic’, here set against a delightful cream leather interior, “deep carpets”, and – as RS2000 enthusiasts will instantly note – an automatic gearbox.

Shock! Horror! Despite being able to manage a stick-shift, ‘Hank the Deuce’ preferred autos, and thus one was duly sourced and fitted by SVE, matched up to the RS2000’s 2.0-litre SOHC four-cylinder engine sending around 110 blue collar ponies to the rear wheels. Debadged, too, so you’d never guess. Debadged performance cars are always cool.

It's coming up for sale via Iconic Auctions next month, and thanks to the big name on the ticket – the man largely credited with turning around Ford’s fortunes – comes with an estimate of between £50,000 to £60,000. Not bad for a car that’s covered just 44k.

Photography: Iconic Auctions