If you’re hankering after an RS2000 but your budget won’t quite stretch to it, this could be the car for you.

This Mk1 Escort has had just two previous keepers from new, with the second owning it for a remarkable 40 years.

It has clearly provided a great deal of fun – not least when it was transformed from an 1100cc model into a RS2000 replica, in which guise it is now offered.

‘SEH 949L’ has been equipped with specification-appropriate 2-litre Pinto engine, flared steel front wings, period Cobra front seats, three-spoke RS steering wheel, original-specification RS wheels with brand new tyres, four-speed manual gearbox, six-dial dash, new brake callipers and 9” rear drum brakes.

The RS2000 styling continues with the appropriate badges, plus Escort Mk1 RS2000 stripe kit for the Olympic blue paintwork.

The current owner describes the engine, transmission, electrics, bodywork and paintwork as ‘good’ and the interior as ‘average’.

We think that spending some time tidying up the inter...