The Escort’s first owner, who bought it on the 24th of July 1971, exported it to Malta where it stayed for the next 34 years and 42,000 miles.

As you might expect, it was in an unusually rust-free condition when it returned to the United Kingdom in 2005.

Finished in its original colour of Ermine White and thought to be still powered by its original engine and gearbox, ‘BDA 2J’ was the subject of a reputed nine-year restoration before joining the Kinlee Collection, from which its third UK keeper purchased it in 2023.

The benefit of starting with a better-than-average bodyshell plus an unhurried restoration and improvements in paint technology mean this RS1600 is probably finished to a higher standard now than when it was new.

Because everything is spot-on: Squat down and admire how straight the flanks are; open the doors and appreciate the work that went into getting them to latch so easily; note the glazing, which is securely retained by plump and pliable rubber seals; and run your...