The Ford Escort is born from a partnership between Ford and Lotus during the 60s. This car became a icon of racing thanks to its successes in rallying and GT races in 1968, 1969 and along first years of the 70s, due the release of the "RS1600" powered by a Ford Cosworth engine.

The RS in the model name is a abbreviation of "Rallye Sport", and although "1600" was the initial engine displacement, in 1973 this was increased to 1800cc.