Ken Block has unveiled the latest vehicle due to star in his acclaimed Gymkhana series, a 333bhp 1978 Ford Escort MkII RS.
One of the most revered and storied rally cars of all time, the MkII Escort is the first rear-wheel drive car to appear in the series and features a raft of upgrades courtesy of Block’s Hoonigan racing team.
Sharing parts with top level WRC-spec cars, the uprated Escort also features a custom suspension setup, designed specifically for the kind of on-road gymnastics that helped Block make his name.
With a wider stance to bring it into line with his current fleet of cars, which includes the 845bhp ‘Hoonicorn’ Mustang, it features a bespoke bodykit courtesy of Japanese designers Rocket Bunny.
Along with the custom body design, which was inspired by the Hoonicorn and Hoonigan Racing’s rally-spec Fiestas, the MkII RS rides on custom white fifteen52 wheels and Pirelli tyres.
Under the bonnet lies a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre Millington engine that generates a maximum 333bhp at its 9,000rpm redline, with power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Block said: “This Escort MkII is special to me, it’s actually my first Ford rally car. I purchased it in 2008. This car has been something I’ve been working on slowly for a long time now.
“I’ve only been able to test this car for two days, but I’m looking forward to slaying some more tyres in this thing really soon. The car absolutely rips, especially at 9,000 rpm.”
Good news for tyre manufacturers then, and also good news for fans after Block announced that his next major video, which will feature the Escort, will be released sometime next year.
