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Ken Block’s legendary 1978 Ford Escort Gymkhana car is up for grabs on Bring a Trailer—here’s why this rally icon could be the next six-figure automotive collectible
The late, great Ken Block ignited a global passion for rally and the sheer joy of tire destruction, and one of his most iconic machines is hitting the open market. This isn’t just any vintage Ford; it’s the legendary 1978 Ford Escort, the vehicle that marked Block’s pivotal transition from all-wheel-drive rally dominance to the rear-wheel-drive chaos of Gymkhana. Listed for sale on Bring a Trailer, this meticulously prepared, tarmac-focused rally car combines period-correct rally engineering with modern performance upgrades, all wrapped in a widebody shell that screams performance. With its high-revving Millington Diamond engine, screaming redline, and the undeniable cachet of Ken Block’s legacy, this Escort is poised to attract serious collectors and motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
The Genesis of Gymkhana: Block’s Rear-Wheel-Drive Revelation
Before the Hoonicorn, before the insane V8-powered Mustang, and before he became a household name in automotive culture, Ken Block cut his teeth in the world of rally. His early Gymkhana videos, which first aired in 2008, showcased his incredible car control skills and his unbridled enthusiasm for sliding sideways. These viral sensations, watched by millions, transformed rally from a niche motorsport into a global spectacle, inspiring a new generation of drivers and cementing Block’s status as a legend.
The early Gymkhana films featured Block piloting Subaru WRX STis, utilizing all-wheel drive to carve through complex courses with precision and flair. However, as his ambitions grew and his vision for the sport evolved, Block recognized the need for a different kind of machine—one that could deliver a purer, more visceral sliding experience. This realization led to the development of his first rear-wheel-drive Gymkhana car, the iconic 1978 Ford Escort RS2000.
This Escort wasn’t just a car; it was a statement. It represented Block’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in Gymkhana, a move that would ultimately pave the way for some of the most extreme and sought-after rally builds in history. This 1978 Escort marks the beginning of that legendary lineage, a pivotal moment in the evolution of the sport and a testament to Block’s relentless pursuit of automotive perfection.
A Modern Interpretation of a Rally Legend
The 1978 Ford Escort RS2000 holds a special place in rally history, particularly in Europe and the UK, where it was a dominant force in the hands of privateer teams. Its lightweight, compact design, coupled with a robust and highly tunable chassis, made it the perfect platform for the demanding stages of the World Rally Championship and countless national championships. Today, these Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts are prized collectibles, their value skyrocketing as nostalgia and motorsport heritage continue to drive collector demand.
Ken Block’s Escort takes this legendary platform and injects it with a dose of modern performance engineering, transforming it into a tarmac-focused weapon capable of shredding tires with surgical precision. The build process, which spanned two years, involved a comprehensive overhaul of the car’s chassis, powertrain, and suspension, ensuring that every component met Block’s exacting standards for Gymkhana performance.
The unibody of the Escort was extensively reinforced by a U.K.-based specialist, a crucial step in preparing the car for the extreme forces of professional drifting and stunt driving. This structural reinforcement was further enhanced by the installation of a fully integrated roll cage, welding the car’s chassis into a solid, torsion-resistant unit. This level of preparation is what sets a true rally car apart, transforming a humble economy sedan into a race-ready machine capable of withstanding the rigors of competition.
Visually, the Escort commands attention with its aggressive widebody kit, a signature element of Gymkhana builds designed to accommodate wider tires and a more aggressive stance. The kit, sourced from Japan’s renowned Rocket Bunny brand, gives the classic Escort a modern, menacing look while preserving its iconic silhouette. This blend of vintage styling and modern aerodynamic enhancements is a hallmark of Ken Block’s design philosophy, creating a car that is both timeless and cutting-edge.
Powering the Frenzy: A High-Revving Four-Cylinder Masterpiece
At the heart of this Escort lies a powerplant that epitomizes the spirit of high-performance rallying: a Millington Diamond 2.5-liter inline-four engine. Millington Diamond is a name synonymous with rally success, known for producing some of the most potent and reliable four-cylinder engines in the sport. This particular unit is a testament to that legacy, a meticulously engineered masterpiece that delivers performance far exceeding the original Escort’s capabilities.
Unlike the underpowered four-cylinder engines that powered standard Escorts, the Millington Diamond is a race-bred unit, designed for maximum power output and a thrilling soundtrack. The engine features quad individual throttle bodies, a setup that allows for precise air-fuel mixture control and maximizes throttle response. This induction system, combined with a high-performance exhaust system, produces a symphony of mechanical noise that is music to the ears of any motorsport enthusiast.
The engine is controlled by a state-of-the-art Cosworth ECU, the same brand that powered many of Ken Block’s most successful rally cars. Cosworth ECUs are renowned for their reliability and tunability, providing the precise engine management required for professional rally competition. This partnership between Millington Diamond and Cosworth underscores the serious performance credentials of this Escort, demonstrating that this is a car built for competition, not just show.
The power output of this Millington Diamond engine is nothing short of extraordinary, delivering a staggering 333 horsepower. While this may seem modest compared to some of today’s high-performance vehicles, it’s crucial to consider the Escort’s diminutive size and weight. This rally car tips the scales at a mere 2,200 pounds, making the power-to-weight ratio truly exceptional. This lightweight construction, combined with the engine’s explosive power delivery, creates a driving experience that is both thrilling and accessible.
A Transmission Built for Speed: The Six-Speed Sequential Gearbox
Complementing the high-revving Millington Diamond engine is a robust six-speed sequential gearbox. Unlike traditional manual transmissions, sequential gearboxes are designed specifically for performance applications, offering rapid and precise gear changes that are essential for maintaining momentum during intense rallying and drifting maneuvers.
The sequential gearbox allows the driver to shift gears in a linear motion, eliminating the need for complex clutch work and gear selection gate patterns. This design enables lightning-fast upshifts and downshifts, allowing the driver to keep the engine in its optimal power band during high-speed cornering and acceleration. For a Gymkhana car, where split-second timing is crucial, this type of transmission is an absolute necessity.
The use of a six-speed sequential gearbox in this Escort highlights the car’s professional-grade preparation. This is not a car that was thrown together with off-the-shelf parts; it’s a meticulously engineered machine where every component has been selected for optimal performance. The combination of the Millington Diamond engine and the sequential gearbox creates a powertrain that is both powerful and predictable, allowing the driver to execute complex maneuvers with confidence and control.
A Tarmac Specialist: Built for the Thrill of the Slide
While the Ford Escort has a storied history in rallying, this particular build is optimized for tarmac performance. The car’s suspension system has been extensively modified to handle the demands of high-speed sliding and cornering on paved surfaces. The suspension features race-spec components that provide exceptional grip and handling, allowing the driver to push the car to its limits with precision and confidence.
The widebody kit from Rocket Bunny plays a crucial role in the car’s tarmac performance. The wider fenders allow for the fitment of wider tires, which in turn provide a larger contact patch with the road surface. This increased grip is essential for maintaining control during high-speed cornering and for executing controlled drifts. The aerodynamic design of the widebody kit also helps to improve airflow around the car, enhancing stability at high speeds.
Further weight reduction measures have been implemented to maximize the car’s performance potential. Lightweight glass has been installed throughout the car, significantly reducing overall weight. The interior features lightweight carbon fiber seats, providing both a weight saving and a secure seating position for the driver and co-driver during high-performance driving.
The focus on tarmac performance is evident in the car’s overall build philosophy. This is a car that was built to excel on asphalt, to shred tires with precision, and to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. The combination of the high-revving engine, the sequential gearbox, and the meticulously prepared chassis makes this Escort a true tarmac specialist, ready to take on any challenge.
The Ken Block Legacy: More Than Just a Name
The fact that this Escort was once owned and driven by Ken Block adds a layer of prestige and desirability that is difficult to quantify. Ken Block wasn’t just a rally driver; he was a cultural icon who brought the excitement of rally and Gymkhana to a global audience. His infectious enthusiasm and fearless driving style inspired millions, transforming the perception of rally and proving that professional motorsports could be both thrilling and accessible.
Block’s influence on the automotive world is immeasurable. He demonstrated that rally cars could be more than just race machines; they could be rolling works of
