Ford rally history: The legacy of the Escort and M-Sport

Ford's history in the World Rally Championship (WRC) is highlighted through its legendary Escort models and the leadership of Malcolm Wilson. Wilson, who began racing in 1974, founded the M-Sport team in 1997, leading a collaboration with Ford that secured three manufacturer titles in 2006, 2007, and 2017.

The Ford Escort Mk I (1968-1974) was noted for its reliability and versatility, winning the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally. High-performance versions like the RS1600 achieved WRC success, including a victory at the 1,000 Lakes Rally in 1973. The Escort Mk II (1974-1982) followed, with the RS 1800 model securing both driver and manufacturer titles in 1979 with Björn Waldegård.