1975 Zakspeed Ford Escort Group 5
1975 Zakspeed Escort Zak E23/75
SOLD
Zak-E23/75
Initially built by Zakspeed as a Gp.2 car in Castrol livery for Hans Heyer, who went on to win the 1975 championship. Then to Europa/Mobel livery for 1976 and driven by Klaus Ludwig, who placed second to Heyer in the Gp.2 category.
Gp. 5 was introduced as a new category for the DRM in 1977, and Zak E23/75 was converted to Gp.5 specifications for the 1977 championship. The modifications included much wider bodywork and wheels, as well as more freedom on engine modifications, suspension freedoms, dry sump, etc. Adorned in the famous Mampe liquor livery, it was piloted by Hans Heyer in the first 3 rounds of the 1977 DRM.
The car was then sold to Harvey Yap of Malaysia,where is was raced with much success, and then on to Leif Norberg. Discovered in a very sorry state in 1999 by Gary Wilkinson the car was purchased, and brought to NZ. It underwent a ground up restoration of the highest standard which took 9 years to complete, and was raced by Gary for several years at historic events in NZ, always exciting the crowds wherever it competed.
The fuel injected aluminium block 2.0 BDG engine which produces around 270hp has just been rebuilt, and in all respects this car is “ready to race”. Supplied with a large spares package, including original Kevlar body panels and a full set of moulds, spare set of wheels, a lot of documentation and memorabilia, this car will be equally at home in a collection or a very welcome addition to historic race meetings around the world.
As one of only 4 or 5 Gp.5 Escorts ever built by Zakspeed, this particular car has a very significant history spanning 3 years as a Zakspeed “works” car and is the only genuine Zakspeed Gp.5 Escort left competing anywhere in the world. This is an amazing opportunity to own what is arguably the ultimate Ford Escort Mk2 ever built.
Car is located in Auckland, New Zealand, within 30 minutes of Auckland airport, and we are happy to assist with viewings of this car to prospective purchasers.