The rally version Ford Escort Mk.II reached the climax of its career in 1979 with the world marque title, immediately followed by the retirement of the factory team. At the end of its technical evolution, the 1800RS Group 4 model (1993cc 4-cylinder 16-valve engine) reached about 270 horsepower with Kugelfischer injection, much less used than carburetors. In terms of victories, the most successful season was 1978, with 18 overall wins.