Ken Block’s Ford Escort auctioned

Following the sale of Ken Block’s F-150 Hoonitruck through a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2025, another vehicle created by Block’s Hoonigan Racing Division recently went to auction. The car, a 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 two-door sedan, was notable for two reasons. It was the first rear-wheel drive car Block used in his famous Gymkhana videos, and the Hoonigan vehicle he owned for the longest period. Purchased by Block back in his Subaru days, the Escort stayed in his collection for more than a decade.

Rally First

Escorts were never released in the US, so the car was something of an unknown to Block’s home audience. Block, however, was very aware of these cars, and had actually driven an Escort Mk2 on the Colin McRae Memorial Rally in 2008. Up against the likes of Ari Vatanen, Bjorn Waldegard, Hannu Mikkola and Alister McRae (most of whom were also in historic rally cars), Block freely admitted he struggled in the event, as his experience in AWD rally cars didn’t translate to the RWD Escort. Nevertheless, he loved the event and loved the car. That led him to buy the 1978 Escort Mk2 shown here.

Sourced from the UK in 2008 and prepped for rallying as purchased, the Escort remained in this form for a few years following an LHD conversion. In 2009, Block partnered with Australia’s WRC star, Chris Atkinson, for some shakedown sessions in the car.

Gymkhana Conversion

Around 12 years ago, work started on transforming the Escort from rally to Gymkhana spec, retaining the RWD configuration, but making the car more suitable for drifting, burnouts and stunts on tarmac. The key changes included reinforcing the body and fitting a ‘Millington Diamond’ 2.5-litre engine, which was done by Quick Motorsport in the UK.

Equipped with a Cosworth Pectel SQ6 ECU, individual throttle bodies, stainless steel headers and exhaust, this naturally aspirated, DOHC four-cylinder produced 333hp and 246lb/ft (248kW and 333Nm), and could rev to 9,000rpm. The gearbox, a Sadev six-speed sequential manual with AP Racing twin-plate clutch, was added at the same time, along with a Ford Performance 9-inch diff.

Independent rear suspension, Reiger three-way adjustable dampers, underbody skid plates, AP Racing four-piston disc brakes on 315mm discs, and 17-inch Fifteen52 alloy wheels were also fitted.

While these upgrades were significant, the biggest visual change to the Escort over its previous spec came in the form of a unique widebody kit created by Ken Miura of Rocket Bunny. Along with unmistakable wheelarch flares, the kit included a carbon fibre bonnet, deep front airdam, roof scoop, sill extensions and rear spoiler. The windscreen was replaced with a special lightweight, heated item, and polycarbonate side glass was fitted.

An all-black finish for the Escort in its new form (it was previously painted blue) was offset by white wheels and a ‘jagged’ American flag graphic on the bonnet. Hoonigan decals featured across the rear of the car, while in the boot, an aluminium oil tank and anti-surge fuel tank were fitted.

In the cabin, updates included a Geartronics flatshift system, a much larger upright handbrake (with Hoonigan billet handle) and a Cosworth/Omega digital dash. Recaro carbon fibre seats, Sabelt harnesses, a Sparco steering wheel and adjustable column, electric power steering, AP Racing pedals, a fire suppression system and full T45 roll cage were other interior features.

In this form, the Escort made its debut in a series of Hoonigan videos in 2015, with its build documented by Motor Trend in the US and featured in UK magazine, Classic Ford. The car was part of the ‘Hoonigan car pack’ in the Forza racing video game series and also featured at some of the Gymkhana GRID live events that were held in the US, UK, South Africa and Europe.

Gone, not Forgotten

Soon after Block parted ways with Ford in 2021 to forge a new partnership with Audi, the Escort was sold to Jorgen Moller Jr. of RaceDeck Garage Flooring. A friend and associate of Block’s, Moller Jr. added the Escort to his own collection of rally and race cars that included a 1993 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Escort Mk5.

Following Ken Block’s death in 2023, this unique Escort Mk2 was displayed as part of the People’s Champ: The Impact of Ken Block exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

To Auction

This March, Moller Jr. put the Escort up for auction through Bring-A-Trailer. As offered, the car was largely unchanged from when Block last used it. Camera mounts were still in place, along with minor damage and scrapes from its gymkhana escapades. Block’s signature featured inside, on the driver’s door panel, with a selection of memorabilia (some of which was also signed by Block), a binder of records, spare parts and extra wheels included in the sale.

Given the Hoonitruck sold for US$990,000 (AU$1.59 million approx.), there were hopes the Escort Mk2 may achieve a high amount, too, especially given Block’s long-term ownership and the car’s unique status in his collection. Despite a lot of interest, including more than 72,000 views, bidding had stalled at $285,000 (AU$413,250 approx.) when the timed online auction closed on 4 April. This did not meet the reserve, but a price was negotiated post-auction between Moller Jr. and a prestige car broker based in Germany. That price is undisclosed, but believed to be close to the $285K final bid.