Ford had two passenger car divisions in Europe: Ford in Cologne, the main plant on the continent, and Ford England, with its own model program. The models from Cologne clearly showed that Ford America had a firm finger in the pie when it came to design. The Ford “RS” institute has built up a legendary reputation among true lovers of fast cars.
The enduring appeal of the Ford 17M RS
Sjoerd still feels the magical attraction of this RS. Not surprising, because his entire working life was dedicated to Ford. What started as a reliable car for daily commuting has now – as an AOW’er – grown into a beloved hobby car. A car that can leave the garage from time to time for sunny rides.
The 17M RS is essentially a Taunus too, but Ford's marketing department thought that name was too long. So it simply remained Ford 17M RS about.
Lifelong loyalty
Sjoerd: “My own automotive history is completely dominated by Ford. I started with the first Escort types, of which I have owned several. Then the many P models followed. I remained loyal to the 'buckets'. And Ford too: because I now drive a Ford Fiesta as my daily car.”
From donor car to classic: the rescue of the Ford 17M RS
Sjoerd: “In the 70s, rust prevention was given little attention, with the result that this car – left in a barn – rusted away like no other. The owner told me that too little was being offered for it as a trade-in, and that repair would be too expensive. That is why it was offered as a donor car. But my trained eye immediately saw that a rescue operation for this sporty model was possible. In my daily work as a welder, I looked at rust problems differently.”
Authentic Restoration: Ford 17M RS Restoration
Sjoerd: “Restoration should be done without time pressure. It is only fun if you do not commit yourself to an end date. That is why I took all the time to completely strip the car, replace sheet metal, do the necessary welding and install a new engine to replace the old, tired power source. The green paint is an original color from the Ford range. For me it is now an authentic classic with a perfect balance between charm and still modern performance of the 2300 cc strong engine - a model of flexibility and agility.”
Why the Ford 17M RS is a rare masterpiece
This Ford 17M RS is appreciated because there are so few of them left. But also because of its appearance, shape, color and engine. Everything is right. The spotlights in the grille, the sports stripes on the sides, the sports rims - it is simply the M of masterpiece.
Every ride is a journey through time. And even after 28 years of ownership, the love for this special car continues to blossom. Please let me know if you need another version with image suggestions, intro for print publication or typographically styled headlines!
(The photos continue below.)
A picture
I still have a booklet of the Ford 17m
And of course Sjoerd, have fun with this beautiful 17m rs.
My father had a dark blue 17m 2 doors with ivory leatherette upholstery, license plate 34-95-mx. From 1970. This p7b series is a beautifully lined design. No engine problems with it. However, every now and then a light cover would break when parking. After that my father chose a vw passat. That was not it. Given the good experiences with the 17m, a Ford Granada 2.3 gl station was purchased. That was apple green.
My father had the 17M RS. Light green metallic with a black vinyl roof. A beauty. My uncle a whiter 2 door 17M and another uncle the 4 door 20 M gold metallic. Stunning cars.
Splendid!
Still a distinctive model. Great that Sjoerd saved this one from the scrapyard. At the time I couldn't afford this model, let alone a 20M RS.
I had to make do with a 2-door silver-gray 15M RS with license plate 04-04-PD from 1970.
Have fun driving.
And as with almost all cars, the 2-door was much nicer than the 4-door.