Ex–Ken Block Ford Escort Mk2 Gymkhana-Spec Car Listed for Auction

Former Ken Block 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 Gymkhana car is listed for auction on Bring a Trailer, combining rally heritage, drift engineering, and museum history. Explore full details.

A former Ken Block car that evolved from a rally concept into a dedicated Gymkhana machine has entered the auction market, with bidding already surpassing $215,000. The 1978 Ford Escort Mk2 stands out as one of the most recognizable Hoonigan builds, combining motorsport engineering, media exposure, and museum presence in a single vehicle.

Block acquired the Escort in 2008, initially developing it as a lightweight tarmac rally car. It was used at Rally New York in 2010 before being set aside and later completely reworked. The project eventually became the first Gymkhana-spec Mk2 Escort in the Hoonigan fleet and one of Block’s early rear-wheel-drive builds designed specifically for Gymkhana Grid competition.

That transformation defines the car’s significance. Rebuilt by Quick Motorsport in the UK, it received a reinforced chassis, a full T45 roll cage, revised suspension geometry, and a WRC-style independent rear setup. Power comes from a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Millington Diamond engine producing a claimed 333 horsepower, paired with a Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox and a Ford Motorsport 9-inch rear end. Supporting hardware includes Reiger three-way adjustable dampers, AP Racing brakes, and a Geartronics flatshift system.

After returning to the United States, the Escort gained a Rocket Bunny widebody kit and distinctive Hoonigan graphics. Inside, the race-prepared cabin features carbon-fiber Recaro seats, a Sparco steering wheel, a Cosworth/Omega digital display, and a fire suppression system, along with a vertical handbrake and competition-focused controls. The build reflects a fully functional motorsport car rather than a visual replica.

The Escort’s relevance extends beyond its hardware. It was revealed on MotorTrend in 2015 and later appeared in the Hoonigan car pack for the Forza video game series, expanding its recognition far beyond traditional motorsport audiences. It was also displayed in the People’s Champ: The Impact of Ken Block exhibition at the Petersen Automotive Museum, placing it among the most representative vehicles of Block’s career.

The Mk2 Escort platform itself carries historical weight, having been one of the defining rally cars of the 1970s. In this case, that legacy is combined with documented ownership by Ken Block, long-term development history, media exposure, and museum recognition. Together, these elements create a rare type of collector vehicle that resonates across motorsport, car culture, and digital audiences.

At the time of writing, the listing has attracted more than 29,000 views and over 1,800 watchers, reflecting strong market attention. The auction is scheduled to end on April 3, 2026, with current activity suggesting continued interest in one of the most distinctive builds associated with Ken Block.