A Ford car enthusiast from Milton Keynes has won a prestigious classic car competition for his 80's classic Ford Escort.

Jason Moulds was crowned the winner of the 2026 Lancaster Insurance Spring Pride of Ownership award with his sunburst red 1983 Ford Escort RS1600i.

The winning car is one of just 2,600 built and had been off the road since 2007. When Jason purchased it a year ago it only showed 42,000 miles on the clock and had just undergone a five-year body restoration.

But it still wasn’t up to Jason’s standards - so he spent the winter working on it, overhauling the engine bay and underside.

A car enthusiast from Milton Keynes has won a national competition for his 80's classic Ford Escort.

placeholder image — A car enthusiast from Milton Keynes has won a national competition for his 80's classic Ford Escort.

Not only has Jason finished the project, but he’s done it to winning standards. The engine bay is now immaculate, complete with original factory information labels, along with a pristine underside.

Jason also fitted very rare Dunlop Super Sport D4 tyres, which come alongside the original jack - a rare find for collectors.

Jason’s also added a Ford ERST32P radio cassette, a Ford first aid kit still in its packaging, unworn Ford overalls and a Ford mini hoover in a box.

Jason said: “I purchased this car because it’s one of the first Ford RS I ever owned, taking me back to my youth. I am completely overwhelmed to win – being invited to the show with the other finalists already felt like winning. I really am lost for words”.

“When I purchased this car, I had nowhere to keep it as my garage was an office, so I had to convert it back to a garage. Now the car sits in a heated garage with posh flooring. At one point I had my complete interior in the dining room whilst cleaning it... my wife wasn't happy.”

The Ford Escort RS1600i was produced from 1991 until July 1983. Ford planned to only build 5,000, but increased the number to 8,659 because the cars sold so well.

Jason added: “I’ve always been into Fords; my second car was a XR3i and I’ve worked my way up to the 1600i. I’ve also had a RS500, Cosworths, Fiesta Turbos and four 1600is. I was out of the car scene for a while, but I started to miss Fords so purchased my latest 1600i – it turned out to be a winning car!”

Lancaster’s Pride of Ownership award recognises craftsmanship and dedication, as well as the stories that make classic cars so meaningful to their owners.

The award was voted for by classic car enthusiasts who visited the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC in March.

Jason’s Ford Escort RS1600i beat fierce competition from runners up Clive Moss and his 1981 Opel Manta GTS 3000 and Mark Bartholomew and his 1973 Datsun 240Z.

Yvonne Gosney from Lancaster Insurance says: “The competition is a central feature of the show and a real highlight for many visitors. We’ve been fortunate to see some remarkable participants over the years, and Jason is a thoroughly deserving winner.

“His restoration of this modern classic has been completed to an exceptional standard, and we’re proud to congratulate him as this year’s Spring Pride of Ownership winner.”