Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An iconic unmolested Ford Escort Series 1 RS Turbo Non-Custom.
MODEL HISTORY
The Series 1 Escort RS Turbo was carefully developed by Ford’s talented Special Vehicle Engineering team whose other resounding successes include the Capri 2.8 Injection and the XR3. The RS Turbo was designed to set new standards in Group N and Group A events, and was quickly dubbed the car to beat. Ford initially planned to build 5,000 RS Turbos, the minimum number required for homologation in Group A, however a total of 8,604 were built due to increased demand. The car was greeted with huge enthusiasm and was only sold through official Rallye Sport dealers. A following that today has amassed into obsession for many a diehard Ford enthusiast.
EQUIPMENT
Colour coded bumpers with front over riders, laminated windscreen and all round safety glass, opening rear quarter windows, RS aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, RS Turbo decals, Ford spot lamps, remote control colour coded door mirrors, colour coded ‘Orion’ radiator grille, RS 3 spoke steering wheel, cigar lighter, rear ashtrays, front door stowage bins, 3-speed heater fan, coin box, radio cassette, speaker joystick control, trip recorder, tachometer, roof mounted digital clock. Dealer options; Ford rubber floor mats, mud flaps.
EXTERIOR
The legendary Series One RS Turbo has long established itself as a true Blue Oval hero and this unmolested example is largely as Ford intended. The Diamond White paintwork, (Code B3), looks fantastic with a bright uniform finish and pleasing polished gleam. The panels are straight and the extroverted body styling and large spoilers are fully intact. This car has been used, driven and cherished and as such remedial paintwork has been undertaken over the years in order to uphold presentation. Minor marking and imperfections will be found upon close scrutiny including scratches to the original tailgate glass. High security locks have been fitted and RS mud flaps. The registration number is etched in all glass and rear light clusters except the front screen. Ford main dealer number plates and windscreen sticker are lovely original/period features. All decals are intact and overall, this sporting 1980’s Fast Ford is very useable and guaranteed to draw much admiration.
INTERIOR
The interior of this RS Turbo is original and very retro Ford. Finished in original two-tone grey Monza crushed velour, (Code HC), the seat pads and figure-hugging bolsters are very firm and in excellent condition showing only very minimal signs of wear and no damage. The door cards are in remarkable condition and the carpets have been protected from new by Ford rubber ‘Waffle’ floor mats. The original perforated headlining has a stitched tear to the rear and the dashboard has hairline cracks, a common issue with most MK3 Escorts. All interior equipment is functional and the trim pieces intact, including the rear parcel shelf with the genuine Ford fitted speakers inset. The correct Ford SRT32P stereo is fully operational. Very honest and unspoilt.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fords 1596cc turbocharged Compound Valve Hemispherical chamber (CVH) unit, producing 132BHP at 6000rpm, is mated to the Bosch KE Jetronic Fuel Injection System. Turbocharged power delivery courtesy of a Garrett T03 turbo, the car accelerates smoothly to a maximum speed of 125mph and achieves 0-60 in 8.2 seconds. A slightly larger bore exhaust is fitted that sounds glorious. The engine bay is clean and Motorcraft service items and consumables remains fitted. The gear changes are light and altogether this is a truly exhilarating driving experience guaranteed to raise a smile.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original 15 X 6 inch RS seven spoke alloy wheels are refurbished and the correct factory stampings are on the three spokes of each rim. Matching Dunlop Sportbluresponse 195/50 R15 tyres are modern fitment with masses of tread. The spare wheel shod in Michelin MXV2 rubber, is housed in the boot floor which has the manufacturer stickers still present. Diagonally split hydraulic circuit brakes with 240mm ventilated discs up front and 203.2mm rear drums bring the car to an assuring halt.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 28th June 1985, the supplying Ford Main Dealer was L Blake & Co Ltd of Liverpool. The current owner, Paul Irving and a friend of his have in fact each owned the car twice accounting for four of the seven owners. Paul is incredibly knowledgeable in the classic car community and is the Managing Director of IRV’S Resto Shop. Demand for his expert restorations have resulting in lengthy lead times for any new work All handbooks, guides, supplements and the original service book are in the Blakes document wallet. Work under taken recently includes a full service and also renewal of the cambelt and water pump carried out in 2018. The turbo has been rebuilt and brakes have benefitted from new discs, pads and callipers.
This is a useable, unspoilt and very presentable RS Turbo in excellent running order. Wanting for nothing and ready for 1980’s ‘boy/girl racers’ to relive some memories.