Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A Ford Escort Series 1 RS Turbo with 17,894 miles and RSOC Concours Winner.
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 enthusiasts trying to find a good example.
EQUIPMENT
Colour coded bumpers with front over riders, laminated windscreen and all round safety glass, 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, trip recorder, tachometer, roof mounted digital clock. Factory Options; Custom Pack includes electric windows, central locking, tilt/slide glass sunroof and opening rear quarter windows.
EXTERIOR
The striking Diamond White, (Code B3), paintwork is exceptional with a brilliant show shine and perfect uniform finish. All panels are factory with date stampings clearly visible and genuine decals are fitted. The correct Carello headlamps, spot lights and the factory glass all remain including the Ford inscribed front screen. While in storage the vehicle picked up some very small marks so these were professionally addressed to the highest standard during the painstaking detailing process which also included the underside to a concours winning standard. Proof of the quality of the workmanship is a ‘Best in Class’ at the RSOC ‘National Day’ fiercely competitive Concours d’Elegance being judged against some of the very best S1 RS Turbos in the country. This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a perfect slice of Ford RS history.
INTERIOR
The interior of this RS Turbo is perfect and pristine. Finished in original two-tone grey Monza crushed velour, (Code HC), the seat pads and bolsters are very firm and show no sign of wear. The door cards and carpets are in remarkable showroom fresh condition and the original perforated headlining is tight with no marks or discolouration. The dashboard has remained completely free from cracks, an otherwise common issue with MK3 Escorts. The RS 3-spoke steering wheel still has all the delicate grains and veins associated only with genuine low mileage examples as does the gear knob. All interior equipment is functional including the Ford SRT32P stereo with cassette storage holder. The boot area is immaculate with genuine PDI stickers still attached to the boot floor and blue scribe markings. The immaculate rear parcel shelf is pin straight with genuine Ford fitted speakers. It does not get much better than this.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fitted with Fords 1596cc turbocharged Compound Valve Hemispherical chamber (CVH) unit, producing 132BHP at 6000rpm, 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. The engine produces a delightful note through a very expensive stainless-steel replica of the original exhaust system, made to the exact dimensions of the OEM unit. Bonnet up exhibiting is a must! The gear changes are light and absolutely precise. An exhilarating driving experience and exactly in accordance with the low miles covered.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original 15 X 6 inch RS seven spoke alloy wheels are spotless with the correct factory stampings on the three spokes of each rim are visible. The original Michelin MXV 195/50 VR15 tyres whilst unworn and in visibly good order, due to age, it would be advisable to replace and retain if the car is to be put into regular use. The original spare wheel also shod in unused Michelin MXV rubber. Diagonally split hydraulic circuit brakes with 240mm ventilated discs up front and 203.2mm rear drums bring the car to an assured halt.
HISTORY FILE
Registered new on 1 August 1985 this remarkable example has led a very cosseted and sheltered existence. The car has had just three former keepers, and has formed part of truly cherished collections. A previous custodian who has owned some of the best examples of Ford cars in the UK – sought-out this particular car with the intention of creating the ultimate RS S1 Turbo, capable of winning a Concours event. The car was so good to start with, this painstaking process involved many hours of simply cleaning and detailing, plus a thorough mechanical re-commissioning all documented with invoices. The car has just had another service in August 2020. The vehicle won RSOC ‘National Day’ Concours d’Elegance and was duly sold for a record sum at Silverstone Auctions in 2017.
All original handbooks, guides, supplements and even Ford optional extras literature held within the A5 wallet. An original sales brochure and RS Owners Club literature completes the history file along with two sets of keys which correctly fit all locks and ignition.
HPI Clear.