Full Description
FOR SALE
A beautiful Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 2 unspoilt with huge history file.
EQUIPMENT
Body coloured polycarbonate bumpers with black insert, body coloured wheel arch extensions, tailgate spoiler, Halogen H4 headlamps, long-range driving lamps, cooling vents in bonnet, central locking, heated rear window, dual-tone horn, tailgate wash/wipe, tinted glass, overhead console incorporating a quartz digital clock, aerial incorporated in rear windscreen, electrically operated front windows, heated front screen, 60/40 split rear back rest, soft feel sports steering wheel, tilt/slide glass sunroof, tachometer, Ford Electronic model 2005 Self-Seek Stereo with anti-theft coding. Factory Options: Metallic paint. Dealer Options: Stop-A-Thief remote control alarm with Microwave sensor and siren, Truseal rustproofing treatment, Trufab upholstery preservation treatment, high output rear speakers, Ford carpet mats.
EXTERIOR
This utterly unspoilt 88-Spec Crossover model is finished in stunning factory optional Mercury Grey, (Code Q 7), which is astonishing in both appearance and originally being a rare unrestored example. The paintwork boasts a deep polished shine throughout and all factory panels, decals and badges are original fitment. Nothing other than a few light markings and some frontal stone chips affect the paint finish, utterly insignificant. The panels are straight with uniform gaps including the original factory front wings with Ford oval logo and date stampings visible. The underside and all wheel arch apertures are untouched miracles for a Ford of this era, all clean with no historic repairs, thanks in part to the Truseal rustproofing treatment when new, garage storage and impeccable upkeep. Factory Sekurit glass is fitted throughout as are the original Carello headlamps and spotlights. All other light clusters as genuine Ford items with the offside rear cluster showing a small hairline crack. Supplying Ford Main Dealer branded number plates, rear screen sticker and tax disc holder are still fitted! Incredibly difficult to find in such an unmolested condition, an absolute credit to the enthusiast owners.
INTERIOR
The interior of this Escort RS Turbo remains exactly as Ford intended. The body-hugging Recaro seats are trimmed in Zolda fabric, (Code LW), correct for an 88-Spec Crossover. The upholstery is clean and fully intact with only slight wear to the driver’s seat outer bolsters and base. Amazingly the lumber support pad is still with the car! Matching door cards are in very good condition with no plastic fatigue to the inner door handles and very light shrinkage to the driver’s side armrest. The headlining is tight with no damage and clean carpets are preserved thanks to original Ford mats. All switches, knobs and dials function correctly including the overhead console digital clock and Quickclear heated front screen. The boot area is very clean with factory stickers, original Dunlop SP Sport D40 spare tyre, jack and protection pads. The parcel shelf is pin straight and neatly fitted with two period Goodmans speakers. A deliciously 80’s Ford interior!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The 1.6 OHC (CVH) fuel injected engine with a Garrett AiResearch T3 turbo charger and intercooler is completely factory standard. Producing 132bhp in such a lightweight car, the 0-60mph sprint is dealt with in 8.2 sizzling seconds and a top speed of 128mph to quicken the pulse. Genuine Motorcraft service parts are visible including red Ford plug leads and fuel filter and the bonnet sound deadening with foil heatshield is fully intact. The super clean engine bay displays all plates, labels and stickers. Some tarnishing to the slam panel is visible but has been left untreated to uphold originality. An expensive bespoke full stainless-steel exhaust, sympathetic in size to the original system, has been fitted. A major service, water pump and cambelt was carried out in June 2026 as well as a new battery and the original turbo professionally reconditioned. The 5-speed manual gearbox is light and precise.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The instantly recognisable RS Turbo alloy wheels are stunning with insignificant tiny marks and clearly defined part numbers and size stampings often lost upon refurbishment. Four matching premium Goodyear 195/50 R15 tyres are fitted retaining excellent tread. This fast Ford icon stops as well as it goes with the ABS braking system designed in conjunction with Lucas Girling working perfectly with all maintenance upheld.
HISTORY FILE
Manufactured in September 1988 at the Saarlouis assembly plant in Germany and registered new on 6th March 1989 by Ford Main Dealers, KT Group in Dartford, this fabulous example has covered a warranted 64,170 miles from new. The first owner, Mr Pearce, clearly wanted to preserve and protect his purchase and hence chose an expensive alarm system as well as sophisticated preservation treatments for rustproofing and upholstery care. In 1993 the car was sold to the second owner who went on to have the car for 28 years. Mr Crooks was fanatical about the car and the condition and originality is testament to his pride in the car. From the start of his ownership, he kept a detailed maintenance log which remains upheld today, and it was not until 2022 that he made the difficult decision to sell the car to a good friend.
The very neatly organised history file dates to when the car was new with handover packs for the Truseal and Trufab treatments as well as the fitting of the alarm system. A comprehensive file of service records and MOT certificates fully verify the mileage and even historic tax discs have been neatly mounted! The supplying dealer branded document wallet holds handbooks, the original service book and spare keys. Even a Ford RS range sales brochure is included! This RS icon will appeal to those wanting a real rarity, an unspoilt and unmodified example fit for exhilarating outings and classic car shows.
MOT July 2027, HPI Clear.
