1996 | Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Lot details

Year: 1996
Make: Ford
Model: Escort Cosworth LUX
Registration: N365 PBO
Chassis No: WF0BXXGKABSP93209
Engine No: SP93209
Odometer: 43,300

• Stunning time warp example
• Three former keepers
• LUX specification

The Escort RS Cosworth pretty much drew a line under the first 'hot hatch' era, not even Lancia's awesome Delta Integrale was keeping up with this. The RS Cosworth was a rally-spec, homologation special based on the fifth generation Escort. It was designed to qualify as a Group A car for the World Rally Championship in which it competed notably between 1993 and 1998. The radical styling that included flared arches and the unmissable whale tail rear spoiler displayed only a small part of the potential however, with the remaining fulfilled by the fitting of the Ford power unit that lay under the bonnet boosted by one of two sizes of turbo charger. It was viciously quick with 0-60mph coming up in 5.7 seconds catapulting it firmly into Porsche territory. It also used the Sierra 4x4's five-speed manual transmission which featured permanent four-wheel drive to split the power 34/66 front/rear.

In road trim alone, the RS Cosworth produced 227bhp and with that horsepower in a nimble, compact car, performance was outstanding. The end came too early for many enthusiasts with production ceasing in January 1996 with only 7,145 cars produced over a four-year period. Nowadays, the model is firmly established as a modern classic and benefits from all the attention lavished on other RS Fords. Values for the best survivors have often neared six figures.

First registered on 29th January 1996, the last year of Escort Cosworth production, and presented in Petrol Blue which was only available for 13 months and with a full Raven LUX leather trim, this example has covered 43,300 miles from new however the quality and condition would be surmountable of a car with less than 10,000 miles. The last owner purchased the car from a fellow RS Cosworth owners club member when it had covered 37,000 miles and owned the car for 20 years, actively participating in club shows and events. Residing in Essex, having a Cosworth is like being a local celebrity and this example was no exception, it has been looked after meticulously and garaged throughout its life. Before his ownership we can find in the stamped service booklet a full Ford service history (13 stamps up to his purchase), after which him and his son, who is a trained Ford technician, have serviced the car meticulously under DJ Botley Motor Services for the 20 years and 6,000 miles until now. This car appears to be wearing all original paint and having spent more time in the garage over the past few years a full recommission and service was undertaken in March which included all filters, a new cambelt in fact all belts, all new fluids and oils. We are informed every MoT test certificate from new is within the history file as is the original customer service record/data card, full book pack and a wealth of documents and invoices from the current ownership for parts and maintenance.

Boasting air conditioning and glass sunroof with supplying original dealer plates, a raft of provenance and history and having covered less that 7,000 miles in the last two decades, we would describe this as in 'show condition', virtually unmarked example and strongly recommend viewing. Consigned by Mathew Priddy