1992 | Ford Escort RS Cosworth

It appears that lightning does indeed strike twice as Historics are delighted to present another extremely rare, low-mileage RS Cosworth in absolutely near-perfect condition and with just two recorded owners. The 'originality' and 'as-new condition' has indeed been matched except for, of course, the asking price.

The car itself was designed and engineered in Boreham, styled by Stephen Harper and assembled by Karmann in Germany. The RS Cosworth was an 'homologation special' and its only role was to incorporate parts that Ford planned to use in their rally cars to ensure success in international rallying. This homologation special was based on the fifth generation Escort and 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 that 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. The first 2,500 were fitted with the 'Big' T3 Garrett hybrid turbo with transmission-mounted boost control and a water injection system hidden under the front passenger seat, although this was often disconnected. 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 and split the power 34/66, front/rear as well as the correct &unused Pirelli spacesaver wheel to the rear, raised to clear the rear 4WD differential. It's worth noting that the correct Pirelli P-Zeros can still be found on all four tyres all and all with generous tread available.

Nowadays, the model is firmly established as a modern classic and benefits from all the attention lavished on other RS Fords with values for the best survivors beginning to exceed six figures. This particular car is a stunning, UK-supplied, right-hand drive example finished in Diamond White with the desirable body-hugging Recaro seats finished in Hexagon Grey Cloth (Code L9). Turning on the ignition reveals all electrics operational including the Ford 2007 RDS radio/cassette. Externally, the body colour front bumper with contrasting black lower extension all presents in good order as expected, as well as louvred bonnet air intakes, wing air extraction grilles, integral driving and fog lights and manual sunroof. The dash includes an oil pressure gauge, turbo gauge, voltmeter, quartz digital clock with ambient temperature all in electro-luminescent dials of course. Also included is a fully comprehensive history file including the correct and original owner's pack, Ford Service Dealer Directory, service history and private registration.

PDI John Grose Group (Ford Centre) 1992
1,800 miles John Grose Group (Ford Centre) 1993
2,100 miles John Grose Group (Ford Centre) 1994
2,250 miles John Grose Group (Ford Centre) 1995
2,377 miles John Grose Group (Ford Centre) 1997
2,449 miles John Grose Group (Ford Centre) 1998
2,494 miles John Grose Group (Ford Centre) 2015 (inc. full cambelt service)
2,645 miles G. Motors 2023
Tba miles Sussex Sports Cars 2024

In April of this year, some light remedial work took place play by classic specialists, Sussex Sportscars. Specifically, the front splitter and spoiler was prepped, primed painted and refitted including a new rear exhaust box. The car will thus arrive in a 'ready to drive' condition, complete with a new 11-month MoT test certificate valid until April 2026 with no advisories although it has only travelled a handful of miles since the last one but, for the assurance of the next keeper, it's always good to be sure. It has formed the cornerstone of its previous specialist collection based in the UK since 2016 with infrequent outings although, most recently, winning the Hurlingham Fete Champetre &Concours D'Elegance in June of last year (2024). It is hoped that this will now find a new home where it will be equally treasured as these very low-mileage fast Fords are becoming extremely hard to find. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille

Lot details
Year: 1992
Make: Ford
Model: Escort RS Cosworth
Registration: 23 CWC
Chassis No: WF0BXXGKABNL95122
Engine No: NL95122
Mileage: 2,942


* From a long-term private collection

* Just 2,942 miles recorded

* With two owners recorded from new

* Owned for nearly ten years by the current keeper