Lot details

Year: 1996
Make: Ford
Model: Escort RS Cosworth
Registration: N851 WUP
Chassis No: WF0BXXGKABSP92984
Engine No: SP92984
Mileage: 17,450
•: Offered directly from its one and only owner from new
•: Pre-PDI factory stickers
•: Collector quality example

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth was released in 1992 just as the Sierra Sapphire 4X4 Cosworth production was ending. The radical styling that included flared arches and the unmissable whale tail rear spoiler, displayed only a small part of the potential however, that potential was fulfilled by the fitment of the Cosworth fettled power unit that lay under the bonnet. Production commenced in February 1992 with the first 2,500 being homologation specials. The Cosworth was entered into the World Rally Championship the following year, enjoying outstanding success in the hands of works drivers Francois Delecour and Miki Biasion. Although the RS Cosworth resembled the Escort road car, it was in fact based on a shortened Sierra 4x4 floor pan and used the latter's running gear. This meant that, unlike the mainstream Mk. V Escort, the RS Cosworth mounted its engine fore-and-aft rather than transversely, it also used the Sierra 4x4's five-speed manual transmission which featured permanent four-wheel drive that split the power 34/66 front/rear. In road trim, 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. Only 7,145 cars were produced over a four-year period.

The example we have here is something of a unicorn, being offered to sale by its original owner, who has cherished the car as part of his Ford collection for the past 28 years. The car has covered a mere 17,450 miles, which we are told were almost always fair weather miles and it has truly been a prized possession since day one. Our vendor is a very long standing member of the RS Owner's Club and was known to be so fastidious, that the supplying Ford dealer welcomed him to inspect the car as soon as it was unloaded from the delivery truck; he has even retained the pre-PDI factory stickers and they are included in the history file. The car still wears many factory stickers and labels which have so often been lost over time, a testament to how well the car has been cared for. This Cosworth has always been meticulously cared for by the vendor, with all of the facilities and knowledge to ensure it was always in fine fettle, he always preferred to take care of everything himself, instead of leaving it at garages who may not take enough care and attention of the car. The Diamond White paintwork gleams and we are informed it is all original and the black leather interior is about as good as anyone could hope for. The car is fitted with 18” OZ wheels and slightly lowered suspension but is otherwise completely un-modified. To aid with security, the car is fitted with a Clifford alarm and a tracker.

The car is supplied to auction with a V5C registration document, MoT test certificate valid until June 2025, factory pre-PDI stickers, various sundry bills and a set of original wheels are also available. This is an opportunity which should not be missed, very few single owner Cosworth's exist and this example can be bought safe in the knowledge that it has been in true enthusiast ownership since day one. Consigned by Fraser Smith