Ford Escort RS Turbo

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Ford announced its all-new MkIII Escort in 1980, the new car being the first Escort model to feature front wheel drive and a transverse mounted engine. 

A 'hot-hatch' version, the XR3, was available from the start and was followed by a much hotter limited edition version in 1983, the RS1600i. This only lasted in production for one season, and in 1984 was replaced by the new Escort RS Turbo.

The RS Turbo used a combination of a tuned 1.6-litre CVH fuel-injected engine with a Garrett turbo bolted on. This package worked very well and produced a healthy 132bhp, making it one of fastest Escorts, sprinting to 60 in 8 seconds on its way to a maximum of 125mph.

In 1986 the whole Escort range received a MkIV facelift with the RS Turbo gaining ABS brakes and a heated windscreen – features then unheard-of on a car of this size and price. The RS Turbo was very successful for Ford, becoming a favourite with tuners and remained in production until 1990.

One of the last examples made, this particular RS Turbo was first registered in August 1990 and was initially a demonstrator for Ford dealers WR Davis of Welshpool. Since then the car has had just three additional owners, the first of whom kept it for around 20 years.

The 20,800 miles on the clock is said to be the genuine distance covered from new but unfortunately the history file for the car has been lost so this cannot be warranted, although the general condition of the car would certainly not rule out such a low mileage. Said to be in totally original and unmolested condition throughout (apart from the fitment of a sports exhaust), the car has an exceptionally clean and tidy interior which also benefits from removable RS seat covers.

Apart from a couple of minor blemishes here and there, the red bodywork is also in very good and original condition. Said to drive well with an MOT until December with no advisories recorded, the car also benefits from a new set of Yokohama tyres. Fast Fords from this era have become increasingly collectable of late and this highly original example could prove a shrewd investment at the modest guide price suggested today.