1986 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1

The much-revered Escort RS Turbo S1 was supplied in the distinctive Diamond White' body colour only. The engine utilised was a 1600 CVH unit modified to suit the higher loads and the application of a turbocharger, whilst also benefitted from computerised fuel injection and engine management incorporating boost control, producing a healthy 132bhp. It was the first front-wheel drive road car in the world to use a compact viscous-coupling design LSD instead of a normal mechanical LSD, which greatly improved cornering and drivability.

Aesthetically, the RS Turbo was given a distinctive sporty appearance with a body-coloured front grill, bumpers and aerodynamic aids. The interior was trimmed in a combination of Monza and Cashmere fabrics and Recaro LS bucket seats were fitted as standard. Production was limited to only 5,000 examples and many were modified in period for racing and/or crashed.

On offer here is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive example that indicated just 41,123 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing. ‘C558 JEP’ is a very well-known car amongst the RS Turbo scene and is accompanied by a really interesting history. There is simply way too much information to list here so we encourage interested parties to come and see this cracking S1 in the metal and spend time going through the file to fully understand its genuine story.

Our vendor, who is lucky enough to own a significant collection of special Performance Fords, sought-out this particular car for his collection and is proud to have owned it. Coming to auction in fabulous condition, this special car is offered with a competitive estimate considering the low mileage and momentum behind recent sales of the RS Turbo S1.