1991 Ford Fiesta RS Turbo

The Fiesta RS Turbo was the high-performance model in the Ford Fiesta Mk3 range and was introduced as a three-door version only in April 1990 with production continuing until 1992.

As an example of the excesses of the bygone 'hot hatch' age, the Fiesta RS Turbo from the early Nineties is typical. This was an affordable little Ford with an extrovert approach and a Porsche-like punch. Those who could tame the peaky turbo, the torque-steer and the handling under acceleration loved them. And the same is true today.

Theoretically, it was only available from specially appointed Ford RS dealers, which was a bit of a marketing ploy. Powered by a potent CVH 1.6-litre four cylinder turbocharged engine with a Garrett T2 turbocharger, it was blindingly quick, developing 132bhp with a top speed of 133 mph and a 0-60 time of 7.9 seconds. The transmission was lifted from an Escort RS Turbo and the suspension was beefed up also. Visually, there was a set of 14"" RS alloy wheels, a body kit, green rather than blue stripe mouldings, colour-coded rear spoiler and door pillars, opening rear quarter windows, green tinted glass and RS bonnet louvres. Anti-lock brakes and a 'Quickclear' heated front windscreen were options at extra cost.

Inside the car, the differences included raven coloured Recaro seats trimmed in Benetton/Ascot and a grey leather trimmed gear knob, a three-spoke steering wheel (as opposed to the two-spoke used in the XR2i), which also had the RS Turbo logo embossed on the centre cap. You also got a sunroof, electric windows and central locking.

The handling perhaps lacked the subtlety of the class favourite at the time, Peugeot's 205 GTi and, in February 1992, the car was replaced by the normally-aspirated Fiesta RS1800. The Fiesta RS Turbo is a "pocket-rocket" - no doubt about it. Mid-range acceleration is awesome. Thanks to the standard limited slip differential, it grips like a leech too. However these were powerful cars and when they fell into the hands of their third and fourth owners who, by definition, were often a bit younger and more impressionable, the survival rate was not good, so today there are very few Fiesta RS Turbos left.

The car presented here then, is something very special. It is a completely standard 1991 Fiesta RS Turbo, having covered only 12,000 verifiable miles with just 3 previous keepers. It is supplied with a thorough history file, including a fully stamped-up original service book showing 9 stamps, with 5 from the supplying dealer, Ford Garage Dees of Croydon. The car has been part of a collection and has been kept in superb original condition. The level of preservation under the bonnet and in the interior is matched by the car"s underside. The original spare wheel with its original tyre has never been used.

This is a real opportunity to buy a special example of a rare "Fast Ford". Very rarely do completely unmolested RS cars with so few miles and confirmable history come to the market.