1993 Ford Escort RS Cosworth (Big Turbo)

A much-admired example from a private Ford collection

Amazing originality and condition

Ford Club Concours Gold Cup winner

Just 28,000 miles

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth proved that it was possible to follow its legendary 1980's Sierra namesake. Just like the Lancia Integrale and Subaru Impreza, this was a Group-A "rally car for the road" - pure and simple. It was actually underpinned by a shortened version of the Sierra Cosworth RS Cosworth's platform and powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged longitudinally mounted Cosworth-developed engine driving all four wheels. The car was designed and engineered in Boreham, being styled by noted designer Stephen Harper, and ended up being assembled by Karmann in Germany. The potential of the Escort was seen in its first event, the 1993 Monte Carlo Rally, where Delecour and Biasion came 2nd and 3rd respectively. The Escort continued to be very competitive throughout the '93 and '94 season but it was a 'one-off' guest drive by Tommi Makinen that provided the win on the 1994 "1000 Lakes" Rally. Importantly, and true to Ford's grassroots philosophy, the Escort Cosworth provided a platform for National Rallying and Club enthusiasts throughout the world to enjoy 'off-the-shelf' competitive support.

The car presented here is a 1993 Ford Escort Cosworth and is a "big-turbo" model, thus one of the first 2,500 homologation cars ("homologation specials"), which are considered to be more desirable by the Fast Ford purists.

If you know your Fast Fords, then this car needs no introduction! It was the "cover-car" on the "Essential Buyer Guide RS Cosworth Sierra & Escort", whilst also featuring in Dan Williamson"s "Factory Original Ford RS Cosworths" and in many other Ford magazines, it being a multiple Gold Cup and "RS Owners" Concours winner.

In 2008 it was purchased by Mark Barber, a very well-known Concours expert and judge on the show scene. The car has only been used for Concours events since, travelling just a few miles on the road. With its leather trim and striking red paintwork, it is a simply stunning example. Being such a "star", it now travels mainly in a closed transporter to and from shows. Its maintenance has still been kept up-to-date though, even though very few miles have been covered. The car is immaculate in every aspect, right down to the period-correct Pirelli tyres and genuine one-piece exhaust system. Deservedly, it has amassed over 150 trophies in a 10-year period. This surely must be one of the best Escort Cosworths out there – if not the best. It really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated; cars like this rarely come to the open market. If you want the best, this is it. Don"t miss it!