1994 Ford RS Escort Cosworth

The RS Escort Cosworth would become Ford's Group 'A' contender for the 1993-98 World Rally Championships. Many components were carried over from the Sierra Cosworth 4WD, mainly the famous Cosworth YBT 2.0 litre engine. The potential of the Escort was seen in it's first event, the 1993 Monte Carlo Rally, where Delecour and Biasion came second and third respectively. The Escort continued to be very competitve 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 grass roots philosophy, the Escort Cosworth provided a platform for National Rallying and Club enthusiasts throughout the world to enjoy 'off the shelf' competitive support. The Escort Cosworth is still a comparatively rare car,the first 2500 were 'homologation specials' built for FIA regulation requirements with the larger Garrett T3 turbo. Total production was only 7145, now heavily spoilered and BBC's Top Gear proclaiming it the 'hottest hatch ever'. The RS Escort offered here today is the 1994 'homologation special' version, having had just one owner from new and having covered only 42,000 miles from new. This RS has lived in a dehumidified garage and is in exceptional condition throughout. Finished in unmarked Mallard Green with black leather interior, the car retains it's original livery, however, after taking delivery and some 28,000 miles later, the vendor decided to have the engine blue printed which was entrusted to Mountune, Fords Competition engine builder. This involved many of the Group A modifications already featured on the 'Works' Rally Cars. The original engine was retained so that this RS has correct numbers for a potential collector.The standard gearbox was replaced with the Quaife Group N unit to handle the power increase and the suspension was uprated with a brief to maintain an acceptable ride for the road. Needlesss to say, this is an incredibly well engineered RS enjoying period input from the 'Works' engine tuner and looks totally standard. The overall condition of this RS Escort is exemplary, having been stored in a dehumidified garage and comes complete with a full service book and all MOT's from new. Available by seperate negotiation are all the original standard parts, a sister 'IES' 420 BHP engine, standard gearbox and a massive inventory of still boxed RS Escort parts. The RS is in itself unique, together with the prospect of continuing the 'marriage' of car and spares, produces a unique and exciting opportunity for the serious Ford collector.