1996 Ford Escort Cosworth Lux

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.

At its retail launch in 1994, two models were available, the 'Club-spec' standard car at £21,380 and the more optioned 'Lux' version. In 1995, the RS Cosworth was treated to a mild facelift where it received a new honeycomb grille, restyled bumpers, a more attractive fascia and revised alloy wheels. The car continued until early 1996 when emissions regulations forced it out of production. Like pretty much every RS Ford, it was a classic from the moment it was built.

This UK-supplied right-hand drive Escort RS Cosworth Lux rolled off the production line on 1st February 1996 before being first registered as "P949 PGH". Supplied by Dees Ford of Croydon in Diamond White with a Raven Black leather interior, the odometer currently reads an incredible 837 miles! The trip meter, which has never been zeroed also reads the same. Open the driver"s door and the waft of a "new car smell" still remains, whilst the Recaro seats are in A1 condition and barely look like they"ve been sat in, which they haven't much.

Peek underneath and original factory Waxoyl is still present and the car sits on its original Pirelli tyres that still retain the rubber spikes on the sidewalls! Magazine featured in the March 2009 issue of Fast Ford, it was used as the car in their buyer"s guide and has also been featured in their calendars.

This time-capsule car has had two previous owners and has appeared in notable Ford collections in the intervening years before our vendor took ownership. Supplied with a UK V5c and now registered "P200 ODP", this car will be fully serviced at a Ford Main Dealer to include fresh cambelts, a service, and an MOT prior to the auction.

This is without doubt one of the finest Fords Silverstone Auctions has ever offered and this car presents a unique opportunity for an astute buyer to complete the "full set". Form an orderly queue here, please….