1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux

The Escort RS Cosworth was launched in 1992 as an 'homologation special' where its sole purpose was to incorporate parts that Ford planned to use in their rally cars to ensure success in International Rallying. The first 2,500 cars, the homologation special examples, were built up to May 1994 and notoriously suffered from turbo-lag, but the next 4,500 were improved, largely thanks to their smaller Garrett T25 Turbo.

Two models were available, the Club-spec standard car and the all singing, all dancing Lux version. Power was increased by over 10% from the Sierra RS Cosworth, now making 227bhp, with performance unsurprisingly improved. In 1995, the RS Cosworth was treated to a mild facelift, receiving a new honeycomb grille, restyled bumpers, a more attractive fascia, and revised alloy wheels. Manufacture 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 arrived on the market.

This particular example is a stunning, UK-supplied, right-hand drive car finished in Auralis Blue, one of just 104 to leave the factory in this colour, combined with the desirable Lux specification. That specification included an electric sunroof, electric heated mirrors, heated windscreen, heated washer jets, leather steering wheel, electric windows, carpeted door bins and the rare leather Recaro seats.

Rolling off the production line as one of the final RS Cosworths ever produced with a build date of December 1995, the car was purchased new by our vendor's father who remains the sole registered keeper and having covered just 47,500 miles from new, this is a largely original example in one of the rarest colours available. Sitting as our vendor's pride and joy, this fabulous Cosworth has been maintained and cherished ever since its collection in 1996.

The car was put into storage in 2018 having covered just 10,000 miles in the last 15 years, and has been treated to recent light recommissioning in 2022 including a full service, cam belt, refurbished calipers, new discs and pads, new/old stock alloy wheels and four new tyres. Recent servicing has been undertaken by Fiats in Colchester with bills and invoices on file.

Rare to find such an untouched example, the only minor modifications that have been made to this car are a blow-off valve and a chipped ECU.

Fresh to market from significant 26-year ownership, it has a valid MOT following the minor recommissioning and is accompanied by various invoices, Owners' Handbooks etc. With its Lux specification, low mileage, rare colour and single ownership, this stunning Cosworth ticks all the right boxes and is no doubt worthy of serious consideration by any collector of performance Fords.