1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Original UK-delivered, right-hand drive

Low mileage, only 29,000 miles

Comprehensive history file with invoices and MOTs

Three former keepers

Well cared for and unmolested example

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth proved a worthy successor to 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, styled by noted designer Stephen Harper, and ended up being assembled by Karmann in Germany.

At the car's launch in 1994, two models were available, the Club-spec standard car at £21,380 and the Lux version, which included electric windows, heated screen, sunroof, and Recaro seats. Power was up slightly from the Sierra RS Cosworth, at 227bhp, and performance consequently improved. The first 2,500 cars, up to May 1994, suffered from slight turbo-lag, but the next 4,500 were improved, thanks to their smaller Garrett T25 Turbo. 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 UK-supplied RHD Escort RS Cosworth is presented in Imperial Blue Metallic and has covered only 29,000 miles with three former keepers. It has a comprehensive history file with old MOTs, original Ford Service Book with stamps, numerous invoices for consumables throughout the cars life – batteries, tyres, brake pads/discs etc, and three keys including the original red key. A rare example of a well cared for, unmolested example of this desirable RS.