1995 Ford Escort Cosworth Motorsport

The car has been recommissioned including a new MOT, however, the cambelt change was not carried out. This is a 1995 model year specification Escort Cosworth that differs from earlier pre 1995 examples (Turbo, ECU)

• Genuine homologation special and very rare Motorsport edition 'Big Turbo' Escort Cosworth
• Just 12,500 miles indicated, two owners from new, dry stored correctly and never used on a wet road
• Forming part of a private collection, offered fully recommissioned with a major service and fresh MOT
• Factory-built 'Motorsport' edition in lightweight spec missing sunroof, power windows, air-conditioning

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth proved that it was indeed 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, styled by noted designer Stephen Harper, and ended up being assembled by Karmann in Germany. The Escort's potential 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 seasons 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 motorsport.

Three levels of Escort Cosworth were available to purchase through your Ford agent;

A 'Motorsport Shell 909' to be assembled using the running gear from your Sierra Cosworth. These shells carry a different chassis number to the factory-built Motorsport cars

A 'Motorsport base' car, a complete car built in the factory but missing some of the standard features from the production model notably the sun-roof

Standard Escort RS Cosworth, with standard features and optional upgrades to Lux or Lux with leather. Other limited-edition models were released including the Monte Carlo

This 'T35 Big-turbo' Escort Cosworth Motorsport was first registered on the 14th April 1995 and as a 'motorsport' version has no sun-roof, no electric windows and no air conditioning. A factory-built example, carrying the correct chassis number, it is not to be confused with a built up Motorsport shell. It is believed that very few of the genuine factory-built Motorsport cars remain as road-going examples as most were converted for competition use making this car rare and very sought after by collectors, motorsport enthusiasts and connoisseurs of the 'Blue Oval'. Our vendor, who is a highly respected client of Silverstone Auctions, has owned the car since 1997 and it has always been correctly dry stored and used in dry weather conditions. The car presents beautifully, the Imperial Blue paintwork is virtually flawless, the interior appears unworn and the car will be fully recommissioned prior to the sale with a major cambelt service and a fresh MOT.

We have noted that the value of this models predecessor, the RS500 has rapidly increased over the last few years with low-mileage, all original examples becoming most sought after by collectors. These little Cosworths had a generation-wide appeal and would occasionally fall into the hands of impecunious, less than honest, enthusiasts and can have a chequered history, however, this car comes from a knowledgeable, highly-respected collector and is in outstanding condition with no stories.

Rarely do examples this good come to market and with only 2,500 of these very special Fords out there, we would venture to suggest that depreciation may not be a factor worthy of your consideration.