Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th October, 2024 13:00
1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo
Estimate
£18, 000 - £22, 000
Registration No: G609 DKF
Chassis No: WF0BXXGCABKK099531
MOT: T. B. A
One of just 5, 576 UK-supplied examples
Subject to an extensive bodywork restoration and repaint
Fitted with rear disk brakes and aluminium radiator
Refurbished wheels and shod with new tyres
Benefitting from a service and cam belt change
Developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering Department, the Escort RS Turbo broke cover in October 1984. Far more than a souped-up XR3i, the newcomer featured heavy-duty suspension, improved brakes, and a viscous coupling limited slip differential (the latter a road car first). A production run of 5, 000 was planned to homologate the model for Group A competition but demand was such that 8, 604 were made (with 5, 576 being UK supplied). -The three-door sported a comprehensive body kit and was powered by a turbocharged 1597cc CVH four-cylinder engine allied to a five-speed manual transmission. With some 132bhp and 133lbft of torque on tap, the ‘fast Ford’ was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7. 8 seconds and 128mph. Described by Motor Sport magazine as "perhaps the most enjoyable hot hatch currently available on the British market", the Escort RS Turbo attracted a cult following that has gone from strength to strength, and with the model approaching its 40th anniversary, they could well be a very shrewd investment.
First registered on Hallowe'en, 1989 and one of just 5, 576 UK supplied examples, the RS Turbo has been subject to an extensive restoration and repaint. New inner floors, inner and outer sills and wheel arches were replaced before a complete respray of both the inside and out. As well as the body, the wheels have been refurbished after being shot-blasted, dipped and repainted before being shod with new tyres. Also benefitting mechanically, with a full service and cambelt change, it has also been fitted with a rear disc brake conversion and an aluminium radiator, a new battery, certainly providing some peace of mind. They say ‘the devil is in the detail’, well the RS has been fitted with new bumper trims front and rear, new wiper motors and blades and both front seats have been re-foamed using original upholstery. Offered with a current V5C, it is expected that a new MOT will be granted for this handsome RS Turbo, before the auction.
