Description
FOR SALE
A Ford Escort Series 1 RS Turbo Custom meticulously restored with full history.
MODEL HISTORY
The Series 1 Escort RS Turbo was carefully developed by Ford’s talented Special Vehicle Engineering team whose other resounding successes include the Capri 2. 8 Injection and the XR3. The RS Turbo was designed to set new standards in Group N and Group A events and was quickly dubbed the car to beat. Ford initially planned to build 5, 000 RS Turbos, the minimum number required for homologation in Group A, however a total of 8, 604 were built due to increased demand. The car was greeted with huge enthusiasm and was only sold through official Rallye Sport dealers. A following that today has amassed into obsession for many a diehard Ford enthusiast.
EQUIPMENT
Colour coded bumpers with front over riders, laminated windscreen and all round tinted safety glass, RS aerodynamic front and rear spoilers, RS Turbo decals, Ford spot lamps, remote control colour coded door mirrors, colour coded ‘Orion’ radiator grille, RS 3 spoke steering wheel, cigar lighter, rear ashtrays, front door stowage bins, 3-speed heater fan, coin box, radio cassette, trip recorder, tachometer, roof mounted digital clock, ‘clean hands’ warning lights. Factory Options: RS Custom Pack comprising of; Electric windows, central locking, tilt/ slide glass sunroof and opening rear quarter windows. Dealer Accessories: Ford rubber floor mats.
EXTERIOR
This White Hot Ford Escort RS Turbo is finished in the only colour available, Diamond White (Code B3). The paintwork is exceptional with a brilliant pure shine and uniform finish. Both front wings and windscreen scuttle panel are factory panels with date stampings. The correct Carello headlamps, spotlights and the factory glass remain including the Ford inscribed front and rear screens. The underside is amazing with none of the factory underbody stone ship removed, just spotlessly clean ready for concours. Meticulously restored by SJB Classics, (Specialists in Aston Martin restorations with this example being the proprietors own car), no detail was spared with hundreds of photos proving the works and how good the car was initially. As close to showroom perfection 40 years on!
INTERIOR
The interior of this RS Turbo defies its age with the fully adjustable Recaro seats finished in original two-tone grey Monza crushed velour, (Code HC). The seat pads and bolsters are very firm and show no sign of wear. The door cards and carpets are in remarkable condition, the latter having been protected by genuine Ford rubber waffle mats. The original perforated headlining is tight and free from marks and discolouration. The soft-feel three-spoke steering gives a clear view of the neat binnacle showing fully working warning lights and dials. The dashboard has remained completely free from cracks, an otherwise common issue with MK3 Escorts. The correct Ford SRT32P stereo and cassette storage holder with joystick control speakers remains fitted with two rear speakers to the parcel shelf. A preserved Ford RS interior guaranteed to delight spectators.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fitted with Fords 1596cc turbocharged Compound Valve Hemispherical chamber (CVH) unit, producing 132BHP at 6000rpm, mated to the Bosch KE Jetronic Fuel Injection System. Turbocharged power delivery courtesy of a Garrett T03 turbo, the car accelerates smoothly to a maximum speed of 125mph and achieves 0-60 in 8. 2 seconds. The engine bay is pristine and guaranteed to wow onlookers. The gear changes are light and absolutely precise and thanks to a limited-slip differential, the first ever fitted to a front wheel drive car at the time, expect a truly exhilarating experience.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original 15 X 6 inch RS seven spoke alloy wheels are spotless and the correct factory stampings on the three spokes of each rim are clearly prominent. Soft compound Toyo Proxes 195/ 50 R15 tyres are fitted including the spare housed in the boot floor with stickers and scribe markings still present. Diagonally split hydraulic circuit brakes with 240mm ventilated discs up front and 203. 2mm rear drums, bring the car to an assured halt.
HISTORY FILE
An incredible history awaits the new owner of this special RS. Built in December 1985 and registered on the 6th March 1986 by Ford main dealers, Days of Lowestoft, this example has only had five former keepers. The history files contains numerous invoices and every historic MOT. The original service book is full with entries revealing the service work and care this car has enjoyed and a diary diligently detailing all works carried out from 1989 until 2015 makes reassuring reading. It was then purchased by Steven Brannan, the Company Owner and Director of SJB Classics Ltd, a specialist Aston Martin restorer with a soft spot for Fast Fords. It was selected due to the condition and history and as his own personal car, it was restored to a concours level with no expense spared. The result today is truly spectacular. Supplied with the Escort operating guide, service book, original sales brochures and two sets of keys which work all locks, central locking and ignition, this car will absolutely appeal to a Blue Oval fanatic wanting one of the best.
MOT February 2026, HPI Clear.
Please Google 'KGF Classic Cars YouTube' and 'KGF Classic Cars Flickr' for a HD video and multiple detailed HR photos of this vehicle.
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