Ford Escort 1997 - 2.0 Standard 3dr

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Online Auction - 9th October on Thursday the 9th of October. , Background:Developed by Ford to homologate its World Rally Championship contender, the Escort RS Cosworth brought four-wheel drive, advanced aerodynamics and a turbocharged YB engine to the road. Built to compete at the highest level, the RS Cosworth quickly became a dominant force in 'Group A' and 'Group N' rallying.This car was constructed in 1997 by Mike Taylor Development (MTD) for the Starter Rally Team in Poland and was originally driven by Jerzy Wierzbolowski in the Polish Championship. Its international rallying pedigree includes an entry in the 1998 Network Q Rally of Great Britain.The Car:Believed to have completed just ten events from new, this genuine left-hand drive RS Cosworth retains its original Mountune MT 051/R engine and is listed as a genuine Escort Cosworth on the V5. It runs a four-wheel drive system with a DOME close-ratio gearbox and 4.4 drop gear, ZF 4x4 limited-slip rear differential and Quaife ATB front differential. The car sits on 8" x 17" magnesium OZ wheels and is fitted with large AP brakes, a brake bias pedal box and an early 'Group A' adjustable rear beam.Suspension comprises Proflex units at the front and Bilstein coil-overs at the rear. A full MSA logbook is included, alongside a complete file of invoices. The Escort is presented in Martini livery and is accompanied by documentation relating to its competition history, including events in Poland, Jersey, Snetterton and the WRC.Recent works include:• Engine rebuild with new Cosworth pistons, BW H-beam rods, bearings, valves and valve guides• Newman double valve springs and 4-layer head gasket• Group A oil pump and ARP long block studs• T34 turbocharger rebuilt by Turbo Performance Ltd• MT75 D.O.M.E gearbox rebuilt by Bara Motorsport Ltd• New front wheel bearings• New Sparco Evo seats and Sabelt lightweight belts• New Brantz Laser 3 tripmeterThe engine is freshly built and just requires running in. While currently fitted with 'Group A' AP brakes, standard 'Group N' items are supplied, namely exhaust, turbo (with restrictor) and various other sundry items. The new belts are also yet to be fitted and are still new in box. Of the ten events it is believed to have contested, nine were under its current registration.Competition History: • 15 May 1997 – Rajd Elmot (Poland) – Wierzbolowski/Lepiarz – P964 GHN – 9th overall, Class A8• 12 June 1997 – Rajd Polski (ERC) – Wierzbolowski/Lepiarz – P964 GHN – 15th overall, Class A8• 18 July 1997 – Rajd Kormoran (Poland) – Wierzbolowski/Lepiarz – P964 GHN – 10th overall, Class A8• 24 October 1998 – Bulldog Rally – Curson/Atherton – P964 GHN – 68th overall, Class N4• 22 November 1998 – Network Q Rally of Great Britain (WRC) – Curson/Atherton – P964 GHN – 58th overall, Class N4• 27 February 1999 – Rallye Sunseeker – Curson/Atherton – P964 GHN – 32nd overall, Class N4• 28 December 2003 – Croft Christmas Stages – Simpson/Olds – 325 PKX – 51st overall, Class 5• 16 August 2015 – Hylton Gott Volvo Centenary Stages – Clarke/Davis – P964 GHN• 9 October 2015 – Paperclix Jersey Rally – Clarke/Jones – P964 GHN – Retired• 19 February 2017 – Snetterton Stages – Clarke/Capon – P964 GHN – Retired (damaged wheel)A rare opportunity to acquire a genuine period competition-built RS Cosworth with strong provenance and 'Group N' credentials.Location: HampshireSeller: PrivatePhotography: Professional