Ford Escort

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , Developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering department at Dunton, the Escort RS Turbo Series 1 was a genuine homologation special, a road-going performance model created to compete in 'Group A and Group N' motorsport. The result was one of the most important performance Fords of the 1980s, combining advanced turbocharging technology, superb chassis balance and unmistakable Rallye Sport styling.Ford originally planned to produce just 5,000 examples to meet FIA homologation requirements, but soaring demand saw a total of 8,604 cars built. Every example (bar an infamous Black car) was finished in Diamond White and sold exclusively through official Rallye Sport dealerships. Power came from a turbocharged and fuel-injected 1,597cc CVH engine producing 132bhp and 133lb/ft of torque, giving the RS Turbo serious pace for its time with 0–60mph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 128mph. It was also the first front-wheel drive road-car in the world to use a viscous-coupling limited-slip differential, which provided excellent traction and improved drivability.The Series 1 stood out immediately thanks to its distinctive body-coloured bumpers, front spoiler and grille, side skirts and 15" RS alloys. The interior was equally purposeful, featuring Recaro LS seats trimmed in Monza and Cashmere fabric, a 3-spoke RS steering wheel and a clean, functional instrument layout.The car offered here is an outstanding 1986 Series 1 RS Turbo that has been fully restored to a simply exceptional standard. It is in truly show-stopping condition throughout, with every aspect carefully refinished to better than new presentation, from the paintwork and trim to the interior and engine bay, it is certainly one of the finest examples we have seen.The car retains its original features, including the factory-fitted SRT32P stereo, RS 3-spoke steering wheel, and original rear parcel shelf with its factory speakers intact, reflecting the extraordinary care taken to preserve authenticity. Its original presentation is complemented by an extensive history file containing restoration invoices, service stamps in the original booklet, numerous old MOT Certificates corroborating its mileage, and a selection of old Tax Discs.Crucially, this car was first registered on 1st August 1986 and sits on a D-registration plate, marking it as one of the very last Series 1 cars produced and making it especially desirable. Having only ever attended one show, this remarkable RS Turbo has remained something of a hidden gem, meticulously maintained and preserved rather than paraded. To restore a Series 1 to this standard today would cost well in excess of its current guide price, making this example a truly special opportunity.In preparation for sale, over £4,000 has been spent with Appreciating Classics to ensure it remains in perfect order, including a full turbo rebuild, a new dipstick tube and a detailed mechanical check to ensure everything functions exactly as it should.Presented in immaculate condition throughout, this late D-registered car is an outstanding representation of Ford’s pioneering 1980s homologation special, and a worthy addition for any collector, enthusiast or purist.