Highlights

• A matching number, predominantly original example of this increasingly desirable fast Ford
• Recently recommissioned for immediate use after an extended period in storage
• Complete with a full, stamped service history and recent cambelt replacement
  
  

The Appeal

This example presents in a charmingly original condition with just a couple of non-standard fitments noted. This RS Turbo ticks all the boxes with a full-service history, long MOT and recommissioned ready to use and enjoy. Examples in this sort of unmolested condition are becoming hard to find so is definitely one for the purist and enthusiast.

The History and Paperwork

• This example is a UK supplied and specification vehicle
• It was first registered in the UK in August 1989 for the new “G” registration
• The car was supplied new to its first owner by Ford dealer KT Group of Dartford
• The first owner retained the car for a year with the second keeping it for a full 10 years
• Between 2008 and this year the car was dry stored by the previous owner
• Between 2008 and 2023 the car has covered less than 500 miles
• The current owner has recommissioned the car for use
• The cambelt has been changed and the filters and fluids changed 
• The car was newly MOT’d in August 2023
• A good level of accompanying paperwork is present
• This includes the V5 in the name of the current owner
• The current MOT is present in hard copy 
• This is an advisory free test and valid until August 2024
• Numerous earlier MOTs are also present
• The original book pack and owners’ manual is on hand
• The pack includes the original service book
• This is full of stamps, many from Ford main dealers
• A full 22 stamps are present covering 1,826 to 90,527 miles
• The remainder of the archive consists of many maintenance and repair invoices
• The original keys and Toad alarm fobs are included
  
  

The Interior

• The key to this car’s interior is its originality
• The Recaro front seats are trimmed with their original “Daytona” velour fabric
• The condition of these looks to be excellent with the Recaro badges still present
• The rear bench is identically trimmed and equally well presented
• This features a one third / two thirds split and fold configuration for optimum practicality
• The familiar looking dashboard is finished in black finished deformable foam
• The white on black gauges sit in a hooded binnacle ahead of the driver
• The chunky, leather, RS three spoke steering wheel appears to be from an S1 car
• Its condition looks excellent, however, and suits the car well
• A non-standard Ford boost gauge has been fitted to the right of the wheel
• A period-correct aftermarket radio cassette head unit is fitted
• The grey carpets look to be in a good original condition
• As does the light, perforated vinyl headlining
• The RS Turbo specification included electric windows and tilt / slide glass sunroof
• The spacious boot is finished with a protective carpet mat
• A non-standard parcel shelf is finished with speaker apertures cut into it
• This has been recovered in carpet to provide a sound alternative
  
  

The Exterior

• The exterior of this RS Turbo is presented in bright Radiant Red paintwork which was resprayed at some point in its life
• The condition of this appears to be excellent and exudes a deep shine
• No obvious paint fade is noted with it appearing admirably bright for a red hue
• The bodywork looks equally good with tight and symmetrical panel gaps evident
• The signature RS Turbo features all appear present and correct
• These include body-coloured bonnet vents and big boot lid spoiler
• There is also the expected body kit present with painted skirts and wheel arch extensions
• The painted bumper covers, and wing mirror back are also well presented
• The only non-standard noted here is an oversized chromed tail pipe
• The original 6J x 15-inch Ford “sawtooth” light alloy wheels are fitted
• These appear to be in fine shape throughout 
• A matching set of Toyo Proxes are fitted in a 195/50 configuration
• These look to be a recent set with plenty of remaining tread in evidence
  
  

The Mechanics

• The Ford Escort RS Turbo is fitted with a 1.6L OHC, CVH four-cylinder petrol engine
• A Garret AiResearch T3 turbocharger and intercooler is fitted
• The engine is fuelled by a Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection system
• A non-standard blow-off valve is reported as being present
• Other than this and the non-standard exhaust the mechanicals are thought to be original
• Power is fed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox
• The RS Turbo is fitted with a limited slip differential
• In the Escort RS Turbo S2 the brake system was carried over from the XR4
• In current ownership the cambelt has been replaced
• The car has also undergone a general recommissioning for road use
• The full, clean MOT helps underscore this car’s mechanical condition
  
  

Summary