Highlights

One of the 2,500 collectible ‘big turbo’ homologation cars
Low documented mileage of under 28,000 miles
Only five registered keepers with current keeper since 2018
Lux pack specification with Recaro full leather interior and Ford sound system
All original panels with no welding and no signs of rust reported by the vendor
Garaged in an air chamber bubble throughout current ownership since 2018
Large history file with regular maintenance by current mechanic keeper
Bigger brakes, intercooler and wheels with original parts included
Current MOT valid to March 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

In the early 90s, Ford decided to chase WRC Group 4 again. Its weapon of choice was the Mk5 Escort, but the marque needed to homologate it. The result was the RS Cosworth, a thoroughly reworked version of the family hatchback that returned a classic nameplate and introduced to the world a simply massive two-tier spoiler.

The 227bhp rocketship was a huge success, but for true aficionados, the version you want is one of the first 2,500 cars that were built to satisfy homologation rules. These cars got the bigger Garrett T3/T04B turbo and intercooler, and are easily identified by the water-injection jacket mounted behind the rear seats. They were all built before the homologation cut-off of 1st January 1993.

This very low-mileage Pacifica Blue metallic car is one of them, and possibly amongst the last built. In the intervening 33 years, it has covered less than 28,000 miles in the hands of just five keepers. The current owner acquired it in 2018 for his private collection and has carefully stored it in an air chamber when not in use.

The car is in very good condition and is largely factory standard, including the Lux pack with its full Recaro perforated leather, and Ford upgraded sound system. The alterations are minor, and include those attractive Rondell six-spokes, bigger front brakes, larger intercooler and upgraded air filter housing and hoses. We’re told that the original parts are supplied with the car.

The impressive history file attests to the car’s low mileage and regular maintenance. Since buying the car, the current keeper, a qualified mechanic, has looked after everything himself. The result of that work is a run of MOT passes with few advisories. The current clean test runs to March 2027.

Few cars are as enduringly collectable as a Fast Ford. And few Fords are as fast and as rare as the ‘big turbo’ RS Cosworth. This example has the provenance and condition you hope to find.

The vendor says:

“The car is a lovely tidy original example from a good history and well-kept background. To drive it brings a smile to your face, and the sound of the big turbo boosting is awesome; a real head turner. One of the best retro cars of its day.”

History and Paperwork

UK-market right-hand drive car
First registered 2nd June 1993
Five registered keepers
Current registered keeper since September 2018
Large history file with service history and receipts from Ford main dealers
Documents include paperwork from supplying dealer and a Ford dealer in Swindon
Minor modifications detailed above with all original parts included
These include intercooler, front brake discs and callipers, air filter box and hoses
Original cambelt cover and battery cover present on the car
V5C present
MOT valid to 2nd March 2027 with no advisories
Few advisories on MOT history as can be checked online
Stored in a garage with air chamber when not in use

The vendor says:

“This is a 1993 big-turbo homologation model with the water jacket still in the boot. I bought the car in 09/18 from a guy near Gatwick who used is as a hobby car and kept it garaged all the time. He modified it and put it on Rondell Engle wheels, a very nice retro wheel which is sought-after. He also upgraded the front brakes and intercooler. I have the original discs, callipers and intercooler here. Also, the intake filter was upgraded. I also have the original air filter box and hoses here.

“Since I’ve owned it, it’s always been kept in the garage in an air chamber bubble. I have taken it to some local car shows and used it as my wedding car. It has been serviced by me, and has a file with a lot of service history and receipts carried out by the Ford dealer who supplied the car, and another Ford dealer in Swindon by the second owner.”

The Condition

Finished in Pacifica Blue metallic with few indications of the car’s 33 years
Paintwork shows a few stone chips to front of car
All original body panels with no welding reported anywhere on the car, we are told
The vendor reports no signs of rust underneath or around the fuel cap
Underside washed and clear Waxoyled for protection
Vendor describes it as being in very good original condition
Small dent by the passenger door handle caused by another car door
Fitted with Rondell Engle aftermarket six-spoke alloy wheels showing slight kerbing
Interior reported to be all original and shows in very good condition
Lux pack Recaro full black leather seats in very good condition
Original Ford floor mats present
Fitted with heated front windscreen and sunroof
Original Ford radio and CD player
Some light age to headlining with slight sagging to note in photos

This car is finished in the popular shade of Pacifica Blue and was factory fitted with the Lux pack. That delivers full Recaro leather, an upgraded sound system, and a heated screen. The car retains these desirable features.

Inside and out, this is a really well-presented car that is a testament to its long-term current keeper. We’re told that the underside has been fully cleaned and Waxoyled, and the car stored in a dry, dehumidified car Carcoon-style chamber. It is highly original, so there are a few minor points to note, such as frontal stone chips and a small dent to one door edge, but these could be easily remedied if the buyer requires.

The Mechanics

1,994cc YBT ‘big turbo’ 227bhp four-cylinder engine
Five-speed manual gearbox
AWD
Vendor reports the engine starts and runs smoothly and quietly
Gearbox described by the vendor as tight and quiet
Upgraded intercooler, air intake and front brakes
Injector upgrade carried out
Oil and spark plugs changed recently
New battery fitted
No advisories on MOT

For the Escort RS Cosworth, Ford clearly learned from its experience with the Sierra version - to transmit all that power to the tarmac, AWD was essential. This early car closely follows the Group 4 WRC car’s template, including a larger Garrett T3 turbo and a non-functioning water jacket fitted at the back of the car to meet homologation requirements.

Despite this car’s extremely low mileage, it has been maintained well, as the large history file shows. Since 2018, it has been owned by a qualified mechanic who has undertaken all work himself. As we’ve detailed above, it is largely standard save for some choice upgrades. These alterations could be easily removed and the original set-up fitted - the original parts are included with the car to enable that.

Recently serviced and fitted with a new battery, and equipped with a lengthy advisory-free MOT, this is one very tidy, ready-to-use RS Cosworth.

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