Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
14th June, 2023 13:00
1986 Ford Escort RS Turbo
One owner and just c. 37, 000 miles from new
Registration No: C262 DAH
Chassis No: WF0BXXGCABFK67631
MOT: T. B. A
Estimate
£40, 000 - £50, 000
Purchased new by the vendor for his mother and offered directly from the first ownership
Just shy of 37, 000 miles from new (at the time of consignment)
Exceedingly original example with the vendor informing it wears all of its factory paintwork
One of just 5, 576 UK-supplied examples
Offered with a history file including a letter from the supplying dealership about the purchase
Developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering Department, the Escort RS Turbo broke cover in October 1984. Far more than a souped-up XR3i, the newcomer featured heavy-duty suspension, improved brakes, and a viscous coupling limited slip differential (the latter a road car first). A production run of 5, 000 was planned to homologate the model for Group A competition but demand was such that 8, 604 were made (with 5, 576 being UK supplied). Only available in Diamond White - except for Lady Diana Spencer's unique Black example - the three-door sported a comprehensive body kit and was powered by a turbocharged 1597cc CVH four-cylinder engine allied to a five-speed manual transmission. With some 132bhp and 133lbft of torque on tap, the ‘fast Ford’ was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7. 8 seconds and 128mph. Described by Motor Sport magazine as "perhaps the most enjoyable hot hatch currently available on the British market", the Escort RS Turbo attracted a cult following that has gone from strength to strength, and with the model approaching its 40th anniversary, they could well be a very shrewd investment.
A home-market, right-hand drive example, registration number ‘C262 DAH’ was ordered by the vendor, having been tasked by his mother with finding a car finished entirely in White. An Escort RS Turbo was the only option that she deemed suitable, and with the family having a history of purchasing Fords from their local main agents, Browne & Sons of Loddon, Norfolk, the vendor approach them to acquire one. Not an approved RS dealership, Browne & Sons supplied the example offered in conjunction with Spruce Howlett Ford, Norwich, with two Ford Capris supplied in part exchange from the family. A letter on file from Browne & Sons thanking the family for the continued business is included in the history file. Finished in the iconic colour combination of Diamond White, matched to the Grey Recaro interior upholstery, the Escort has remained with the vendor ever since, being registered in the family business name its entire life and therefore showing zero former keepers.
Only used locally during the vendor's mother's time, and never in poor weather, the Escort is understood to have never left Norfolk since acquisition and has always been stored under cover. Giving up driving in 2005, ‘C262 DAH’ was placed into storage until it was unearthed in 2012 by the vendor following his mother's passing. Recommissioned and MOT tested, the Ford has been used very sparingly since, covering less than 100 miles. Offered for sale now with just 37, 175 miles from new (at the time of consignment), the Escort is an exceedingly original example with the vendor informing it retains all of its factory bodywork and paintwork. Pleasingly displaying plenty of other original features, such as its original stamped wings, unmolested engine bay, original dealer number plates front and rear, and dealer sticker.
Offered with a history file that contains the original Ford motorists guide, operating guide, service book (showing several stamps), assorted original sales literature, the aforementioned letter from the supplying dealers Browne & Sons to the vendor’s mother, a few previous MOTs certificates, copies of older logbooks, a couple of tax discs, a current V5C document. The Escort is due to be supplied with a fresh MOT certificate and serviced in time for sale. Highly original, low mileage, and one owner from new, this is one of those ‘find another’ and ‘not one to be missed’ offerings!
