Description
FOR SALE
JF Classic Cars are delighted to present a genuine Fast Ford icon A 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth finished in the classic Diamond White and fitted with the big turbo that enhances its already legendary performance while retaining its unmistakable character
DESCRIPTION
First registered on 7th August 1992 this exceptional example is a fifth-generation Ford Escort RS Cosworth, produced during the model's celebrated 1992–1996 production run.
Developed as a rally homologation special for the FIA Group A World Rally Championship, the Escort RS Cosworth was engineered in collaboration with Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) division and coachbuilder Karmann. As one of the sought-after early large turbo models, this example represents the purest expression of Ford's iconic performance flagship, combining motorsport pedigree with exhilarating road-going performance
EXTERNAL
Finished in the iconic Diamond White paintwork this Ford Escort RS Cosworth perfectly showcases the purposeful styling that established it as one of the defining performance cars of the 1990s. The factory paintwork retains a deep consistent finish with an impressive gloss complementing the Escort's distinctive motorsport-inspired design.
The exterior specification includes colour-coded front and rear bumpers, wheel arch deflectors, colour-coded electrically operated door mirrors, and anti-burst high-security door locks all contributing to the model's blend of practicality and aggressive styling. The sculpted front bumper incorporates a black lower splitter flowing seamlessly into the flared bodywork, while the louvred bonnet vents and wing-mounted air extraction grilles provide unmistakable visual cues to the Cosworth's competition-bred engineering.
At the rear, the legendary bi-plane rear spoiler remains the Escort RS Cosworth's defining feature, combining the prominent upper wing with the lower boot-mounted aerofoil to create one of the most recognisable silhouettes of any modern performance Ford. The substantial door mirrors and muscular wheel arches further reinforce the car's purposeful stance.
The bodywork displays excellent panel alignment throughout with crisp shut lines and no evidence of damage to the wraparound front or rear bumpers. The bodywork displays excellent panel alignment throughout, with crisp shut lines and no evidence of damage to the wraparound front or rear bumpers. Factory front fog lamps are fitted, maintaining the original specification and completing the RS Cosworth’s purposeful appearance.
The car retains its original factory glazing throughout, with each pane bearing its correct etchings. The door and window seals remain supple and well preserved, while the original Carello headlamps are exceptionally clear, free from stone chips, clouding or discolouration an increasingly rare feature that reflects the care this example has received throughout its life.
Presenting in outstanding condition, the exterior captures everything that made the Escort RS Cosworth such an icon: clean, muscular styling, unmistakable road presence, and an enduring connection to Ford's World Rally Championship heritage
INTERNAL
Opening the driver's door reveals the iconic Recaro Hexagon cloth interior a hallmark of the Escort RS Cosworth and perfectly suited to the car's competition inspired character. The deeply bolstered Recaro front seats remain in excellent condition providing the exceptional support for which they are renowned, while the matching rear seats display minimal signs of use. The distinctive Hexagon cloth trim is exceptionally well preserved throughout, further highlighting the care this example has received over the years.
The door cards are presented in outstanding original condition, combining the factory textured black trim with matching cloth inserts, all free from warping, sagging or excessive wear. Beneath, the dark grey carpets remain exceptionally clean and are complemented by the original rear parcel shelf, a feature often missing on cars of this type and a testament to the car's originality.
The dashboard retains its unmistakable RS Cosworth layout, with all switchgear, controls and instrumentation presenting exceptionally well and operating as intended. Infotainment is provided by the original Ford 2007 RDS stereo, complemented by the desirable factory optional 10-disc CD multichanger system preserving the car's authentic period specification while offering enhanced audio capability.
Ahead of the driver sits the three-spoke RS steering wheel, displaying only light, age-appropriate wear and providing the direct, purposeful driving position that has become synonymous with Ford's legendary performance models.
Comfort and convenience features include electrically operated and heated door mirrors, opening rear quarter windows, Ford's renowned Quick clear heated front windscreen, heated washer jets, electric windows, an electric tilt-and-slide sunroof, central locking, remote tailgate release, rear head restraints, a rear centre armrest and a lights-on warning buzzer, all contributing to the Escort RS Cosworth's impressive balance of everyday usability and high-performance capability.
Beautifully preserved throughout, the cabin remains an authentic representation of one of Ford's most celebrated homologation specials, combining driver-focused ergonomics, period-correct equipment and the unmistakable character that continues to define the Escort RS Cosworth more than three decades after its introduction
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Lifting the bonnet reveals Ford's legendary 2. 0-litre 16-valve turbocharged YBT Big Turbo Cosworth engine an iconic powerplant renowned for its strength, tuning potential and rally-bred performance. Finished with a carbon-effect cam belt timing cover the engine bay presents exceptionally well and benefits from a number of carefully selected performance upgrades designed to enhance both power delivery and reliability
Performance enhancements include a Garrett AiResearch T3/ O4B turbocharger uprated larger intercooler, Bailey aluminium header tank, Bailey dump valve, cone air filter, swirl pot and a comprehensive set of Samco silicone coolant hoses throughout, all working together to provide improved cooling efficiency and increased performance.
Power is transmitted through the robust MT75 five-speed manual gearbox driving all four wheels via Ford's renowned Ferguson permanent four-wheel-drive system with its signature 34:66 front-to-rear torque split. Gear selection is precise, the transmission operates smoothly throughout all five gears, and the drivetrain performs exactly as expected, confidently managing the engine's increased power output while delivering the secure, sure-footed driving experience for which the Escort RS Cosworth is celebrated.
The result is an exceptionally capable performance car that retains the legendary character of the Escort RS Cosworth while benefiting from sympathetic upgrades that further enhance its exhilarating driving experience.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The Escort RS Cosworth sits on its original factory Ronal 8J x 16-inch soft-spoke Ford alloy wheels all presented in excellent condition . They are shod with 225/ 45 ZR16 high-performance tyres on each corner providing excellent grip while maintaining the car's sure-footed handling characteristics.
Braking performance is delivered by 278mm ventilated front discs and 273mm rear discs complemented by ABS as standard offering strong confidence-inspiring stopping power perfectly suited to the Escort RS Cosworth's performance credentials
HISTORY FILE
This particular example will of been one of the very early examples built at the Rheine factory in Germany since production started in April 1992 and this model subsequently registered in August 1992
With just over 58, 000 miles from new this exceptional Escort RS Cosworth represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire one of Ford's most iconic homologation specials in highly desirable specification
As an early Large Turbo example it offers the more sought-after driving experience, further enhanced by a carefully considered selection of sympathetic performance upgrades that complement the legendary YBT engine without compromising the character that has made these cars so revered amongst enthusiasts.
Accompanying the vehicle is its dealer book pack together with a history file containing a wealth of invoices and receipts documenting both historic and more recent maintenance and improvement works. A collection of early MOT certificates supports and substantiates the remarkably low mileage providing reassurance that this Cosworth has been carefully preserved throughout its life rather than simply surviving.
Few performance Fords have achieved the legendary status of the Escort RS Cosworth. Born from Ford's World Rally Championship ambitions and produced in comparatively limited numbers, the model has become one of the most recognisable and collectible performance cars of its generation. As values continue to strengthen and original, well-documented examples become increasingly difficult to source, discerning collectors are placing ever greater emphasis on provenance, originality and condition.
Combining modest mileage, comprehensive documentation, the highly coveted large turbo drivetrain and tasteful, period-correct enhancements, this Escort RS Cosworth offers far more than an exhilarating driving experience it represents an opportunity to own a genuine piece of Ford RS history.
Whether destined for a private collection, concours events or to be enjoyed on the open road as its creators intended, this outstanding example possesses all the attributes expected of a blue-chip modern classic. Opportunities to acquire Escort RS Cosworth's of this calibre are becoming increasingly scarce, making this a compelling proposition for the serious collector and performance Ford enthusiast alike.
v5 Present & HPi Clear.
