Description
FOR SALE
JF Classic Cars are pleased to offer a Small Turbo Ford Escort Rs Cosworth Lux in Factory Radiant Red being one of only a handful in this colour along with only ever having one owner from new!
DESCRIPTION
First registered on the 18th January 1996 this fine example was a fifth generation ford escort which was built between 1992-1996 making this one of the very last before production ceased
With the rally homologation and designed to be a group A world rally championship car with specialist vehicle engineering and Karmann coach-building this is one of the desirable small turbo escort Rs Cosworths
EXTERNAL
Finished in the exceptionally rare Ford Radiant Red paint code (P9) this 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth presents an outstanding example of one of Ford’s most iconic performance cars of the 1990s. Radiant Red is an especially desirable specification being one of only five colours in which the Escort RS Cosworth was offered during its production, and it gives the car a particularly striking and purposeful appearance.
The exterior immediately conveys the motorsport-inspired engineering that made the Escort Cosworth so distinctive. At the front, the body-coloured bumper incorporates the characteristic black lower splitter giving the car a low aggressive stance while helping to manage airflow beneath the vehicle. Above this sits the unmistakable bonnet featuring the prominent louvred air intakes designed to aid engine-bay ventilation while adding to the Cosworth’s unmistakable visual character.
Moving along the front wings the aerodynamic extraction grilles are another defining feature reinforcing the car’s competition-bred appearance and reflecting the extensive attention Ford and Cosworth paid to airflow and cooling. The beautifully sculpted bodywork flows into the doors and rear quarters, where the compact aerodynamic door mirrors complement the overall design. These smaller mirrors are a distinctive feature of the later, smaller-turbo Escort RS Cosworth and further distinguish the car from the earlier large-turbo examples.
The rear of the car is dominated by the legendary aerodynamic rear wing arguably the most recognisable feature of the Escort RS Cosworth. Combined with the lower boot spoiler, it provides a purposeful motorsport-inspired finish and reflects the car’s genuine aerodynamic development rather than simply being cosmetic styling. The overall design remains remarkably cohesive, with every exterior feature contributing to the aggressive yet highly engineered character of the Cosworth.
The exterior panels present beautifully, retaining a deep, glossy and exceptionally sharp finish throughout. The bodywork has a crisp, well-defined appearance, allowing the distinctive contours of the Escort Cosworth to be appreciated from every angle. The exterior trim, badging and detailing are all in excellent condition, complementing the overall presentation of the car and preserving the authentic factory appearance.
The exterior rubber seals and trim elements are also in excellent order, with all surrounding rubber components retaining a clean, well-preserved appearance. Collectively, these finishing details enhance the car’s authentic factory character and reflect a vehicle that has been carefully maintained and kept in outstanding condition throughout.
Few performance cars of the era possess the visual presence of the Escort RS Cosworth. From its vented bonnet and aerodynamic wing extraction grilles to the aggressive front splitter, compact mirrors, lower boot spoiler and enormous rear aerofoil, every element serves as a reminder of the car’s close relationship with Ford’s motorsport programme. Finished in the exceptionally rare Radiant Red P9 this particular example combines one of the most desirable Escort Cosworth colour specifications with the unmistakable styling that has made the model a modern classic
INTERNAL
The interior of this 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth is every bit as special as its exterior presenting in superb condition throughout and retaining the distinctive character that made the Cosworth such a desirable performance car. The cabin combines genuine motorsport influence with the level of equipment and detailing expected of a high-performance Ford of the period, while the exceptionally well-preserved materials give the interior a particularly original and cared-for appearance.
The centrepiece of the cabin is undoubtedly the rare Recaro Polaris Hex cloth upholstery. The deeply supportive Recaro sports seats are trimmed in the distinctive Polaris Hex fabric, a pattern synonymous with the Escort RS Cosworth, and this example is presented in impeccable condition throughout. The upholstery retains its original texture, colour and definition, with the seat faces, bolsters and rear seating all showing exceptionally well. The distinctive Hex pattern provides an unmistakable period-correct finish and perfectly complements the sporting character of the Cosworth without compromising its sense of quality.
The condition of the carpeting is equally impressive. The cabin is fitted with luxurious deep-pile carpeting which remains remarkably clean and unmarked throughout. The carpets have retained their original richness and texture adding a surprisingly luxurious feel to what is at heart a motorsport-derived performance interior. The carpeted door bins continue the same attention to detail, presenting beautifully and helping maintain the authentic factory specification of the cabin.
Ahead of the driver sits the original black dashboard which is exceptionally well preserved. The dashboard surface remains clean and unmarked while the original switchgear is equally impressive retaining its factory appearance with no obvious signs of wear. The buttons, controls and ancillary switches all contribute to the highly original presentation, giving the impression of an interior that has been carefully maintained rather than cosmetically restored.
Having Air Conditioning Factory fitted which work superbly enhancing the care and attention to detail this vehicle has been treated to by its one and only ever owner
The instrumentation is particularly characteristic of the Escort RS Cosworth. The driver is presented with an electro-luminescent instrument cluster providing the distinctive illuminated display associated with the model. Supplementing the main instruments are dedicated gauges for oil pressure, turbo boost and battery voltage providing the driver with important information about the car's mechanical systems while reinforcing its performance-orientated character.
A quartz digital clock incorporating an ambient-temperature display is also integrated into the dashboard, an excellent example of the period-specific technology fitted to the Cosworth. Additional convenience features include map-reading lights providing useful illumination for the occupants, together with glovebox illumination demonstrating the thoughtful equipment level Ford incorporated into the car.
Adding further to the car's originality is the factory Ford RDS music system which has been retained in the vehicle and remains fully operational and working well. The original system is an important part of the period specification and complements the otherwise remarkably unmodified cabin. Its presence further reinforces the sense that this is a carefully preserved example rather than an interior that has been modernised with aftermarket equipment.
The gear lever and gear knob are also in very very good condition retaining their original character and adding to the impression of an interior that has seen exceptionally careful use. The surrounding controls and trim complement the Recaro seating perfectly, creating a cabin that feels unmistakably authentic to the period.
Throughout the interior, the overriding impression is one of exceptional preservation. From the rare Polaris Hex Recaro upholstery and luxurious deep-pile carpeting to the original black dashboard, factory switchgear, original Ford RDS music system and period-specific instrumentation, the cabin retains the character that makes the Escort RS Cosworth such a special car. Rather than feeling overly refurbished or modernised, it retains the authentic atmosphere of a highly specified 1990s performance Ford, with the materials, equipment and design all working together to create a genuinely special driving environment.
The combination of rare Recaro Polaris Hex trim, immaculate deep-pile carpets, original unmarked dashboard and switchgear, excellent gear knob, operational factory Ford RDS system and comprehensive period instrumentation makes this a particularly impressive Escort RS Cosworth interior. It is a cabin that successfully combines sporting intent with a surprising degree of luxury, while preserving the originality and character that enthusiasts value so highly in these increasingly collectible cars.
Luxury Pack Equipment
Opening rear quarter windows, Electrically operated and heated door mirrors, ‘Quick clear’ heated windscreen, Heated washer jets, Three-spoke leather covered steering wheel, Central double locking, Tailgate release, Lights on warning, Rear centre armrest, Rear head restraints, Electric sunroof, Electric windows
Factory Options
Air Conditioning
Passenger Air Bag
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
With the proven 2. 0 litre 16v turbocharged YBP engine under the bonnet which remains totally standard
Ford on the series 2 models made a few changes including fitting a smaller turbo namely the T25 Garrett AiResearch along with a Ford EEC IV re-mapped engine management unit
Coming with a single coil per cylinder compared to the static ignition arrangement found in the earlier versions and bigger oil projectors were placed under the piston heads to assist cooling.
Peaking at 221bhp at 6250rpm, through an MT-75 five speed manual gearbox and a Ferguson permanent four-wheel drive system with 34/ 66 torque split
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The wheels, tyres and braking system on this 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth provide the perfect finishing touch to the car’s unmistakable performance-focused specification, combining the iconic Cosworth appearance with the equipment expected of a genuine high-performance four-wheel-drive Ford.
The car sits proudly on its original-style RS Cosworth alloy wheels with the distinctive multi-spoke design perfectly complements the purposeful lines of the Escort. The wheels present beautifully with a clean and well-maintained appearance that enhances the car’s overall presentation. Their design is instantly recognisable as part of the Escort RS Cosworth’s visual identity, filling the arches superbly and giving the car the purposeful stance for which the model is renowned.
At each corner, the wheels are shod with premium-quality performance tyres providing an excellent combination of grip, stability and road-holding. The tyres are well matched to the character and performance of the Cosworth, ensuring that the car benefits from a high-quality contact patch at all four corners.
Behind the alloys is the Cosworth’s high-performance braking system engineered to provide the stopping power necessary to match its formidable performance. The brakes remain a crucial part of the Escort RS Cosworth package giving the driver strong and progressive braking performance while contributing to the car’s confidence-inspiring road manners.
The braking hardware presents well, with the callipers, discs and associated components complementing the clean condition of the wheels. The system provides the reassuring feel expected from a car developed with performance firmly in mind, allowing the Cosworth to shed speed confidently and repeatedly when required.
HISTORY FILE
Built at the Rheine factory in Germany in late1995 and registered on the 18th January 1996 to it's one and only ever keeper Mr Bailey, Supplied by Rs Ford dealer Brooklyn of Redditch Worcestershire
A raft of invoices, Mot certificates and tax discs accompany the vehicle having had every Mot test since registration along with never having an advisory against it which quite simply speaks for itself on the level this car sits at
Also retaining the original bill of sale which specifies optional extra Air Conditioning at a cost of £400. 00 along with a Passenger Airbag costing £229. 79!
In total with excise licence the bill came to £27797. 15
Original dealer book pack comprises of the following:
Ford leaflets, Escort Rs Cosworth owners handbook, Original Tax Disc Holder(unused)
Audio system booklet complete with Radio Code, Accessories brochure and the all important Original service book which still retains the delivery hand over sheet attached along with the following service entries:
1-4-1996.. 1074 miles
05-08-1997.. 6970 miles
06-01-1999.. 10960 miles
18-12-1999.. 13233 miles
02-12-2000.. 15590 miles
29-09-2001.. 17602 miles
16-10-2008.. 26502 miles
06-09-2022.. 33385 miles
Having covered very few miles since.. it now sits on 34000 miles exactly
Having four keys including red master
There are certain cars that become collectable because of their rarity others because of their performance, and a select few because they successfully combine both with an unmistakable place in automotive history. This 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth is one such car.
Presented in the exceptionally rare and highly desirable Ford Radiant Red, paint code this Escort possesses a specification that is increasingly difficult to find. Its striking colour, combined with the unmistakable Cosworth bodywork, gives the car an extraordinary road presence and ensures that it stands apart from the more commonly seen examples.
The appeal continues inside, where the car retains its super-rare Recaro Polaris Hex cloth interior presented in superb condition throughout.
For the enthusiast and collector however, the real attraction is the overall specification and condition. Originality, rarity and presentation are becoming increasingly important as the best Escort RS Cosworth examples continue to disappear into private collections. Finding one in such a distinctive colour, with such a rare interior and such a well-preserved overall presentation, is becoming progressively more difficult.
This is not simply an opportunity to purchase an iconic Ford. It is an opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of the 1990s performance-car era a car born from Ford and Cosworth's motorsport heritage and one that helped define an entire generation of performance vehicles.
A rare colour, a rare interior, an iconic shape and a legendary name this Radiant Red Escort RS Cosworth is a car to be enjoyed, cherished and preserved for the next generation of enthusiasts.
