Description
Coming to auction at Concours House, Bradford-on-Avon, with Dore & Rees Motoring on Saturday 21st November.
1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Registration Number: K500 YBT
Chassis Number: TBA
- Desirable earlier ‘big turbo’ variant
- Low mileage, low ownership example
- Recent specialist engine rebuild
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is one of the most celebrated performance Fords of the 1990s, combining rally-bred engineering with distinctive styling and formidable turbocharged performance. Conceived as the homologation model for Ford’s Group A World Rally Championship contender, it remains one of the defining fast Fords of its generation.
Introduced in 1992, the RS Cosworth was developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering division in conjunction with its motorsport partners. Although it carried the Escort name, the model was based on the shortened floorpan of the Sierra Cosworth, featuring a longitudinally mounted engine and four-wheel-drive transmission. Its muscular bodywork, flared wheel arches and unmistakable rear wing were developed with aerodynamic performance in mind, providing the stability and downforce required at high speed. Power came from Ford’s 1, 993cc, 16-valve, turbocharged YB four-cylinder engine, featuring Cosworth-developed cylinder-head technology. In its original large-turbo configuration, the engine produced approximately 227bhp, delivered through a five-speed manual gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive. The combination provided impressive acceleration and exceptional traction, placing the Escort among the leading performance cars of its era.
The model’s competition credentials were central to its identity. Developed to satisfy Group A homologation requirements, the RS Cosworth formed the basis of Ford’s international rally programme, competing against formidable opposition from Toyota, Subaru and Lancia. Its turbocharged power, four-wheel-drive transmission and sophisticated chassis established it as a worthy successor to Ford’s earlier rallying icons. Today, the Escort RS Cosworth enjoys an established following among enthusiasts and collectors, admired for its motorsport heritage, unmistakable appearance and increasingly significant place in Ford’s performance car history. Early examples are particularly sought after, representing the original homologation-era specification that helped establish the model’s reputation.
This beautiful low mileage, low ownership example was first registered in September of 1992. An early and more desirable ‘big turbo’ model, fitted with the larger Garrett T35 unit, the Escort has been with just five owners from new, covering an indicated 56, 000 or so miles in that time. We understand that the engine has been rebuilt during the current ownership, also the car will be serviced by a Cosworth specialist prior to the auction. Representing an opportunity to acquire one of the most recognisable and charismatic performance cars of the decade, this early homologation version of the Escort RS Cosworth is sure to appeal to enthusiasts and collectors alike. The Escort comes with a UK V5c and MOT certificate valid until July 2027.
