1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo – Classified of the Week

There’s just something about a fast Ford that will always endure. Perhaps it’s our age, growing up coveting these performance icons in the ’80s and ’90s that at the time seemed well and truly unobtainable. Or even before then, hearing our parents talk so fondly of previously owned Lotus Cortinas and Escort Mexicos. Or maybe it’s simply the thrill of the ordinary transformed into the extraordinary that floats our blue-ovalled boat. Whatever the reason, when we saw this 1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo pop up on the Car & Classic classifieds we knew we had to feature it.

A staple of British roads since 1968, by the late ’80s the Ford Escort, now in its fourth generation, was a recognisable steed whilst also somewhat conversely blending into the background of a sea of similar and rather mundane hatchbacks traipsing up and down the country at the time. It wasn’t a car to crave, it wasn’t a car to admire for its sporting characteristics – it was just, well, a car. That all changed, however, when Ford not only slapped the now infamous RS (Rally Sport) badge to the boot but also bolted a Garrett T3 turbocharger to the engine. The lowly MK4 Escort was now a fire breathing monster with turbo whistle, and it commanded respect.

But respect, as we all know, needs to be earned and boy did the RS Turbo earn it. The earlier MK3 Escort was the first to bear the RS Turbo name when the sporting version was released in 1984, just as the hot hatch wars were beginning to escalate. Featuring a limited slip differential (the first front-wheel drive car to ever do so), the RS Turbo delivered 132bhp from its 1.6-litre engine for a 0-60 time of around 8 seconds and a top speed of 125mph. It handled well too and thanks to its aggressive styling cues the car soon cemented itself as the weapon of choice for the discerning boy racers of the time. The MK4 Escort arrived in 1986 and Ford continued to produce the RS Turbo, albeit with a slightly softer ride for the series 2 cars. The performance remained on point though and those figures mentioned above were still more than enough for those that wanted a bit more oomph from their Escort. And this is exactly what we have available at Car & Classic: a 1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo MK4. And it’s all here; the flared arches and side skirts, the rear spoiler, those bonnet vents, and of course, that mighty turbocharged motor. It may have covered 80,000 miles now but every single one of them is backed up by a fully stamped service book and it’s clear to see from the photographs that this particular ‘Cossie’ has led a somewhat charmed existence.

Not only does the car have an impeccable service record and history file but it has also benefited from a host of recently fitted new parts. These include a new fuel pump, new brake master cylinder, new water pump and both rear shocks, as well as the all important cambelt change. It’s all fully documented to boot so you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re not buying a lemon, at least on paper. There are no photos of the interior but the advert states that all is in order and that it presents well throughout.

The MK4 Ford Escort RS Turbo is another in that long and esteemed line of blue-badged performance icons. It is truly deserving of not only the acclaimed RS insignia, but also the praise and reverie that has now been lavished upon it. Perhaps not as treasured when new as it is now, the Escort RS Turbo has rightly earned its place among the greats – the likes of the Lotus Cortinas, Escort Mexicos and Sierra Cosworths. And like all of those classic fast Fords, prices are continuing to rise. This is boisterous, old school charm and performance at its best so change your name to Barry, put on your best Essex accent and go and re-live your youth in a car you always wanted but could never afford to insure.