Immaculate low mileage Mk2 RS Turbo in one of the most desirable colours
Standard, highly original car maintained to a very high standard
Long MOT to January 2024 with no advisories
Huge history file with virtually all invoices for all work
Original right down to the Ford RS exhaust system and PDI stickers in the boot
Superb example of one this fast-appreciating 80s hot hatch
Turbocharged 1.6litre engine generating 132bhp
VIN confirms it is a genuine RS Turbo
Timing belt, water pump and service just completed
The Appeal
The original Escort RS Turbo put Ford back in the hot hatch game, seeing off the Golf GTI with thumping turbocharged pace. When the MkIV Escort arrived the RS got a makeover into a more subtle and mature traffic light racer, but it lost none of the boosted drama.
This immaculate 1991 RS Turbo shows just how good these cars looked in period. It appears to be finished in Mercury Grey, one of the nicest colours for these cars, and is exceptionally original, right down to the Ford rubber mats, PDI stickers, dealer plates and even the underseal. Stunning, completely standard and with low mileage, it is surely a remarkable opportunity for any Fast Ford enthusiast. YeZ1K0qUCadmKQmerc4QrrmGGYs1WKNkOlDEQ7DJ.jpg334.71 KB
The History And Paperwork
First registered on 11th February 1991
MOT expires in late January 2024 with no advisories
Has never had an advisory on any MOT
Two box files full of history
Very limited use since 2006 – less than 3,000 miles
Thick history file with ongoing servicing and maintenance work
VIN slam plates confirm that this is a genuine RS Turbo built at Saarlouis in March 1990
Original factory interior that has never been refurbished
Excellent unmarked door trims, headlining and carpet
Period correct Blaupunkt radio cassette system
Phone set up
Immobiliser
Excellent dashboard and fittings with no visible deterioration
Electric windows
Original right down to the Ford factory PDI stickers in the boot
Where the original Mk1 RS Turbo adapted the existing interior of the Mk3 Escort, with the Mk2 RS Turbo Ford planned the model from the start, resulting in the later car’s interior feeling more integrated and upmarket. It is a familiar place but everything feels designed in rather than bolted on.
By modern standards it is a simple layout with few gauges and switches to distract the eye. The grey fabric Recaro seats are relatively subdued by hot hatch standards. The Mk2 RS was relatively luxurious by Ford standards, with sunroof and electric windows as standard.
The interior of this car is in astonishing condition, barely seeming to have changed from the moment it left the showroom despite the intervening 32 years of motoring. The low mileage is evident from the barely worn steering wheel and the condition of the driver’s seat. Just some very light creasing on the driver’s seat bolster indicates any kind of use.
The remaining seats are immaculate as are the door trims. The vacuum formed trims on either side of the rear seats are, inevitably for a Ford of this era, showing slight signs of delamination in the corners but it is hardly noticeable. Elsewhere the carpets, headlining and Ford rubber mats are in unmarked condition.
The dashboard is unmarked and shows no deterioration. The dials are clear and the switchgear unmarked. There is a period correct Blaupunkt radio and a car phone kit to complete the hot hatch yuppie vibe. cJwcROF26AVJ9gNcsBABdHBHUuB8YssuzZ6Zulxc.jpg343.55 KB
The Exterior
Immaculate Mercury Grey Metallic paintwork, one of the most desirable finishes on these cars
Headlamp covers
Unmarked factory original alloy wheels that have never been refurbished
Quality Michelin tyres
Original supplying dealer plates and rear screen dealer sticker
Subtle body colour body kit with arch extensions and rear spoiler
By the late 1980s the hot hatch scene had morphed into something a little more subtle, the bright reds and shouty spoilers of yore making way for an altogether less obtrusive approach. This had partly been encouraged by insurers, who wanted the most desirable cars to advertise their status less, but it also reflected changing times. By the time the Mk2 RS Turbo arrived, buyers wanted stealth instead of brashness.
This gorgeous RS Turbo reflects that trend, Ford toning down the spoilers and arch extensions and blending them into the general lines of the car. It remains purposeful – including the distinctive bonnet vents and driving lights - but less strident.
The subdued colour scheme of this car helps that process along. RS Turbos were only available in a small range of colours – this wasn’t one of them but this car does appear to be finished in that metallic shade. The paintwork is immaculate and appears to be original. The condition extends to the vulnerable extremities like the bumpers, arch extensions and that purposeful rear spoiler.
The only marks are extremely minor and highlighting them seems picky on such a well maintained car. The front bumper has a small scratch and a handful of stone chips.
The factory RS alloy wheels are immaculate and shod with quality Michelin tyres. The Seller states that these wheels have never been refurbished, another tick in this car's 'originality' box.
The underside of the car continues the theme: it is very clean and devoid of the surface corrosion one might expect of a 32 year old car. The Seller states that the car carries its original factory underseal.
If the general condition of this car isn’t testament enough to the fastidiousness of its owner then the headlamp covers and the original dealer plates and rear window dealer sticker are clear nods to real attention to detail. taACsWFCUpRffLdbjGFolA4TqxZL3d4W4l7YNyTM.jpg352.54 KB
Original Ford RS Turbo exhaust system sourced by Seller at cost of £1,000
Timing belt, water pump and service just completed
Full, very detailed service history with fully stamped service book with extra pages added
Has never had an advisory on any MOT
Clean engine bay indicating careful ownership
5spd manual gearbox
Thick history file
When it came to creating the Mk2 RS Turbo Ford chose not to mess with a winning formula. So the turbocharged 1.6litre engine remained, still pumping out a Golf-bothering 132bhp via the front wheels and a five speed manual gearbox.
MOT records verify the low mileage of this car. It has covered less than 3,000 miles since 2006. The photographs suggest a thick history file, although at the time of writing we were unable to check through this. However the general condition would suggest it is likely to reflect a similar attention to detail.
The Seller states that the car has just had the timing belt and water pump replaced and it has been serviced ahead of sale. There are two bulging box files of history with this car, including a fully stamped service book that is so comprehensive it has had extra pages added.
The car's remarkable originality extends to the fitment of a genuine RS Turbo exhaust system, which set the owner back £1,000.
Where the Golf GTI was smooth and sophisticated, the Mk1 RS Turbo took a more blue-collar approach to the business of hot hatching. The suited and booted second generation RS may have grown up a bit, but with the same boosted powerplant under the bonnet at heart it was still the same hooligan.
This immaculate Mk2 RS Turbo is a joy to see. It has remarkably original, right down to the PDI stickers and factory underseal. It has clearly been extremely well cared for, by a Seller who values attention to detail, and looks virtually showroom fresh. It is a rare, low mileage, completely standard RS that will surely be hugely rewarding to the very lucky buyer.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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