Highlights

54,002 miles from new
Just 3 registered owners
Dry-stored and unused for about 20 years
Excellent overall condition, highly original
Genuine RS Turbo with factory ‘Custom Pack’
1 of 8,604 built
Recent major service including cambelt and water pump
Various spare parts included
Offered as part of a private collection

The Appeal

Beloved of “blue oval” fans and retro performance enthusiasts alike, the Series One RS Turbo was a homologation special, built so that Ford could go racing in Group A. With just 5,000 initially planned, in the end they built 8,604 examples – all finished in Diamond White, other than three black examples which Ford kept for themselves.

Like so many fast Fords from the 80s and 90s though, the vast majority of Series One cars fell prey to theft, accidents and the burgeoning modification scene. Not to mention the fact that they had the usual 80s Ford issue of succumbing to corrosion. That means that finding a clean, straight and original car is like the proverbial ‘hen’s teeth’.

However, we appear to have found said teeth. Presented in largely unmodified and factory specification, this Series One, a Cologne built car, rolling off the production line in August 1985 is a quite remarkable survivor. Having been SORN and dry-stored for at least 20 years, it presents in superb overall condition. Running well, the vendor tells us that it just requires a little mechanical recommissioning to make sure it’s in tip-top shape for a return to the road. With the all-important – and near impossible to source – interior present and in superb order, as well as the bodywork being in very fine fettle, we think this 80s blue-collar hero is sure to be a massive hit…

The History and Paperwork

First registered in May 1985
Bought new from Alan Myerscough Ford in Ulverston
One of only 8,604 examples made, with few survivors on the road
First owner to 1991, second to 1999, stored and largely unused by the third owner until 2018
Purchased by the vendor, but not registered in their name as the car has been kept off-road in dry-storage since purchase
SORN and dry-stored for about the last 20 years
54,002 miles from new
Original owner’s handbooks and service record present and correct
Two keys with remote fobs
Excellent early history file, with the V5s for all the owners, lots of invoices and previous MOT certificates

The Interior

Original Recaro seats with ‘Monza’ upholstery
Factory ‘Custom Pack’, giving the car a sunroof, electric windows and central locking
Extra gauge pack installed featuring Lucas and Smiths instruments
Pioneer radio/cassette player

Featuring the original factory ‘Monza’ upholstery, which consists of two-tone grey crushed velour and teal accents, the interior of this Escort is absolutely spot-on. The seats are firm and show no evidence of sagging or bolster wear, which is a very common problem usually. Clearly it has been lovingly cared for over the years.

Dark grey carpet runs through the cabin and presents in good order for its age, and we believe it should clean up very nicely. The vendor informs us that the headlining is perfect, with no damage, sagging or staining.

One of the key aspects to look at when purchasing a RS Turbo is the internal trim and switchgear. Much of it is easily damaged and very difficult, if not impossible, to replace with OEM parts. Thankfully, everything in this car looks tickety-boo, with no broken trim, no cracks to the dash and no notable wear we could see.

A previous owner has installed a period gauge pack to the top of the dash, consisting of oil pressure, boost gauge, ammeter and voltmeter, and there appears to be a small blanking plate missing to the left of the steering column. Otherwise, the trim and switchgear all looks to be completely original and in very good order. The vendor assures us that everything works just as it should, with no faults or issues reported at all.

At the back, the hatchback reveals a generous boot space, trimmed with a grey carpet which has a little staining, but generally looks to be in nice condition. Lifting the carpet, there is a full-size spare alloy wheel and both the floor and wheel well look to be in superb condition, with no signs of damage, corrosion or repair we could see.

The Exterior

Diamond White paintwork with factory RS graphics
Factory wind deflectors to the windows and sunroof
Original ‘RS’ alloy wheels with new tyres
Twin front spot lights
Original dealer sticker present and correct

As with all Series One RS Turbos, the car is finished in gleaming Diamond White paintwork, with period RS decals to both sides. The paint looks to be in very good order for a car nearing its 40th anniversary. We’re told by the vendor that the bonnet and driver’s door have received a small amount of paint to address minor scratches, and there’s a little resulting ‘orange peel’. But otherwise it all looks to be in lovely condition.

Bodywork was always the Mk3 Escort’s Achilles heel, but thanks to careful ownership and a couple of decades of dry storage, this example shows very well. The panels all look nice and straight, with crisps lines and no evidence of corrosion. There are some speckles of surface corrosion showing to the rear valance and front panel behind the grill, but overall it’s been tremendously well preserved.

Similarly, that sporty trim, including the OEM rear spoiler and bodykit, is all in fine fettle. We didn’t see any signs of UV damage or cracking, and nothing at all appears to be missing. Notably for a car from this period, there are no aftermarket wings, vents or arches bolted on, which is great to see. The only comment the vendor makes is that they’ve just noticed that the driver’s side indicator bulb is out, otherwise all the external lights are working and in good condition.

The car is still riding on the 16-inch, seven-spoke ‘RS’ alloys it left the forecourt with, presenting in fine order with a few minor blemishes, and wearing the correct factory stampings. They’re finished with a new, matched set of tyres too.

Underneath, everything looks nice and solid, with a smattering of the expected surface corrosion in a few places – generally to the suspension and brake components. However, the floor, sills and fuel tank look very straight and solid.

The Mechanics

1,597cc, turbocharged CVH four-cylinder
Five-speed manual transmission
Stainless steel exhaust system
Koni adjustable suspension

Offering 132bhp from that revvy little turbocharged 1.6 motor, the RS Turbo has plenty of power for such a light car, particularly from low down. Of course, with the car having been largely unused for about 20 years, the vendor predicts some recommissioning will be in order. But they tell us that the car runs very well, starting and idling nicely, with no mechanical problems they are aware of. A new battery has been installed by the vendor, as well as a recent major service, which included a new cambelt and water pump.

The only modifications that have been made are the installation of a stainless exhaust system (OEM items are no longer available) and Koni adjustable suspension. Otherwise, the car is stock.

The owner will also include around £600 worth of spare parts with the car.

Summary

When it comes to rare and collectible 80s cars, Series One RS Turbos are one of the most sought after machines on the market. With such low mileage, just three registered owners and the fact it’s being presented in largely factory stock condition, we think this handsome and desirable hot hatch is a winner. If you’re looking to make an impact at this year’s show scene, this would be the perfect way to do it…

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