One owner 1986 Ford Escort RS Turbo heads to auction
Thu, 01 Jun 2023
An original and unmolested Ford Escort RS Turbo, purchased brand new by the seller's mother, is being offered for sale through H&H Auctions.
With just 37,000 miles on the clock, this 1986 model retains all of its factory bodywork and paintwork, making it an exceedingly authentic model. It's expected to sell for between £40,000 and £50,000.
The Escort RS Turbo was introduced by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering Department in October 1984. It stood out from the XR3i with its enhanced features, including heavy-duty suspension, improved brakes and a pioneering viscous coupling limited-slip differential.
Originally, Ford planned to produce 5000 units for homologation purposes, but due to high demand, a total of 8604 were made, with 5576 being supplied in the UK.
These vehicles, only available in Diamond White (except for Princess Diana's unique Black example), featured a comprehensive body kit and were powered by a turbocharged 1597cc CVH four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
With (then) impressive power figures of 132bhp and 133lbft of torque, the Escort RS Turbo could reportedly accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 128mph.
The seller, at the request of his mother, sought a white car and determined that the Escort RS Turbo was the ideal choice.
With a history of purchasing Fords from Browne & Sons of Loddon, Norfolk, the seller approached them to procure the vehicle. Although not an approved RS dealership, Browne & Sons arranged for the purchase in collaboration with Spruce Howlett Ford of Norwich.
The seller traded in two Ford Capris from the family's collection as part of the transaction. A letter from Browne & Sons expressing gratitude for the continued patronage of the family is included in the vehicle's history file.
The Escort RS Turbo, finished in the iconic combination of Diamond White with a Grey Recaro interior, has remained in their possession ever since. It has been registered under the family business name throughout its life and has had no previous owners.
During its time with the vendor's mother, the Escort was exclusively used locally and never driven in inclement weather.
The vehicle has never left Norfolk since its acquisition and has always been stored in a sheltered environment. After the seller's mother ceased driving in 2005, the Escort was placed in storage until it was rediscovered in 2012 following her passing.
It was subsequently recommissioned, underwent an MoT and has since been sparingly driven, covering less than 100 miles. The car is now available for sale, boasting just 37,175 miles on the clock.
Its originality is evident with various untouched features such as its unaltered engine bay, original dealer number plates and dealer sticker.
Accompanying the vehicle is a comprehensive history file that includes the original Ford owner's manual, service book with several stamps, various sales literature, previous MOT certificates, copies of older logbooks, a few tax discs and the current V5C document.
The auction will take place on the 14th of June at IWM Duxord.
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