1995 Ford Escort Cosworth RS
HIGHLIGHTS
USA Titled and Registered, LHD
50-State Compliant (Sun International Example)
Featured on “Wheeler Dealers” TV Show in 2017
Showing Just 51K Miles
Includes Original Wheels & Suspension
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - 1S9FA11C0SC547008
Engine – 2.0L, Four Cylinder Turbo
Gearbox – 5 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front engine, AWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth was Ford of Europe’s answer to creating a competitive Grp A rally contender. Based on a shortened AWD Ford Sierra floorpan, they mated it to the “new” Escort bodyshell. However, no panels are really interchangeable with the standard Escort. Flared fenders, large wings, scoops, and vents all designed with the goal of homologation for Grp A helped distinguish the car’s silhouette.
For that homologation to be awarded FIA regulations required 2.500 (later raised to 5,000) examples to be built. The Escort Cosworth was a successful road car, and Ford ended up producing over 7,000 before the end of production in 1996.
These Escort Cosworths were true “forbidden fruit” in the USA in the 1990s. Enter Sun International – the now defunct, but well-known importer of said fruit. Based in Manhattan Beach, California, Sun brought in a variety of cars in the 1980s and 1990s – Renault R5 Turbos, several Group B rally cars, 1970s/1980s Ferraris, and of course the Ford Escort Cosworths that we are huge fans of here at Northwest European.
That Rear Spoiler! Let’s get to it, this is the item everyone is going to be talking about on this Escort Cosworth. This specific car was featured on the TV show “Wheeler Dealers” (Discovery/Motortrend Networks) in 2017 – Season 14, Episode 1. On the episode, Escort Cosworth RS designer Frank Stephenson (https://www.frankstephenson.com/the-story/) assisted in the addition of the third wing, which was part of his original design. There are photos of the hand drawn sketches included in the documentation file with the car from the show.
Upon wind tunnel testing as part of the TV show, the third wing was shown to increase downforce around 30% - so this modification is proven, not just a cosmetic addition. The episode goes into great detail about the work with Frank Stephenson and it creates a very unique look – taking the already insane and iconic Escort Cosworth double spoiler and going…further.
Please note, if you are not a fan of the spoiler modification from original specification, it is easily reversible at a very minimal cost. We are happy to handle that for you post sale as desired.
This specific car is a four-owner example showing just over 51K miles and offered in the striking shade of Imperial Blue over Black Leather. Featuring 18” Compomotive wheels and fast road suspension (original wheels and springs included), and Morette twin headlamps, the look is tasteful and period correct.
Part of the TV episode work included a number of mechanical maintenance items. Rebuilt turbo, engine out re-seal, new axle boots, new catalytic converter (test pipe currently fitted), rear main seal, and a new clutch are among the highlights.
The later production cars (such as this one here) are generally known as the "small turbo" cars, as they used a Garrett T25 turbo instead of the larger T35 of the "big turbo" early cars. Make no mistake, this car is still quick despite the label! We are beginning to make the argument here at our showroom that the names “big turbo” and “small turbo” should be replaced with “homologation turbo” and “standard turbo” – as too many people are missing out on these later ST cars that are truly quick, despite the moniker.
The turbo spools immediately and thus presents a car that is easier to drive around town without the turbo lag of the earlier cars. This is the one to drive daily if you choose. Also of note, is that this car has been upgraded to the 280hp chip, and feels strong under boost. Having had several of these Escort Cosworth RS cars here at Northwest European, we can tell you this car is well sorted for driving enjoyment.
The interior features the “Lux” package details - Recaro leather seating, A/C, factory sunroof. While many Escort Cosworth interiors suffer from the Ford plastics of the era, this interior presents very well, commiserate with low mileage. The car presented well upon arrival, and extensive cosmetic detailing (including chassis) and a new headliner round out recent work here at our shop in preparation for sale.
Offered with original owner's manuals, three factory keys, original tool kit and spare, factory wheels and suspension, extensive documentation folder, and several boxes of miscellaneous spares. Also included are two great publications, including Graham Robson's delightful book from the Rally Giants series, and the book by Dan WIlliamson that goes over factory originality and details.
The opportunity to own a Ford Escort Cosworth RS is already rare, with ~7000 in total worldwide production. Even rarer is to own one in the USA, with less than 30 known to be stateside. Rarest yet – one that was featured prominently on a TV episode, and is a 50-state compliant car for registration purposes. This car is pretty on the button cosmetically and mechanically, and ready for the next chapter.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this Ford Escort Cosworth RS for sale in the USA.
