One to Buy: 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Having invested a huge sum to develop a bona fide Group B car, the resultant Ford RS200 arrived several months late. Ford then decided to pull the plug early after a series of driver and spectator fatalities during that infamous 1986 season. In total, the works team ultimately made just four World Rally Championship appearances with their expensively developed car.
Ford’s subsequent efforts during the Group A era that followed were in truth pretty half-hearted and the Sierra-based machinery that occasionally appeared was no match for the likes of Lancia and Toyota.
It wasn’t until the 1993 season that Ford finally got serious when the FIA decided to halve the homologation requirement from 5000 cars to 2500. The rule change was announced well ahead of time and proved the trigger that convinced Ford to finally build a car capable of winning the World Rally Championship.
The resultant Escort RS Cosworth was loosely based on the fifth generation Escort, albeit substantially modified with a special long wheelbase bodyshell that could incorporate the four-wheel drive Cosworth-powered drivetrain from the Sapphire 4x4.
Production began in February 1992, the car want on sale in May of that year and homologation was approved on January 1st 1993.
In late 1994, Ford made the first major change to the Escort RS Cosworth when the ‘Big Turbo’ YBT engine was dropped in favour of the ‘Small Turbo’ YBP unit. The move was to address criticism of major turbo lag below 3500rpm. It made the Escort Cosworth less temperamental and much easier to drive.
One of these rare late production ‘Small Turbo’ iterations is currently on offer at the Carugati Automobiles showroom in Geneva, Switzerland. A desirable non-sunroof example painted Diamond White, it was configured with the optional black leather upholstery, air-conditioning and a CD player.
Although built in 1995, the car was not registered until December 2001 and has today covered a mere 54,000km.
Reprinted below is Carugati Automobiles’ description for this very low mileage and superbly configured Escort RS Cosworth.
Swiss Delivery, Fully Maintained, Original Low Mileage of 54,000km
Legendary Ford Escort 2.0i RS Cosworth delivered new to Switzerland, well cared for, regularly maintained, original low mileage, technical inspection and service with new tyres in 2021, 1995 production year, 2001 registration, 2.0L 4 Cylinders Turbo of 227 HP, original pouch with service book, equipped with the usual options, leather interior, Recaro seats, big rear spoiler, A/C, driver airbag and Ford RDS radio CD.
Price: CHF 89'900
