One to Buy: 12,500 mile 1 owner 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux
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Having created one of the 1980’s wildest homologation specials with the Sierra RS Cosworth, Ford took a similar approach when it came to a MkV Escort conceived for top flight rallying.
Unveiled in February 1992, the Escort RS Cosworth was based on a custom floorpan adapted to run four-wheel drive and a longitudinally-mounted engine. Like the original Sierra RS Cosworth, the hot new Escort was offered exclusively in three-door Hatchback trim and came with an aggressively styled body kit that included a radical high-rise rear spoiler.
For Group A homologation, the first 2500 Escort RS Cosworths (all of which were produced in 1992) came with a water-injection kit (not fitted). The ‘Big Turbo’ YBT engine used by these cars was retained until mid 1994 when Ford switched to a ‘Small Turbo’ version of the same Cosworth-built power unit.
Although some collectors prefer the extra driveability offered by the ‘Small Turbo’ iteration, arguably the most desirable Escort RS Cosworths are the original ‘Big Turbo’ homologation specials complete with aforementioned water-injection kit.
In total, just 45 right-hand drive Polaris Grey copies of the ‘Big Turbo’ Escort RS Cosworth emerged from the original 2500 unit homologation run, perhaps the best of which is this one owner, 12,500 mile example currently residing at the KGF Classic Cars showroom in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire.
Completed during August 1992, as well as its Polaris Grey paint, chassis ‘93370’ was configured with the optional Lux pack that comprised an electric sunroof, electric heated door mirrors, a Quick-clear heated windscreen, a three-spoke leather covered steering wheel, carpeted door bins, a rear seat armrest, opening rear quarter windows and heated headlight washer jets. Other optionals extras fitted to ‘93370’ included a premium audio system, alarm and immobiliser.
According to KGF Classic Cars: “This desirable ‘Big Turbo’ model was registered new on the 16th November 1992 by Henlys Ford of Newcastle. The one registered owner, Mr Alan Eastwood, paid £19,655 and took advantage of 0% Ford finance paying £9826.80 over twelve months. All purchase documentation is present along with handbooks, service book and an abundance of MOT certificates to warrant the 12,556 miles. The grey Ford Cares A5 folder has not perished and a full collection of spare keys still on the supplying dealer leather key fob is included. RS Owners Club valuations are present including correspondence with the Registrar. All documentation is neatly presented in an A4 folder. A Ford enthusiast will be amazed with this example which still has the unused never plumbed-in water injection kit to comply with homologation rules.”
