One to Buy: 13,000 mile 1986 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1
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To replace the normally aspirated RS1600i which had failed to set the world alight in Group A competition, Ford created its first forced induction Escort for public consumption: the RS Turbo.
After a series of delays, the RS Turbo was finally launched in October 1984. Production started in December ‘84 with assembly taking place at Ford’s Saarlouis plant in Germany. On sale from early 1985, the RS Turbo was available exclusively as a three-door Hatchback and officially only came in one colour: Diamond White.
Compared to the RS1600i (which itself had been heavily uprated), the RS Turbo was further enhanced by way of anti-roll bars at both ends, a sporty colour coded aero kit and some special interior equipment.
The big news though was the RS Turbo’s much-modified forced induction 1.6-litre engine which was hooked up to a special five-speed gearbox and unique viscous-controlled limited-slip differential. Pumping out 132bhp at 6000rpm and 133lb-ft at 3000rpm, it propelled the 977kg machine to a top speed of 128mph and 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds.
By the time production came to an end in December 1985, Ford had completed a little over 8600 copies of the RS Turbo which was a good deal more than the 5000 units required for Group A homologation.
Of these, undoubtedly one of the best to survive is chassis WF0BXXGCABFE05420 which will be going under the hammer at Iconic Auctioneers’ Sywell Aerodrome sale in Northampton on May 16th.
Originally supplied by Haynes Bros. Ltd. of Maidstone, Kent, on March 3rd 1986 to a Mr Griffiths, chassis ‘05420’ was built with the optional Custom Pack that included a sunroof, electric windows, opening rear quarter windows, central locking and tinted glass.
According to the car’s history file, chassis ‘05420’ was retained by Mr Griffiths until 2002, by which time it had covered a little under 11,900 miles. The second owner, Mr Baker, passed the car on to his sister in 2004 who retained it until 2024 and continued to MOT the car annually despite covering minimal mileage. The most recent MOT was issued with no advisories on April 9th 2026 at 13,081 miles. The most recent service was carried out in July 2024 when the cambelt and water pump were replaced.
Having clearly been cherished since new, chassis ‘05420’ heads to auction showing just 13,097 miles. It is accompanied by a detailed history file that includes various RS Owners Club items, period photographs, two keys and the complete original book pack.
