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Sold

1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1

Sold Price

£27,351

  • Mileage~63,000
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6L
  • LocationBath

SOLD

1985 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

The famous RS badge is only fitted to the quickest and driver-focused models in the Ford line-up - the Escort RS Turbo is no exception.

The Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1 is a performance model of the Escort Mk3. The car was turbocharged and very well equipped with alloy wheels, limited-slip differential and Recaro seats.

Only 5,000 cars were produced and they were all finished in white, apart from 1 - Lady Diana's, which was black and built especially for her.

This example is coming out of ~9 years ownership, with a fully rebuilt engine and only ~63,000 miles on the clock. Andy, the owner was keen to keep the car all original and is looking for a likeminded escort fan to take over his ownership.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Andy the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Andy gave this very special Escort RS Turbo a new lease of life.

After Andy sold his Sierra Cosworth he was looking for a car just as special to fill the space in his garage and came across this lovely Series 1 Escort RS Turbo.

Andy purchased the car in 2012, and since has had the engine rebuilt, a new gearbox fitted, new springs, performance exhaust, and constant maintenance to keep it in the condition you see today.

He was set on keeping the car as original as he could, mentioning that far too many of these have lost their special touch due to modifications.

Over Andy's ownership, he has only done around ~4,000 miles on the clock, around half of those on the new engine and he can often be found at any Escort/Classics shows.

Due to purchasing a new car, Andy is looking for a likeminded buyer to take on the responsibility of owning one of these rare gems. He will be more than happy to answer any of your questions in the comments below.

Andy
Vehicle Owner

Andy saved £4,860* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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Exterior

The diamond white paintwork, large rear spoiler and motorsport alloy wheels really make this Escort stand out.

Wheels and Tyres

The RS Turbo shared the alloy wheels from the limited production RS 1600i, they look the part and really give the car that extra presence.

Each wheel is in excellent condition with no marking or kerbing observed on our visit, the full-size spare in the boot has a few minor marks.

The tyres also are in great condition with plenty of tread for the new owner.

Bodywork

A race derived stance and body on this Escort RS Turbo. The extra trim in the shape of front splitter, wheel arches and spoiler make it look like a totally different car to the standard Mk3 Escort.

Having been dry stored and only covering ~63,000 miles, the bodywork is in great condition. Just a few areas we noticed some bubbling from corrosion, the bottom of both doors as pictured.

Please take a detailed look at this Escort RS Turbo in the images and videos to really appreciate the car.

Paint

Finished in Diamond White, a favourite choice from Ford. 4,999 models were produced in this colour, with only one specially produced in black for Lady Diana.

Across the car, the paint looks really great. No areas of dullness or discolouration were observed. On the extra trim the car comes with, you'll see some age/stress related crazing. Watch the video review to see the full detail.

Glass and Trim

All in excellent and original condition, a really nice example, the rubber trim all looks good and in line with its age and mileage.

We even noticed it's original main dealer sticker on the back window is still fully intact - showings its originality.

Interior

The Recaro seats with distinctive blue piping offer performance and comfort in this little turbo.

Seats and Carpets

The Recaro bucket seats grab and hold you into the car, you'll know that any corner you approach these seats will comfortably hold you in place.

Both seats look in great condition in line with its mileage and age - we love the blue pipping that make them stand out.

The car is also fitted with RS owners club carpets, that similarly are in great condition.

Dashboard

As you would expect, everything is fully original here. With just over ~63,000 miles on the clock, this dashboard is in line with its age and mileage.

Andy has kept the interior of this car in great condition. Please take a look at the detailed photos and videos for a closer look around this car.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A minimal and driver-focused steering wheel can be found inside this Escort Turbo RS.

The gear stick and steering wheel are in excellent condition as you can see.

Please take look at the detailed photos and videos for a tour of the interior.

Mechanics

Raspy exhaust notes combined with a characterful whistle from its turbo makes this one of the best sounding classics from the '80s.

Engine and Gearbox

This is one of the fastest hot hatches of its day, the RS was purely developed with motorsport in mind.

The engine was fully reconditioned in 2012 at 58,362 miles. Andy will be more than happy to answer any of your questions about the engine in the comments below.

Please take a look at the cold-start video to see the car starting without any issues.

Suspension and Brakes

Uprated suspension and larger brakes were fitted to tame this turbo at speeds. Andy has always had the suspension and brakes attended to regularly and when required.

The car had lower springs when Andy first purchased. Andy, replaced with its originals to bring back the original sporty stance.

The Drive

A true experience, Andy rarely takes this car out, when he does it's normally to either to shows or the track - he mentions how well it drives and handles.

The Ford Escort RS Turbo was the first-ever front-wheel-drive car to get a limited-slip diff. The 1.6L engine was turbocharged offering you 132bhp. Not only does the car sound incredible and look great, driving this will blow you away - built purely with motorsport in mind.

Electrics and Other

Nice to see the original interior in this '80s classic. - The car retains its original tape player and other electrics that really keep this car genuine - this example is the talk of any car show.

History and Paperwork

A cracking example; rebuilt engine, sitting on the correct suspension, ~63,000 miles covered, lovely original interior.

Andy has been meticulous when it comes to maintaining this car's history. Everything is very well categorised and detailed with all the work carried out since 1985.

Probably the most important work was carried out in 2012 when the engine was reconditioned, a new cambelt, water pump, alternator belt, intercooler, radiator, and oil pump was fitted. In addition to this, in 2013 a new turbo was fitted.

We've carried out checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi clear.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
05.05.2020 MOT 63,414
04.04.2019 MOT 63,310
06.04.2018 MOT 63,124
28.03.2017 MOT 62,978
20.11.2015 MOT 62,815
05.11.2014 MOT 62,559
17.12.2012 MOT 58,699
27.12.2011 MOT 58,311
27.01.2010 MOT 57,941
31.01.2009 MOT 56,543
21.04.1993 Service 43,794
08.10.1988 Service 38,271
27.02.1988 Service 32,111
14.01.1987 Service 26,532
08.05.1987 Service 19,402
15.11.1986 Service 12,064
10.06.1986 Service 8,300
22.11.1985 Service 5,864
Key Details
  • ModelEscort RS Turbo (Series 1)
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date07.03.1985
  • Mileage~63,000
  • HistoryExcellent
  • ColourDiamond White
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #WF0BXXGCABFJ44165
  • Engine #FJ44165
  • RestoredNo
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOTYes. Exp - 04.05.2021
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers9
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~9 years
  • Key FeatureOwnership