1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo – Project

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1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo – Project

Sold Price

£9,130

Mileage~63,552 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6-litre
LocationNeston, Wirral

SOLD

1988 Ford Escort RS Turbo – Project

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

Continuing the success of the Series 1 RS Turbo, the Series 2 was sleeker and more refined.

The Ford Escort RS Turbo was the pinnacle of Ford’s hot hatch line-up in the late ’80s, blending rally-inspired performance with everyday usability. As part of the legendary Escort RS lineage, the RS Turbo built on Ford’s motorsport heritage, offering enthusiasts a thrilling driving experience.

First introduced in 1984 with the Series 1, the Escort RS Turbo quickly gained a reputation for its punchy performance and agile handling. By 1986, the Series 2 arrived, featuring a more refined design and improved drivability, making it more accessible while retaining its raw turbocharged character. Under the bonnet, the 1989 model packed a 1.6-litre CVH turbocharged engine, delivering ~132 BHP to the front wheels through a limited-slip differential – ensuring sharp acceleration and excellent traction.

With its flared arches, distinctive alloy wheels and aggressive styling, the RS Turbo was an icon of its time. Today, it remains a sought-after modern classic, celebrated for its engaging driving dynamics and its place in Ford’s rich performance history.

This example comes to market after spending over ~20+ years in storage. The RS Turbo is an original, unmolested model with just over ~63,500 miles showing on the odometer.

Take a step back to the late ’80s with this iconic fast Ford.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Geoff 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

I'd seen this car parked up for over 20 years and always dreamt of taking on the project.

Geoff spent several years looking at this unmolested (which is pretty much unheard of for a car that grew up in the ’90s) 1988 RS Turbo at a garage he used to visit as part of his job. The car was laid up in the garage due to a stiff clutch operation and valve stem oil seals requiring attention. It was left in the garage by the owner, who knew the garage owner very well. Geoff had said to the owner, "If you ever sell the car, let me know."

That day arrived some four years ago when Geoff became the proud owner of a Fast Ford with every intention of restoring it and adding it to his collection, but, as with many ideas, time, work, space and other commitments became the problem, and unfortunately Geoff never got around to getting the RS Turbo back on the road. He did carry out some work on the car, which got it running nicely, but there is still some work to do to get it back on the road.

Geoff will be happy to answer any questions in the comment section below.

Geoff

Vehicle Owner

Geoff saved £1,620* when they
sold their Ford with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Smoother and sleeker than the Series 1, the Series 2 was given a more modern look with deeper bumpers.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original “dog-leg” alloy wheels, these are in good condition for their age, with just a few minor age-related marks, and they don't appear to have been refurbished.

The tyres have perished and split quite badly; they do, however, still hold air.

Please take the time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres, so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

Walking around the RS Turbo, the bodywork appears to be in good condition, with no obvious signs or areas of corrosion. Even in the usual areas of concern, like the battery tray and inside the boot, they are in good order. Geoff has also spent some time under the car, and he tells us that the car hasn’t had any welding carried out in the past that he could see. Geoff told us there is corrosion in the inner sills at the rear, which will require attention.

The panel gaps appear to be even, and no dings or dents were spotted.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to review all media files to assess the car’s condition for yourself.

Paint

Finished in 'Diamond White', the car does appear to have been repainted at some point, and this has crazed over time, some of which has flaked off. Even so, this is a great base to start with and will certainly be a great project for any Ford enthusiast.

The images are taken from a range of angles to show the car as you would see it in person, so please take the time to fully assess the high-resolution photos and videos before forming your own opinion of the paintwork.

Glass and Trim

The windows appear to be in good condition, with only some light age-related marks, as expected for their age. The window seals have started to show signs of age.

All the lights appear to be in good condition, with no damage to the lenses. There does look to be some discolouration on the reflectors for the spotlights and headlights.

A glass sunroof is fitted, but we didn’t try to open this because it has been closed for so many years.

Please view the photos and video below to review the condition of the glass and trim for yourself.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

There’s only one seat suitable for any fast Ford of the ’80s/’90s – which are, of course, Recaros.

Seats and Carpets

Fitted with the original Recaro seats, these are in very good condition with minimal signs of age, especially on the bolsters. The rear seat is also in good order, as are both door panels.

The original carpets are in good condition, again with no real signs of heavy use throughout the car. Inside the boot, there is a spare alloy wheel, and you can clearly see the original condition of the boot floor, which is excellent.

Dashboard

The Mk4 dashboard is in good order, with no splits or cracks across the top.

The instruments are working correctly, with the odometer showing ~63,552 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original steering wheel and gear knob are in good condition, with minimal signs of wear.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

With almost identical BHP to the Series 1, the Series 2 delivered it more smoothly, allowing you to get the power down more quickly.

Engine and Gearbox

The 1.6-litre turbo fires up without hesitation. Geoff did start work on the car with essentials such as a new fuel tank, spark plugs, HT leads, a replacement metering head, timing belt, water pump and valve stem oil seals.

The RS has a five-speed gearbox, and we moved it around the yard with no problems engaging the gears.

Suspension and Brakes

As we mentioned, the car has been standing for ~20+ years; therefore, it will require some suspension and brake parts before being used on the road.

The Drive

Pure 1980s theatre. With a slight amount of turbo lag, feel the boost build, but once past 3,000rpm, you’re away! A limited-slip differential in the Series 2 tames the front wheels, allowing you to put the power down more efficiently, but keep a hold of the wheel to steady the torque steer!

Remember that feeling? There's a bit of work to do… But, oh, it will be worth it!

Electrics and Other

Pretty much as it left the factory, the original head unit is in place; no doubt the speakers will have seen better days, but they are an easy replacement, and it is nice to see the original parcel shelf is there with no 6x9 speaker holes.

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History and Paperwork

Who’s going to be the one to take a trip down memory lane in the iconic RS Turbo?

Unfortunately, when Geoff got the car, it didn’t come with any paperwork other than the V5C, and, being off the road for so long, there is no real MOT history apart from two certificates. however what there is are two letters explaining the history of the car and it has been in the same family from new.

Even with the lack of history, just look at the condition; it has pretty much been frozen in time. This is a fantastic base for taking on a fast Ford project for any enthusiast, which, depending on how much work you can do yourself, could be a very worthwhile investment. The car runs but couldn’t be driven and will require recovery to its new owner.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including photo ID and V5 verification, as well as a history check on the vehicle. This is a professional HPI check that will highlight if the car has previously been stolen, recorded as being involved in an accident or has any outstanding finance. Please note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We’ve summarised our own view of the car based on information provided by the seller; however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video each car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own assessment from the comfort of your home. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are also welcomed on all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a suitable time; we just need to speak to you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car, just like at a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
	Stored for over 20+ years
04.09.2003	MOT	63,463
19.09.2002	MOT	61,356

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Key Details

Year1988
ModelEscort RS Turbo
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date16.02.1988
CC1597
Mileage~63,552 on clock
ColourDiamond White
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimFabric
Chassis #WF0BXXGCABHP44749
Engine #HP44749
MOT ExemptNo
Road Tax ExemptNo
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers3
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~4 Years
Key FeatureOriginal Example
Vehicle RegistrationE341 YNF
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeHatchback
Auction ID3836

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Ask Questions

Seller : geoff1150gs Sale Date 06.08.2026

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

11 Comments

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

16 days ago

*** RESERVE REMOVED*** Geoff has removed the reserve on the car meaning it will sell to the highest bidder this evening – good luck, Adam TC

KS1

19 days ago

Good evening. Am I correct in saying the car is not registered in your name ? Can you sell the car if its not registered to you. The previous owner has requested the new V5C, which will then need to be changed to show you as the owner … Then sent with winning bidders details, cheers

geoff1150gs

Seller

KS1

18 days ago

That is correct the log book V5C), is not in my name, but can be entered as soon as the new log book (V5c) arrives. This will hopefully be tomorrow or by end of auction. As mentioned in previous post.

ChillJ40

21 days ago

Hi Geoff,
Just looking at the pics and have noticed that all the body kit and spoiler are red underneath the white paint, also the seats have been changed to later 90 spec.
Do you know if it has been stolen / recovered in the past ?
Thanks

geoff1150gs

Seller

ChillJ40

20 days ago

I have spoken to the family about the interior. They say that is the 1 that has always been in the car as far as they know.

The chassis numbers and engine numbers are correct. They marry up with the information that is on the V5c.

As far as the roof is concerned, it is the paint peeling back.

The slight noise from the engine on start up is the alternator and not the engine.

I have never got around to restoring the vehicle as I have not had the time and have other classics to look after, as well as getting old ?

It moves under its own steam, however I cannot verify fully about changing through all the gears. I would assume the gearbox should be ok.

The boot floor beneath the spare wheel is good, with no corrosion or holes.

The inner sills at the nearside rear and offside rear are corroded and holed and will require replacing or repairing to pass an MOT. I have been told it should not be that hard to fabricate panels. Although you may now be able to purchase.

The O/S/R chassis leg is holed and a new section welding in place will be required. They can be purchased.

Inner wings appear to be ok as seen from the photos taken.

The floor pan is ok.

As far as I can see the Garret Turbo is the original. I have not replaced it.

noscoobydo

27 days ago

Hi, just wondered if you could clarify the position with the v5c logbook, I think the photos in the history file is showing the old style before the change to the red and pink and the gov.uk site is showing that the last v5c was issued on the 14th March 2012 , so could you please confirm if you changed the registration details when you purchased the vehicle 4 years ago and if not have you got the latest red/pink style document from the previous owner. Thanks

geoff1150gs

Seller

noscoobydo

26 days ago

Hi,
I did not realise that the log book (V5c) was the old type and not the new type of log book (V5c) that is Red and Pink in colour.
Today I visited the owner I purchased the car off. They requested a replacement logbook (V5c) form DVLA, on line.
This hopefully should arrive before the auction finishes. As soon as it arrives I will leave a message on the site.

When I purchased the vehicle 4 years ago I did not change the registration details. Not sure why I did not amend the registration details. If I had I would have avoided the present situation.
I can amend once I get the new logbook (V5c) from the last owner if required.

noscoobydo

geoff1150gs

26 days ago

Ok thankyou for the reply, do you know if the brakes are operational at all as we live on a steep driveway and would need the brakes off the transporter .

geoff1150gs

Seller

noscoobydo

25 days ago

Hi,
I am not sure I would trust the brakes. It is highly unlikely they are fully operational. The car has been laid up for nearly 20 years and never driven. Suspension and brakes section also makes this point.
Regards

chrishowell4

29 days ago

Is the registration available so I can do a hpi check

ColinB

Admin

chrishowell4

29 days ago

Hi,

You can find the registration and our HPI check in the history and paperwork section.

Thanks,
Colin.

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Neston, Wirral

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