1990 Ford Escort Bonus 90

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1990 Ford Escort Bonus 90 – Modified

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Mileage~23,160 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.6-litre Turbo
LocationBurton-on-Trent

AUCTION CLOSED

1990 Ford Escort Bonus 90 – Modified

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Introduction

Paul Wright

Professional Consigner

The last run of the Escort was a commemorative edition known as the Bonus 90.

Introduced to the UK market during the final years of Mk4 Escort production, the special edition Bonus 90 was designed to offer exceptional value for money. Based largely on the entry-level Popular 1.3-litre model, it provided motorists with affordable and dependable transport at a time when the Escort remained one of Britain's best-selling cars.

While the Bonus 90 retained the straightforward specification of the Popular, Ford distinguished the model with a number of unique features. To keep costs competitive, exterior trim was kept deliberately simple, often omitting side body mouldings; however, buyers were given the option of several desirable additions, including integrated front fog lamps, a factory-fitted tilt-and-slide sunroof (which this particular car doesn't have), and exclusive "Bonus 90" badging on the tailgate.

Coming from ~18 years with our vendor, this 1990 example has been fully restored and modified with some serious improvements, making this Escort Bonus 90 no longer a regular Mk4 Escort, but more of a high-performance RS Turbo 90, it comes with a fresh MOT valid until 10.06.2027.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul 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 has thrived on fast Fords over the years, constantly modifying and improving various Escorts, and this Bonus 90 is no exception.

Following an accident twenty years ago in his RS Turbo, Andy spotted this excellent-condition Bonus 90 for sale and decided he would create his own improved version of the classic Escort using parts from both cars.

This 1990 Escort Bonus 90 has very much been a labour of love for Andy over the past 18 years. What started out as a simple restoration soon transpired into a full-blown rebuild from the ground up, with the added inclusion of his fully rebuilt RS Turbo engine, taking it from the humble Bonus 90 to something very special.

Andy will be happy to answer any questions in the comments sections below.

Andy

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Classic subtle touches improve the Bonus 90’s looks, creating somewhat of a hybrid RS Turbo Bonus 90.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheel choice for the Escort is a set of motorsport-inspired Team Dynamics Pro Race 3 alloys, which are in excellent condition. These are wrapped in a matching set of Yokohama 195/50 R15 Parada Spec 2 tyres, all of which have plenty of tread remaining.

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

Andy has gone for a mix of Mk3 and Mk4 parts on the bodywork, followed by a full respray in 2012. The restoration retained all of the original panels, and only the rear arches were replaced, something which didn’t need doing but was recommended by the body shop as a long-term precaution.

The panel fit is excellent, and no dings or dents were noted.

You’ll also notice the RS Turbo bonnet as the most obvious addition.

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

The respray was carried out in the original 'Stratos Silver', with an additional Glasurit clear coat. The condition is excellent, with just a few minor chips.

The exterior has been finished with a Series 1 RS Turbo side decal stripe and a custom-made Bonus 90 decal in black rather than the original brown version.

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

All of the windows appear to be in good condition. You may notice in some of the photos and videos that the heated windscreen has a crack. This is booked in and will be replaced before the auction ends.

The rear quarter windows have been treated to some very ’90s etched styling with a Ford logo and stripe.

The headlights, spotlights and rear lights are all in good order, with no damage to the lenses.

A set of Mk3 Escort rear arch spats have been fitted, along with an unpainted RS Turbo boot spoiler.

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

Who doesn’t love slipping into a set of factory Recaro seats - pretty much the perfect seat for any 90s hot hatch.

Seats and Carpets

Fitted with the Recaro seats from Andy’s old 1988-spec RS Turbo, these are in excellent condition, having never been retrimmed. They have had the bolster foams replaced, which has kept them in great condition.

Both door cards are in good order and the rear seat is also excellent. One of the most obvious additions is the red powder-coated bolt-in rear half roll cage.

Throughout the Escort, the carpets are also in excellent condition, with no signs of heavy or excessive wear. There are also a set of factory Ford retractable blinds fitted to the parcel shelf.

Inside the boot, the floor is clean and tidy, and there is a spare steel wheel present.

You may also be wondering what the tank attached to the rear seat is for… that’s for the methanol!

Dashboard

The original dashboard is free from damage. There are some additional gauges fitted to the top of the dash and centre console. The instruments feature a set of Lockwood white dials, which are working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of ~23,160 miles at the time of our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in good condition with no real signs of age or wear - the same can be said for the gear knob.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Every time I take the car out it puts a smile on my face, there’s just something great about a Bailey dump valve with a Mongoose exhaust on an old Ford.

Engine and Gearbox

Already owning the RS Turbo engine from the previous car in 2019, Andy entrusted Chessman Motorsport to rebuild the 1.6-litre turbo.

The spec for the engine is comprehensive and uses Wossner pistons, PEC steel rods with ARP bolts, a balanced crankshaft with a heavy-duty bearing set, with a Burton Power high-pressure oil pump keeping it well lubricated via a Mocal oil filter relocation kit and oil-to-air cooler. A new original equipment sump was also fitted.

The cylinder head is a big-valve head, with double valve springs and a Kent vernier pulley. A reconditioned distributor and Magnecor HT leads provide a strong spark, to ignite fuel supplied by an updated Bosch fuel pump, with stainless steel fuel lines from front to back and new Bosch mechanical injectors.

There is also a Snow Performance water/methanol injection kit fitted, which keeps temperatures under control for spirited driving.

The radiator has been replaced with a 50mm full aluminium unit, using a set of Roose Motorsport hoses. There is a front-mount intercooler with SPAL fans, a Bailey dump valve, and a fully rebuilt T3 turbo.

The system exits through a full stainless-steel Mongoose exhaust system and runs on a Motorsport Development ECU chip.

Since the rebuild, approximately ~3,585 miles have been covered on the new engine.

The five-speed gearbox has been improved using a Competition Transmission Services unit, which is a Stage 2 build with Quaife ATB differential and big bearing conversion. This is coupled to a Helix organic fast-road clutch and balanced steel flywheel.

Suspension and Brakes

On the handling side, all suspension components have been powder-coated in red. Andy has fitted KYB shocks and springs, a complete Polybush kit, and a reconditioned RS Turbo quick rack.

The Escort’s brakes have been upgraded using fully refurbished second-hand Sierra Cosworth front discs and callipers, and an RS Turbo rear drum setup.

Additionally, there is a remote hydraulic brake bias conversion from Comp Brake Motorsport and AP brake cylinders. HEL Performance braided brake lines keep the pedal feeling solid, and Nicopp solid brake lines have been shaped to match the originals.

The Drive

Driving the 1990 Ford Escort RS Turbo is a nostalgic experience for those of a certain age, offering a raw, engaging feel that reflects the character of performance hot hatches from the era. Its turbocharged 1.6-litre CVH engine delivers strong mid-range acceleration once the turbo spools up, and a whoosh from the Bailey dump valve on gear changes adds to the character.

The unassisted steering, firm suspension and lightweight construction create a direct connection to the road compared with the feel of modern hot hatches.

Electrics and Other

Keeping the revs in check is an OMEX rev limiter with shift light. There is also a wideband air-fuel ratio gauge and data logger.

All of the switchgear is original and working as expected.

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History and Paperwork

I never thought the day would come when I decided to sell the Escort.

Over 18 years, the Escort has been a labour of love for Andy, building it exactly as he wanted his own vision.

There are some invoices for parts purchased, but nowhere near the amount there should be, as Andy simply didn’t bother saving them, as he never envisaged selling the Escort.

Built to a superb specification with no expense spared over the past 18 years, this is a fantastic opportunity to own an improved version of the final run Ford Escort. It comes with a fresh MOT valid until 10.06.2027.

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
08.06.2026	MOT	23,107
06.06.2025	MOT	22,781
15.052024	MOT	22,469
12.05.2023	MOT	22,252
13.05.2022	MOT	21,651
14.05.2021	MOT	20,793
11.06.2020	MOT	20,056
31.05.2019	MOT	19,522
16.10.2015	MOT	18,906
24.10.2014	MOT	17,160
01.11.2013	MOT	13,731
16.11.2012	MOT	8,423
04.05.2011	MOT	5,445
20.05.2010	MOT	3,062
10.06.2008	MOT	85,144
16.06.2006	MOT	84,706

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Key Details

Year1990
ModelEcsort Bonus 90
TransmissionManual
Reg. Date10.04.1990
CC1600
Mileage~23,160 on clock
ColourStratos Silver
Interior ColourGrey
Interior TrimFabric
Chassis #SFABXXBBABKD64949
Engine #KG43758
RestoredYes
Engine RebuildYes
MOTExp: 10.06.2027
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers5
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~18 years
Key FeatureRS Turbo Engine Conversion
Vehicle RegistrationG669 CFH
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body TypeHatchback
Auction ID3744

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Burton-on-Trent

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : FastFordAndy

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4 Comments

roscomitchell191

25 days ago

Hi, can you confirm if floorplans, sills, boot floor have had any welding?

FastFordAndy

Seller

roscomitchell191

25 days ago

No welding on the boot floor.
The sills have had a 4” section. On the drivers rear cut out and replaced before painting. Then sills filled with wax oil.
The rear floor pans had a 2” reinforcing plate run along to help support the role cage.
Non we’re done due to being rotten more preventative.

I think you can see the back of the floor pans on the underbody pictures if that helps.

jockster

1 month ago

How much to buy this straight away or is it to run on auction thanks

ColinB

Admin

jockster

1 month ago

Hi,

There is no buy it now price, the auction has to run its course.

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Burton-on-Trent

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