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Curated Auction

1990 Ford Escort RS Turbo (Mk4)

At a Glance

Complete Nut-And-Bolt Restoration | Exceptionally Rare and Collectible Fast Ford | Originally Owned by Ford Director

  • Mileage~45,919 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.6-Litre
  • LocationHatfield

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£7,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£7,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

The Ford Escort RS Turbo remains one of the most iconic performance Fords ever produced.

Instantly recognisable, and synonymous with the golden era of hot hatchbacks, the RS Turbo combined everyday practicality with staggering performance - and remains one of the most sought-after Fords of its generation.

This 1990 Mk4 stands out not only for its condition - a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration was carried out by respected Ford specialists RS Essex- but also for its remarkable ownership history. With just two previous owners before Toby acquired the car around ten years ago, it benefits from a provenance that is rarely found today.

Originally supplied to a Ford director and specified with a number of desirable options, this Escort has enjoyed a particularly privileged life from new. The subsequent ownership by RS Essex saw the car undergo a complete restoration before eventually passing into Toby's care. Since then, it has continued to benefit from careful maintenance and sympathetic recommissioning, resulting in an example that feels every bit as special as its history suggests. It comes with a long MOT, valid until 14.05.2027.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Toby the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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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.

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.

Video #2

Meet the owner

I've owned the RS Turbo for around ten years and it's one of the best examples I've come across, with an incredible history and a level of restoration that's very difficult to replicate today.

Toby's RS Turbo is exactly the sort of example enthusiasts dream of finding. Combining remarkably low ownership, exceptional provenance, and a comprehensive restoration, it represents one of the more significant surviving Mk4 RS Turbos.

Originally supplied to a Ford director and specified with numerous desirable factory options, the car later passed to renowned Ford specialists RS Essex, who undertook a complete nut-and-bolt restoration. Toby has continued to maintain and improve the car throughout his ownership, ensuring it remains both highly presentable and mechanically strong.

Toby will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Toby
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

The Mk4 Escort's sharp-edged styling remains one of the defining shapes of the 1980s performance car era, and this example presents exactly as a properly restored RS Turbo should.

Wheels and Tyres

The car sits on the correct RS alloy wheels, which present in excellent condition and perfectly suit the Escort's purposeful stance.

They are fitted with Yokohama Advan Neova tyres, providing modern levels of grip while retaining the car's original appearance.

Please take 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.

image

Bodywork

The Escort was previously treated to a complete nut-and-bolt restoration by RS Essex and remains a superbly presented example today. The panels appear straight throughout, with excellent shut lines and consistent fit across the body.

The restoration has clearly been carried out with an emphasis on preserving originality rather than over-restoring the car, resulting in an Escort that feels authentic and true to its factory specification.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The black paintwork presents beautifully, with a deep shine and excellent finish throughout. It highlights the sharp styling details that made the RS Turbo one of the most recognisable performance cars of its era.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The exterior trim, lights, badges, and mouldings all present very well and complement the quality of the restoration.

A particularly desirable feature is the presence of rear pop-out quarter windows; an exceptionally rare option on UK-market RS Turbos, and a detail rarely seen today.

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

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The interior is arguably one of the highlights of the car, retaining a wonderfully original appearance that is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Seats and Carpets

The original Recaro seats remain in outstanding condition, with the distinctive factory cloth upholstery presenting exceptionally well throughout. Both front and rear seats show minimal wear and retain the period character that defines the RS Turbo driving experience.

The carpets, headlining, and interior trim all present to a similarly high standard.

Please take a look at the photos and video below to decide on the condition of the seats and carpets for yourself.

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Dashboard

The dashboard remains remarkably well preserved and appears free from the cracking and deterioration often associated with cars of this era.

Switchgear, controls, and trim all retain a factory appearance, while the original Ford stereo remains fitted in the centre console.

The factory sunroof further enhances the cabin and was a desirable option when new.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original steering wheel and gear lever remain in excellent condition and contribute to the wonderfully authentic feel of the cockpit.

Everything inside the cabin reflects the care and attention that has been invested in preserving the car throughout its life.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Mechanically, this RS Turbo has benefitted from substantial recommissioning work and presents as a highly sorted example ready to be enjoyed.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine bay is exceptionally clean and well presented, reflecting the quality of the restoration and subsequent maintenance.

During ownership, significant re-commissioning work has included the fitment of a new turbo, water pump, and oil pump, ensuring that some of the most important mechanical components have been refreshed. Toby reports that the car performs exactly as it should and remains a pleasure to drive.

The five-speed gearbox operates smoothly and complements the eager nature of the turbocharged engine.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension and braking systems have also benefitted from extensive attention as part of the restoration, including refurbished brake calipers.

The result is a car that feels tight, composed, and confidence-inspiring on the road.

image

The Drive

According to Toby, everything about the car feels right. The engine pulls strongly, the controls feel precise, and the Escort delivers exactly the engaging driving experience enthusiasts expect from a properly sorted RS Turbo.

It remains every bit the Fast Ford icon it was when new.

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Electrics and Other

The electrical systems are reported to function correctly and the car presents as a thoroughly recommissioned example throughout.

The quality of the restoration is evident not only cosmetically but also in the way the car performs and feels on the road.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

With just two previous owners and an exceptional ownership story, the history accompanying this RS Turbo is every bit as impressive as the car itself.

Originally supplied to a Ford director, the car was specified with a number of desirable factory options and upgrades, making it a particularly special example from new.

The Escort later entered the care of renowned Ford specialists RS Essex, where it underwent a complete nut-and-bolt restoration. Since acquiring the car around ten years ago, Toby has continued to maintain and recommission it to an exceptionally high standard.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
15/05/2026 MOT 45,646
23/02/1994 MOT 45,629
07/12/1993 Service 43,627
18/08/1993 Service 36,004
10/04/1993 Service 29,726
20/10/1992 Service 19,136
12/01/1992 Service 10,728
28/08/1991 Service 6,550
12/03/1991 Service 2,339
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Escort RS Turbo
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 07.12.1990
  • CC 1597
  • Mileage ~45,919 On clock
  • Colour Black
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Cloth
  • Chassis # WF0BXXGCABLU37094
  • Engine # LU37094
  • MOT Yes - valid until 14.05.2027
  • MOT Exempt No
  • Road Tax Exempt No
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 2
  • Tyre Brand Yokohama
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Owned ~10 years
  • Key Feature Restored in lovely condition
  • Vehicle Registration H229 YAP
  • Auction ID 3713
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Hatfield

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £7,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 18th Jun at 7.10pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  2
    £7,000 bid by Gunness04.06.26 @ 12:51:07
    £5,000 bid by wes6004.06.26 @ 12:39:23
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    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    5 Comments
    whitema
    whitema
    1 day ago

    Thanks, appreciate response

    whitema
    whitema
    2 days ago

    Thanks Toby, when it was cold started took until 3rd try to start then it didn’t idle smoothly. It’s odd when the engine is immaculate and the car is lovely. Any thoughts? Last couple of things the plastic covering the posts on either side of the windscreen inside car look warped maybe from sun. Has the car been sitting outside on driveway for extended period until you started the recommissioning? Last thing does the radio and cassette and speakers play and not sure where outside Ariel is. Does it have one fitted and working, thanks

    TobyH
    TobyH
    Seller
      whitema
    2 days ago

    To answer the question about the cold start it had been running absolutely perfectly for the duration since recommending however on the day of the photo shoot and videos it momentarily misbehaved! later that day i discovered a very small split in one of the original boost pipes, a new one or speck has now been fitted and it’s in perfect working order.
    this is a high spec escort rs turbo and was fitted with a factory ariel to the rear windscreen along with an ariel amplifier.
    The stereo in the picture is not the original as it’s in for repair at the moment but yes it all wil work as it’s supposed to.
    as for the trims on the post i can only assume this was from early in its life it’s been garaged since the mid 90s

    whitema
    whitema
    2 days ago

    Since 1994 it looks like the car has done 17 miles. Have you had it in dry storage past 10 years? And was it in dry storage the 22 before you bought it? Did you buy it as investment?

    TobyH
    TobyH
    Seller
      whitema
    2 days ago

    The previous owner took the car off the road in 1994-1995 with the intention of respraying the car in a colour of his choice, he stripped it to almost a bare shell and started rubbing down the paint, for various reasons he aborted the project and it remained garaged in this state till i purchased the car.
    Since then i have had everything recommissioned on the car and a new paint job done this is the first year the cars been on the road since the mid 1990s

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Escort RS Turbo like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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    Vehicle Location

    Hatfield

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