Basic information and history

The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is an icon of homologation cars and was developed to give Ford a competitive platform in Group A of the World Rally Championship. Early examples were delivered with the so-called Big Turbo specification and are also known as the T35 (model years 1992 to the first half of 1994). They are particularly sought after for their rawer character.

In fact, the Escort RS Cosworth is just an Escort MkV in appearance. Since the Ford Escort is normally a front-wheel drive car with a transverse engine, Ford engineers took the platform and drivetrain from a Ford Sierra 4x4, shortened it a bit and clad it with an Escort-looking body (only the roof and doors are interchangeable, the rest is custom). The result was magnificent and Ford bosses loved the car but were afraid it was too extreme. Fortunately, the engineers were successful in persuading them. The result is a wonderful balance between raw driving machine with quick steering and a 34/66 distribution of power. Release the throttle on the entrance to the corner, wait for the tail to start wagging and then get on the pedal again. Hard to get tired of!

In 1993, Ford debuted in the WRC with the Escort RS Cosworth and they had an impressive group of drivers: Carlos Sainz, Francois Delecour, Miki Biasion and Tommi Mäkinen. Delecour finished second in the championship in 1993. Not bad for a debut season.

This example is a Ford Escort RS Cosworth, built in December 1992 but as a 1993 model year, in the rare launch colour Pacifica Blue, with leather upholstery and electric windows, but without a sunroof. The car belongs to the sought-after Big Turbo series and a total of 7145 Escort RS Cosworths were built between 1992 and 1996.

The car was imported from Italy in 2004 and has had four users and a total of 8 owners in Sweden. The stated odometer reading is 23,000 km but it cannot be guaranteed and it is likely that the odometer has turned over since it can only show five digits.

According to the seller, the body has been repainted in the original Pacifica Blue color by a previous owner. Build-pictures and technical information can be found at this link: garaget.org/?car=5044 .

The car is registered in Sweden but is located in Ireland.

Equipment and options

• Black leather upholstery
• Electric windows
• Heated windshield
• No sunroof
• Digital clock with temperature gauge
• Air condition (uncertain function)
• Pacifica Blue
• Big Turbo

Engine, driveline and exhaust system according to the seller:

• Hybrid turbo from Turbo Technics T38
• Ported cylinder head
• Group A cylinder head gasket
• Dual valve springs
• Kent Cams intake cam BD16
• Adjustable cam gears from Kent Cams
• Drilled block with long bolts
• Carillo pistons
• High pressure oil pump
• ARP bolts in the crankset
• MSD ignition
• Proality intercooler "RS500"
• HKS pressure pipe
• Samco blue hose kit for the entire engine
• Vibra Technics motor mounts
• Rebuilt crankcase ventilation
• KN filter
• 3-inch exhaust system with racing catalytic converter
• Lightened flywheel
• 3 bar MAP sensor
• Walbro fuel pump with matching fuel hoses

Stated power: approximately 450 hp according to the seller

Chassis, brakes and wheels :

• Polyurethane bushings
• Bilstein shock absorbers
• Eibach springs
• Bronze coloured 18 inch Team Dynamics wheels
• Drilled and grooved brake discs
• EBC Green Stuff pads

Other: Morette headlights and position lights painted in the car's color, Sparco pedal set, gauge set for water and oil temperature and boost, Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth, AUX and USB.

According to the seller, there are Swedish registration documents. No other documentation, see the Service History section.

The information above is provided by the seller.

Condition

Body and exterior: According to the seller, the paint is in good condition, recently machine polished and waxed. The car has previously received a full repaint in the original color Pacifica Blue. The windows are stated to be original and in good condition. The moldings, headlight lenses and emblems are described as being in good condition with normal age-related wear.

Interior: Black leather Recaros in good condition with signs of wear commensurate with the age of the car. The headliner is hanging and held up by the interior lighting fixture. The steering wheel, controls and buttons are in good condition according to the seller.

Tires and rims: Bronze colored 18 inch Team Dynamics in good condition. Yokohama S306 tires with about 70 percent tread remaining.

Mechanical and Functionality: The engine is said to be in perfect working order with the above upgrades. The transmission and drivetrain are described as being in excellent condition. The brakes are upgraded and in good condition.

The information above is provided by the seller.

Service history

According to the seller, service should have been carried out by the previous owner in Sweden, but there are no receipts or service records available. Only Swedish ownership documents are included according to the seller. Last approved inspection was 2014-03-28.

Summary

An early Ford Escort RS Cosworth (built 12-92) of the Big Turbo series in Pacifica Blue, almost fully equipped with, among other things, black leather Recaros, electric windows, heated windshield but without sunroof. The car was imported from Italy and registered in Sweden in 2004. The odometer shows 23,000 km but it has probably turned over. Extensive engine and chassis upgrades with a focus on performance and a stated power of around 450 hp. The body has been repainted in the original color and the overall impression is described as very good with minor remarks on the headliner.

This is an attractive example for the knowledgeable enthusiast looking for an early Big Turbo with upgraded technology and performance specifications. Please note that documentation is limited to Swedish ownership documents, and that the car is located in Ireland. The vehicle's condition and history should be assessed on site and through your own verification.