1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux, 1994 cc. Registration numb...

Hammer

£41,000

1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux, 1994 cc. Registration number N609 CAG (non-transferable see text). Chassis number WROBXXGKABSU91760. Engine number SU91760.
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth proved that it was, indeed, possible to follow its legendary 1980's Sierra namesake. Just like the Lancia Integrale and Subaru Impreza, this was a 'Group A' rally car for the road - pure and simple. It was actually underpinned by a shortened version of the Sierra RS Cosworth's platform and powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged, longitudinally mounted, Cosworth-developed engine driving all four wheels. The car was designed and engineered in Boreham, was styled by noted designer Stephen Harper, and ended up being assembled by Karmann in Germany. The potential of the Escort was seen in its first event, the 1993 Monte Carlo Rally, where Delecour and Biasion came second and third respectively. The Escort continued to be very competitive throughout the '93 and '94 seasons but it was a 'one off' guest drive by Tommi Makinen that provided the win on the 1994 1000 Lakes Rally. Importantly, and true to Ford's grass roots philosophy, the Escort Cosworth provided a platform for National Rallying and Club enthusiasts throughout the world to enjoy 'off the shelf' competitive support.
At its retail launch in 1994, two models were available, the 'Club-spec' standard car at £21,380 and the more optioned 'Lux' version. Power was up slightly from the Sierra RS Cosworth, at 227bhp, and performance consequently improved. The first 2,500 cars up to May 1994 suffered from turbo lag, but the next 4,500 were improved thanks to their smaller Garrett T25 Turbo. In 1995, the RS Cosworth was treated to a mild facelift where it received a new honeycomb grille, restyled bumpers, a more attractive fascia and revised alloy wheels. The car continued until early 1996, when emissions regulations forced it out of production. Like pretty much every RS Ford, it was a classic from the moment it was built.
Our example offered today was ordered from the Polar Motor Company of York by Mrs Worship of Hull and registered in the company name of C.J. Worship; it was quickly given the cherished number of JIW9139 (it has now reverted to the original one). Ordered in Petrol Blue with Raven Black leather Recaro seats, powerslide sunroof, A/C and Alpine ICE, it then began a pampered life.
Serviced by Ford main dealers Sanderson of Hull it was first serviced at 1,214 miles, 07/05/96, then 4,400 miles, 25/03/97 and 9,574 miles, 03/02/98before being sold to The GTI centre of Huddersfield who serviced it at 14,124 miles on the 20/02/99 and sold it to Kenneth Ward of Leeds who registered it in his company name of W.H Fabrications on the 1st April 1999. The only receipt from this tenure is a new chin spoiler in 2001 at a cost of £532.19. He put it into his name on the 17th February 2006 after a MOT on the 21/10/15 at 37,485 miles.
The Cossie then went into store until our vendor purchased it on the 6th June 2015, it was MOT’d at 38,385 miles on the 08/08/2015, 38,617, 26/07/16, serviced 38,638,02/08/16, MOT’d 38,871 miles 28/07/17 and 39,202, 06/08/18.
Offered today due to a lack of use and the correct storage facility for this fast appreciating modern classic, it comes with the V5C, MOT until 06/08/19, service history and books, original purchase invoice and other invoices. The only noted deviations from factory spec are a stainless steel exhaust, an aftermarket gear knob and a dump valve.