1989 FORD ESCORT RS TURBO

KEY FACTS

• A great example of one of the definitive 1980s ‘everyman’ performance icons, which remains period-correct and in unmodified condition.
• Under the bonnet is a turbocharged and fuel-injected 1.6-litre inline-four, producing up to 132bhp and 133lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.
• The car has just three owners from new, and has been with the seller for the last three years.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Finished in the classic Radiant Red with the grey and pattern cloth upholstery, this RS Turbo S2 retains its factory specification throughout.
• The car has the original Recaro front seats, as well as electric windows and the original Ford stereo.
• It is also fitted with a sunroof and immobiliser.
• Accompanying the car is a complete book pack including service record, and even the handover sheet to the first owner. There is a folder of previous invoices and MOT certificates, Toad security system documents, as well as some interesting Ford papers about turbocharging.
• The car also comes with three keys, the original spare wheel and all tools, and concours trophies from the 2000s.

CONDITION

• There is no known prior bodywork damage.
• Its Radiant Red paintwork has been resprayed, which the seller has identified by just a few very small particles of dirt that are only visible upon very close inspection. Despite this, the finish has evidently been completed to a good standard.
• The front Recaro seats have been retrimmed during the current ownership by Customstitch'd in Suffolk, and they now look truly superb. The original cloth on the rear seats is still in great shape.
• The interior is equipped with the correct rubber floor mats, and the parcel shelf is also original with no speaker holes.
• No known electrical or mechanical faults.
• The most recent MOT test was on 26 August 2021 at 67,356 miles, which it passed after a worn CV joint boot was replaced, and with only an advisory regarding slight cracking in old front tyres.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The most recent scheduled maintenance was in August 2021 at 67,356 miles, carried out by Gammers Ford. This included replacement of the CV joint boot to pass the MOT test, plus a full service with fresh engine oil and filter, brake fluid change, wheel balancing and tracking check.
• Prior to this, it was also serviced in July 2019 at 66,859 miles by Rallytec Chelmsford, which also included a new ignition timing set and reinstated oil pressure switch; and in May 2018 by Blackhurst Ford at 66,590 miles, which was an oil and filter service.
• The drive belt was last renewed in April 2017 at approximately 66,000 miles.
• During the current ownership, the bonnet vents have been repainted, and the centre dashboard vents have been replaced with original items.

SUMMARY

This Ford Escort RS Turbo S2 is a true icon of its time, and a genuine ‘poster car’ that will trigger happy memories among many performance car enthusiasts. It is a prior concours winner and benefits from a respray and a re-trim of the front seats, so now presents in superb order for its age. It also benefits from having just a few owners from new, with well documented provenance and maintenance history. A fine example of the breed, this RS Turbo is ready to delight its next owner as a fun throwback to the 1980s.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.