Classic Ford Escort RS Cosworth up for sale at auction – how you could own a piece of rally-inspired history

A CLASSIC Ford Escort RS Cosworth with only 39,300 miles is up for auction for a keen asking price.

The 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, with only 39,300 miles on the clock, is going to auction with a guide price of £40,000 to £50,000.

This example is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive car finished in Imperial Blue and has been in its long-term ownership since 1999.

It received a complete belt service in 2018, but the seller left the country the following year, keeping the RS garaged until recently when it had a new battery installed and was made ready for sale.

Silverstone Auctions said: "The overall condition of the car is fantastic and, unlike a significant number of other Cosworths, it's never deviated from standard power with the only mechanical changes being uprated silicone coolant pipes, a replacement blow-off valve, and AP Racing brakes with EBC Green Stuff brake pads to stop the car as quickly as it can take off.

"Externally, it remains delightfully standard with the addition of very smart six-spoke Rondell alloys fitted not long after it was new."

The owner of this classic car is selling it because he travels frequently and can't use it, revealed the auction house.

The Escort RS Cosworth was launched in 1992 as a "homologation special", its purpose being to incorporate parts that Ford planned to use in their rally cars to ensure success in International Rallying.

The first 2,500 vehicles, known as "homologation special" models, were built until May 1994 and suffered from notorious turbo-lag.

However, the following 4,500 vehicles significantly improved, primarily because of their smaller Garrett T25 Turbo.

The power of this model was increased by more than 10% over the Sierra RS Cosworth, to 227bhp.

This 1995 Classic Ford Escort RS Cosworth will be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions next Saturday, 20th May.

This comes after a rare 70-year-old deluxe "shooting brake" car has emerged for sale, with an estimated value of £40,000.

Plus, a rare mini abandoned in a shed for decades has sold for more than £52,000 at auction.