Ford Escort sells for record-breaking £200k at auction thanks to two rare features – is your motor a hidden goldmine?

A FORD Escort has sold for over £200,000 at a classic car auction - with just over 2,000 miles on the clock.

The retro motor was one of the standout sales at the weekend's Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham, which saw over 100 cars change hands for eye-watering sums of money.

The fast Ford — which is a highly desirable RS Cosworth Lux iteration — was described by auction house Iconic Auctioneers as "unlikely to be matched in terms of its originality".

Praised for its "like new" condition, the performance Escort, which is best known as Ford's car of choice from 1993 to 1998 in the World Rally Championship, is one of just 2,500 examples ever built - with this one surely the best of them all.

Recognised for its 'Whale Tail' rear spoiler, the RS Cosworth Lux boasts a top speed of 144 mph, while some claim it could reach as high as 150 mph.

This particular example, finished in Diamond White with the desirable Lux-specification - which included a full leather interior, an electric sunroof, electric heated mirrors, heated windscreen, heated washer jets, leather steering wheel, electric windows and carpeted door bins - has been significantly cherished by its two previous owners.

According to the listing, the car was cosseted by its first owner, who clocked just 2,000 miles on it, while the second and most-recent owner barely drove it at all.

In fact, the odometer currently displays a remarkable 2,221 miles, which, when compared to the car's first two MOT Certificates from 1995 and 1996 showing 2,217 and 2,218 miles respectively, means the motor has hardly moved in nearly 30 years.

Presented in 'ready to drive' condition at the NEC over the weekend, the Escort's initial guide price was between £80,000 and £100,000.

However, the car eventually sold for £180,000 plus fees, which Iconic Auctioneers later confirmed to be a total of £202,500 - which is apparently a record.

The Escort wasn't the only classic car to fetch a whopping price at the weekend's show.

A Lancia Stratos from 1975, known to petrolheads for its rallying history, sold for £298,125.

The Escort wasn't even the show's priciest Ford, with a 1990 Sierra RS500 driven by British Touring Car legend Tim Harvey sold for a cool £309,375.

This comes as another Escort once owned by Jeremy Clarkson and dubbed his "all-time favourite" went to auction earlier in the year.

The stunning motor is a limited edition version of an already super-rare classic, with only three like it ever made.

Elsewhere, a legendary fast Ford is set to be reborn with an ultra-lightweight bodywork and a famous engine from long-forgotten brand.

The one-off motor will pay a special homage to one of the Blue Oval's most famous machines - some 40-odd years since it last graced UK showrooms.