Limited edition Ford Escort dubbed ‘the car to beat’ to go to auction – with 130mph speeds and impressive racing history
A true icon of the road and track, the RS Turbo S1 reaches speeds of up to 128mph, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 8.2 seconds, powered by its 132bhp, 1,600cc turbocharged engine.
This limited-edition model, finished in its signature Diamond White boasts just £36,525 miles on the clock and has undergone a meticulous restoration worth over £50,000 at auction.
A true icon of the road and track , the RS Turbo S1 reaches speeds of up to 128mph, accelerating from 0-62mph in just 8.2 seconds, powered by its 132bhp, 1,600cc turbocharged engine.
Designed by Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering team, the RS turbo S1 was built to dominate in 'Group N' and 'Group A' motorsport categories.
Initially, Ford planned to produce 5,000 units to meet homologation requirements, but soaring demand saw 8,604 models rolled out, sold exclusively through Rallye Sport dealers.
Nicknamed 'the car to bear' for its racing prowess, the RS Turbo S1 gained a reputation on circuits across Europe.
Motor, auction, limited
With advanced 1986 engine management, including computerised fuel injection and boost control, it debuted a ground-breaking viscous-coupling LSD, revolutionising front wheel drive handling.
The Escort RS Turbo S1 stands out with its sporty design: body-coloured front grille, aerodynamic aids, and a bold go faster stripe along the sides.
Inside, it combines Monza and Cashmere fabrics with Recaro LS bucket seats, creating an interior as functional as it is stylish.
This particular model was supplied new in 1986 and passed through three careful owners before its current vendor, a professional car body repairer, acquired it in 2020.
He undertook a comprehensive nut-and-bolt restoration, ensuring all original factory panels and components were retianed.
The engine rebuild included a reground crank, oversized forged pistons, a new Garrett Turbo, and more, leaving the car in show-stopping condition.
The RS Turbo will be auctioned by Iconic Auctioneers on Saturday, February, 2025, at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
The sale includes a detailed history file with service records, manuals, and invoices documenting the restoration.
