Long-lost Ford Escort with just 703 miles on the clock after it suddenly disappeared is for sale for £150k
A LONG-lost fast Ford with just 703 miles on the clock could be yours for a cool £150,000.
The highly sought after retro classic from 1982 was specially modified for motorsport and boasts a plethora of special features.
However, this rare Escort Cosworth also holds a mystery - having disappeared from view for a number of years.
Currently on the market via auction house Appreciating Classic, the flash motor is one of a few that was ordered in a ‘motorsport’ spec - fitted with a YBT RS500 blue-top engine that was later upgraded to produce over 300 bhp.
Aesthetically, the car is finished in a gorgeous Diamond White with a no-sunshine roof along with wind-up windows and rear quarter panel windows.
The listing’s interior pictures reveal Recaro cloth seats and floor vents, which allow for extra ventilation into the car.
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Little is known about the car’s history, with the model purchased in 1982 by well-respected motorsport specialists Co-ordSport of Oldbury - known for winning numerous rally championships with major teams and sponsors all over the world.
This particular example was modified and fine-tuned to Group N standards, utilising genuine Ford Motorsport 909 parts.
However, after competing in only a couple of rallies, the car disappeared from view and became something of a legend, with only occasional rumours hinting at its existence.
It then appeared sometime later in Australia with some £23,000-worth of reconditioning work before it returned to the UK.
The listing added: “With the car having only ever covered a couple of rally stages early in its life, it is accident-free with all original glass and panels.
“As per the rest of the car, the interior remains true to the era in very original form.
“A remarkable step back in time, with some minor signs of wear and patina which only add to the nostalgic feeling this car brings.”
Curiously, there’s no mention of how the car ended up in Australia.
“In 2023, the car underwent a full mechanical recommission,” the listing said.
“The work was carried out by Flash Motorsport in Australia, to a very high level, even down to the correct restrictor and anti-tamper wire on the turbocharger.
“All running gear is in great condition and the chassis itself is in great shape.
“A very rare opportunity to buy such an example, complete with quite a story."
The Escort Cosworth is best known as Ford's car of choice from 1993 to 1998 in the World Rally Championship, and is recognised for its 'Whale Tail' rear spoiler.
This comes as another Escort Cosworth with just over 2,000 miles on the clock sold for a record-breaking £200,000 at an auction in November.
The retro motor was one of the standout sales at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham - with over 100 cars changing hands for eye-watering sums of money that weekend.
At the time, the Ford was described by auction house Iconic Auctioneers as "unlikely to be surpassed in terms of its originality".
While this Escort was exchanging hands for an eye-watering sum of money, we were lucky enough to meet Ford superfan Stuart - whose Ford Capri was one of the highlights of the entire show.
Indeed, Stuart's owned 12 different Capris over the years, with his current Mk3 a particular cracker.
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Speaking to Sun Motors, he said: “I've had three Mk1's, two Mk2's, and many Mk3's, and I've got this one.
“Cut me in half, I’m Ford. I'm Ford all over. I've always liked Capri. I've always loved them.”
