- Auctions
- The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025
- 1986 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1
1986 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1
Lot Number: 332
1986 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1
A final year, D-registered RS Turbo restored to an exceptional standard and presented in truly show-stopping condition.
- Sold for: £50,625
LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Saturday 8th November, 2025 at 11.00am local time at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT
-
BODY COLOUR
Diamond White -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
D550 LBW -
ODOMETER READING
67690 Miles
SUMMARY
A final year, D-registered RS Turbo restored to an exceptional standard and presented in truly show-stopping condition.
DESCRIPTION
Developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering department at Dunton, the Escort RS Turbo Series 1 was a genuine homologation special, a road-going performance model created to compete in 'Group A and Group N' motorsport. The result was one of the most important performance Fords of the 1980s, combining advanced turbocharging technology, superb chassis balance and unmistakable Rallye Sport styling.
Ford originally planned to produce just 5,000 examples to meet FIA homologation requirements, but soaring demand saw a total of 8,604 cars built. Every example (bar an infamous Black car) was finished in Diamond White and sold exclusively through official Rallye Sport dealerships. Power came from a turbocharged and fuel-injected 1,597cc CVH engine producing 132bhp and 133lb/ft of torque, giving the RS Turbo serious pace for its time with 0–60mph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 128mph. It was also the first front-wheel drive road-car in the world to use a viscous-coupling limited-slip differential, which provided excellent traction and improved drivability.
The Series 1 stood out immediately thanks to its distinctive body-coloured bumpers, front spoiler and grille, side skirts and 15" RS alloys. The interior was equally purposeful, featuring Recaro LS seats trimmed in Monza and Cashmere fabric, a 3-spoke RS steering wheel and a clean, functional instrument layout.
The car offered here is an outstanding 1986 Series 1 RS Turbo that has been fully restored to a simply exceptional standard. It is in truly show-stopping condition throughout, with every aspect carefully refinished to better than new presentation, from the paintwork and trim to the interior and engine bay, it is certainly one of the finest examples we have seen.
The car retains its original features, including the factory-fitted SRT32P stereo, RS 3-spoke steering wheel, and original rear parcel shelf with its factory speakers intact, reflecting the extraordinary care taken to preserve authenticity. Its original presentation is complemented by an extensive history file containing restoration invoices, service stamps in the original booklet, numerous old MOT Certificates corroborating its mileage, and a selection of old Tax Discs.
Crucially, this car was first registered on 1st August 1986 and sits on a D-registration plate, marking it as one of the very last Series 1 cars produced and making it especially desirable. Having only ever attended one show, this remarkable RS Turbo has remained something of a hidden gem, meticulously maintained and preserved rather than paraded. To restore a Series 1 to this standard today would cost well in excess of its current guide price, making this example a truly special opportunity.
In preparation for sale, over £4,000 has been spent with Appreciating Classics to ensure it remains in perfect order, including a full turbo rebuild, a new dipstick tube and a detailed mechanical check to ensure everything functions exactly as it should.
Presented in immaculate condition throughout, this late D-registered car is an outstanding representation of Ford’s pioneering 1980s homologation special, and a worthy addition for any collector, enthusiast or purist.
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 332
- Make
- FORD
- Model
- ESCORT RS TURBO SERIES 1
- Registration Number
- D550 LBW
- Chassis Number
- WF0BXXGCABFE05490
- Engine Number
- FE05490
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Diamond White
GALLERY
SPECIALIST
Steven Keen
- Car Specialist
- 07500 040422
- steven@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Steven.
Email StevenTelephone Steven
Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 10th November. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.
Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.
If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before noon on 10th November, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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