This rare 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, a true homologation special with a rich rally pedigree, has journeyed from Finland and Canada before being imported to the United States in 2021 by its current owner. Presented in a striking Zinc Yellow exterior over a refined black leather interior, this Escort RS Cosworth has been thoughtfully enhanced with performance upgrades, including a Wolf Racing ECU and a Mongoose 3” exhaust system, amplifying its already potent turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle, ensuring exceptional grip and handling. Equipped with desirable features such as heated Recaro front seats, air conditioning, and an electric sunroof, this RS Cosworth blends high performance with everyday usability. Recent maintenance under current ownership ensures its continued driving enjoyment. This exceptional example is now offered on dealer consignment with comprehensive documentation, including import papers, service records, and a clean Carfax report.
Turbocharged 2.0-Liter Inline-Four with Performance Upgrades: Under the hood of this 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth lies a potent Cosworth-developed 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four engine featuring four valves per cylinder and a Garrett “big turbo” (as stated by the seller). This already formidable engine has been further enhanced with a Wolf Racing ECU, optimizing engine management for increased performance. A Mongoose 3” exhaust system has also been installed, improving exhaust flow and adding a more aggressive exhaust note. The polished valve cover, accented with a Zinc Yellow center panel, adds a touch of visual flair to the engine bay, which also features a carbon-fiber turbo cover. This combination of upgrades elevates the Escort RS Cosworth’s performance, delivering exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience synonymous with its rally-bred heritage.
Iconic WRC-Inspired Design and Aerodynamic Enhancements: The Ford Escort RS Cosworth’s design is directly influenced by its World Rally Championship counterpart. This example, reportedly one of only ten finished in Zinc Yellow from the factory, showcases its aggressive stance and aerodynamic features. A carbon-fiber lip spoiler has been added to the front, along with distinctive “hockey sticks” decals. Other notable exterior details include a vented hood to aid engine cooling, a prominent raised rear wing for increased downforce, a decklid spoiler, flared fenders accommodating wider wheels, headlight washers, a rear window wiper for enhanced visibility, and practical pop-out rear quarter windows. While the rear hatch, quarter panels, and rocker panels were repainted under previous ownership, the overall presentation remains impressive and true to its performance-oriented design.
All-Wheel Drive System and Upgraded Suspension and Brakes: Power from the turbocharged engine is channeled to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle, providing exceptional traction and control in various driving conditions. The Escort RS Cosworth’s rally-derived all-wheel-drive system ensures confident handling and impressive grip, especially on challenging roads. The suspension has been upgraded with GAZ coilovers fitted in 2021, offering improved handling and a more adjustable ride . Braking performance is equally impressive, handled by four-wheel disc brakes featuring AP Racing front calipers and substantial 14” two-piece rotors, providing significant stopping power. Recent maintenance includes the replacement of a CV joint and CV boots in 2023, ensuring the drivetrain remains in top condition.
Refined Black Leather Interior with Modern Amenities: The interior of this Escort RS Cosworth offers a blend of sporty functionality and surprising comfort. Heated Recaro front bucket seats, trimmed in black leather with perforated inserts, provide excellent support and comfort for spirited driving. The rear features 60/40 split-folding seats, adding a touch of practicality. A Blaupunkt San Francisco CD70 head unit has been installed, complete with a steering wheel-mounted control module, offering modern audio capabilities. This is paired with a Magnat amplifier and speakers for enhanced sound quality, along with a JL Audio subwoofer mounted in the cargo area for deeper bass. Essential amenities include air conditioning, power windows, and a Wolf Racing branded shifter knob, further enhancing the driving experience.
Comprehensive Instrumentation and Mileage: The leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a comprehensive set of instruments, including a 270-km/h speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline, and gauges for essential readings like fuel level and coolant temperature. Additionally, a voltmeter, boost gauge, and oil pressure gauge are mounted atop the center stack, allowing the driver to closely monitor the engine’s performance. The five-digit odometer has rolled over and currently indicates 124,000 kilometers (approximately 77,000 miles), with around 4,000 of those miles added under the current owner’s stewardship. The Carfax report indicates a clean history with no accidents or damage.
Recent Maintenance and Included Documentation: This 1996 Ford Escort RS Cosworth has benefited from recent maintenance under current ownership, ensuring its mechanical soundness. Work performed includes the replacement of the timing belt and water pump in 2022, followed by the replacement of the valve cover gasket and engine mounts at AR Autowerks in November 2023. The transaxle mount was also replaced in 2023. The sale includes valuable documentation such as handwritten notes, import documents providing details of its journey to the US, service records documenting the maintenance performed, and a clean Carfax report. This comprehensive documentation adds significant transparency and value to this sought-after performance car.
Summary:
- Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine with Wolf Racing ECU.
- Features a Mongoose 3” exhaust system.
- Five-speed manual transaxle and all-wheel drive.
- Zinc Yellow exterior with black leather interior.
- Equipped with carbon-fiber lip spoiler and raised rear wing.
- Heated Recaro front seats and air conditioning.
- Blaupunkt CD head unit with upgraded audio system.
- AP Racing front brake calipers and GAZ coilovers.
- 18” OZ Racing alloy wheels.
- Recent timing belt, water pump, and mount replacements.
- Includes import documents, service records, and clean Carfax.
Disclaimer: Performance modifications have been made to this vehicle; specifications may vary from factory standards. Odometer has rolled over; actual mileage is approximately 77,000 miles. Potential buyers are advised to review all documentation and conduct their own inspection.
Full details & bid : bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
