Series 1 RS Turbo

Paul.G April 15, 2023 Interesting Cars Comments Off on Series 1 RS Turbo 53 Views

Fancy a nice unrestored Mk3 Turbo? this one looks nice!

Presented in largely unmodified and factory specification, this Series One is a quite remarkable survivor. Having been SORN and dry-stored for at least 20 years, it presents in superb overall condition. Running well, the vendor tells us that it just requires a little mechanical recommissioning to make sure it’s in tip-top shape for a return to the road. With the all-important – and near impossible to source – interior present and in superb order, as well as the bodywork being in very fine fettle, we think this 80s blue-collar hero is sure to be a massive hit…

Featuring the original factory ‘Monza’ upholstery, which consists of two-tone grey crushed velour and teal accents, the interior of this Escort is absolutely spot-on. The seats are firm and show no evidence of sagging or bolster wear, which is a very common problem usually. Clearly it has been lovingly cared for over the years.

Dark grey carpet runs through the cabin and presents in good order for its age, and we believe it should clean up very nicely. The vendor informs us that the headlining is perfect, with no damage, sagging or staining.

One of the key aspects to look at when purchasing a RS Turbo is the internal trim and switchgear. Much of it is easily damaged and very difficult, if not impossible, to replace with OEM parts.

As with all Series One RS Turbos, the car is finished in gleaming Diamond White paintwork, with period RS decals to both sides. The paint looks to be in very good order for a car nearing its 40th anniversary. We’re told by the vendor that the bonnet and driver’s door have received a small amount of paint to address minor scratches, and there’s a little resulting ‘orange peel’. But otherwise it all looks to be in lovely condition.

Bodywork was always the Mk3 Escort’s Achilles heel, but thanks to careful ownership and a couple of decades of dry storage, this example shows very well. The panels all look nice and straight, with crisps lines and no evidence of corrosion. There are some speckles of surface corrosion showing to the rear valance and front panel behind the grill, but overall it’s been tremendously well preserved.

Similarly, that sporty trim, including the OEM rear spoiler and bodykit, is all in fine fettle. We didn’t see any signs of UV damage or cracking, and nothing at all appears to be missing. Notably for a car from this period, there are no aftermarket wings, vents or arches bolted on, which is great to see. The only comment the vendor makes is that they’ve just noticed that the driver’s side indicator bulb is out, otherwise all the external lights are working and in good condition.

The car is still riding on the 16-inch, seven-spoke ‘RS’ alloys it left the forecourt with, presenting in fine order with a few minor blemishes, and wearing the correct factory stampings. They’re finished with a new, matched set of tyres too.

Underneath, everything looks nice and solid, with a smattering of the expected surface corrosion in a few places – generally to the suspension and brake components. However, the floor, sills and fuel tank look very straight and solid.