Fast Fords from the eighties and nineties have become very valuable assets in recent years.
A dramatic surge in values has seen cars like the fabled Sierra RS500 Cosworth become incredibly collectible, with one example selling for almost £600,000 in February 2023.
And another substantial sum of money could change hands in exchange for the keys to another in a matter of days when a 1992 Ford Escort Cosworth goes under the hammer.
It’s notable for being the car that Ford originally loaned to Jeremy Clarkson as a ‘long termer’ for six months. But that’s not the main reason for why it’s going to cause a bidding frenzy on Saturday 24 August…
Clarkson’s Ford: This very special 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth is one of three built – and it was also driven for over 7,500 miles by none other than Jeremy Clarkson
Like so many performance hot hatches from the 1980s and early 1990s – think Peugeot 205 GTi and Lancia Delta Integrale – the Escort RS Cosworth was a ‘homologation special’ with the sole role of allowing Ford to take it rallying using the same performance parts.
Like its predecessors of the same name, it went on to become an accomplished rally machine. However, it’s extreme looks, incredible speed and handling and rarity made the road-going cars almost instant cult favourites.
The combination of Cosworth power, four-wheel drive and an extreme aerodynamic package makes it a big favourite among petrol heads who love the blue oval brand.
But it wasn’t easy to get your hands on one.
The Grand Tour presenter was handed the keys to the Escort in 1993 to use as a ‘long termer’, which he did for 7,500 miles commuting in London and using the Fast Ford as a daily driver
Jeremy Clarkson is now famous for his farming enterprise, but back in 1993 he was a fresh-faced motoring journaist
The combination of Cosworth power, four-wheel drive and an extreme aerodynamic package makes it a big favourite among petrol heads who love the blue oval brand. But it wasn’t affordable when the car was new…
That’s because just 2,500 road versions were made, becoming known as ‘big turbo cars’, all capable of 150mph and easily identified by the aptly named ‘Whale Tail’ rear spoiler.
It was also rendered almost uninsurable when new, which we will get to shortly.
This particular car, a 1992 model registration ‘K38 FMC’, stands out from all 2,499 others.
It is extremely well known within Fast Ford circles having been loaned by Ford to former Top Gear host and front man of The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, Jeremy Clarkson.
During his spell with the car while working at Top Gear, he used the car as his daily commuter.
In six months he racked up 7,500 miles, in which time the Escort gulped through 367 gallons of super-unleaded thanks to a return of 21mpg.
Despite its rarity, it was employed as a ‘tracking car’, with the camera man perched in the boot, to film Clarkson driving the then-new Mondeo for a Top Gear segment.
The motoring nut turned farmer commuted from his home in Central London in the Ford, in which time it was keyed by ‘an oik’. It was repaired not long after.
With car crime rife and the Escort RS Cosworth a prime target, getting insurance for one of these Fast Fords in the early 1990s was almost impossible. Clarkson claimed he was quoted £20,000 for cover in 1993
The motoring nut turned farmer commuted from his home in Central London in the Ford, in which time it was keyed by ‘an oik’. It was repaired not long after
During his spell with the car while working at Top Gear, Jeremty Clarkson used the car as his daily commuter. In six months he racked up 7,500 miles, in which time the Escort gulped through 367 gallons of super-unleaded thanks to a return of 21mpg
Clarkson complained of its creaky suspension and the gearknob coming off during gear changes. He then lamented what he believed to be an engine management fault, which would cut the boost of the turbocharged engine.
He also referenced the Escort Cosworth’s desirability to thieves and the impact it was having on premiums at the time.
In 1993 at the tender age of 33, he claimed to have been quoted cover for £20,000. Given the car was sold in showrooms for £19,500, that’s more they cost to buy.
But Clarkson went on to wax lyrically about the motor with which he had clearly formed a strong bond.
The 1992 car still has the original ‘K38 FMC’ Ford Motor Company registration plate assigned, which it carried when Clarkson was driving it around London
Because it is an early model, it has the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a two-stage intercooler developing 224bhp at 6250rpm and 224lb ft of torque at 3500rpm. Ford eventually toned the aggressive turbo down with a smaller turbocharger from 1994, dropping peak power by 10bhp
However, there is a more important factor other than it being driven by Clarkson that should make this very car hugely desirable to collectors.
It is one of just three prototype pre-production models.
Each was meticulously hand built as part of the development programme for this road-going race car.
In fact, it is rumoured that each of the prototypes cost in excess of £250,000 to make.
It stands apart from a ‘standard’ Escort RS Cosworth due to a number of unique features, including a lack of a catalytic converter.
Because it is an early model, it has the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a two-stage intercooler developing 224bhp at 6250rpm and 224lb ft of torque at 3500rpm.
Ford eventually toned the aggressive turbo down with a smaller turbocharger from 1994, dropping peak power by 10bhp.
Finished in ‘Mallard Green’ with a ‘Raven Hide’ interior, Charles Smalley, specialist at Iconic Auctioneers, describes it as being ‘in superb condition throughout retaining much originality’.
It even has the original Ford Motor Company registration plate assigned and the underside still has its original factory sealant in place and ‘clearly shows that no rectification work has taken place’.
Following its stint with Clarkson behind the wheel, K38 FMC was subsequently offered as a competition prize in Top Gear Magazine – which included free insurance for a 12 month period, given the sky high cost to cover it.
Finished in ‘Mallard Green’ with a ‘Raven Hide’ interior, Charles Smalley, specialist at Iconic Auctioneers, describes it as being ‘in superb condition throughout retaining much originality’
Iconic Auctioneers, which is offering the Cossie at the Silverstone Festival 2024 sale at the famous British race circuit on 24 August has placed an estimate of £65,000 to £75,000 on its enormous whale tail. With classic and collectible car values softening as of late, this might be a conservative prediction
In 2000, the Escort once again fell into Jeremy’s hands when it featured in his TV programme, Clarkson’s Car Years, where he was filmed driving over ‘Buttertubs Pass’ in North Yorkshire.
In the footage, Clarkson excitedly states: ‘One of my all-time favourite roads meets one of my all-time favourite cars, the Cossie.’
More recently, the present long-term vendor has carried out a full brake and suspension overhaul, fitted a brand new set of NOS genuine wheels and centre caps and improved the superb interior with a new headlining.
According to the odometer, the Escort RS Cosworth has clocked 82,514 miles in its lifetime, which is well below average mileage for a 32-year-old motor.
The big question is how much could it make?
Iconic Auctioneers, which is offering the Cossie at the Silverstone Festival 2024 sale at the famous British race circuit on 24 August has placed an estimate of £65,000 to £75,000 on its enormous whale tail.
With classic and collectible car values softening as of late, this might be a conservative prediction.
The highest price ever paid for an Escort RS Cosworth is a whopping £163,125 seen last year. However, that example had covered just 76 miles from new.
Given this example’s provenance and prototype stature, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it eclipse what the auction house has estimated.
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