The Escort RS Cosworth is one of the defining performance cars of the 1990s, and certainly one of the defining ‘Fast Fords’, rightfully earning itself its cult-like following and praise. Launched in 1992 as a homologation special, the RS Cosworth was designed with a singular purpose: to incorporate components that would allow Ford to compete at the highest level of international rallying. With its turbocharged 227bhp engine, all-wheel drive and finely tuned chassis, it was capable of 0-60mph in just over 6 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 145mph. Early examples, known as ‘big turbo’ cars, were renowned for their rawness and pronounced turbo lag, but refinements introduced in 1994, including the smaller Garrett T25 turbo, significantly improved drivability and performance. In 1995, the model received a mild facelift with a new honeycomb grille, updated bumpers, revised alloy wheels and an improved interior layout. Production ceased in early 1996 as emissions regulations ended the era of the Escort RS Cosworth, leaving a car that was already regarded as a classic.
This Imperial Blue example is nothing short of exceptional, especially benefitting from long-term ownership of c.20 years. It is one of the very last RS Cosworths built at the Saarlouis plant and was ordered as an Executive Car for Richard Parry-Jones, the head of Ford of Europe’s R&D division at the time. Parry-Jones had been intimately involved in the car’s development, including the fine-tuning of the chassis, and it was the third Escort Cosworth he personally ran, following two left-hand drive examples during his time in Germany. During its initial life as a company car, it saw little use, partly because Parry-Jones was frequently abroad, and partly because his role required him to test-drive other vehicles. When it came time to replace it, he purchased the car personally to enjoy it further, but use remained limited, largely to weekend drives and occasional outings to the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Ford RS events.
The car has been meticulously cared for throughout its life. In Parry-Jones’ ownership, cosmetic refurbishment and underbody waxing were carried out by Automotive Unlimited, while routine mechanical servicing was undertaken by Gates of Bishops Stortford despite lack of usage. Every effort has been made to preserve its originality, never being modified, and all factory specifications remaining intact. N114 DTW has spent its entire life in temperature-controlled units, from a well-ventilated coach house until 2006 when our vendor bought it, to then live again in a environmentally friendly storage effectively preserving it in 'as-new' condition.
As a Lux specification, the car combines performance with comfort, offering a level of refinement unusual in a homologation special. Features include opening rear quarter windows, electrically operated and heated mirrors, Quickclear heated windscreen with heated washer jets, electric sunroof and windows, rear centre armrest and head restraints, central double locking, lights-on warning, three-spoke leather-covered steering wheel, and the factory-fitted radio cassette with optional 2040 CD player. The interior leather is pristine, the plastics are preserved and dark, and the cabin retains the feel of a brand-new car. It sits on its original Ronal soft-spoke 8x16 alloy wheels, shod with Pirelli P Zero tyres, all in excellent order.
The accompanying history is complete, including full bookpacks, original documentation, and all MOTs from the first owner through 2007, with the last MOT undertaken in 2010. The car has covered just 3,091 miles from new, with three owners in total and our vendor having driven it only a handful of times, preferring to admire and detail it rather than use it. It has been routinely serviced, with oil changes maintained throughout its life.
N114 DTW is a timewarp example in every sense. It has been preserved through chance and careful ownership rather than deliberate speculation, retaining its originality, specification and showroom condition for more than 30 years. The combination of ultra-low mileage, complete provenance, Lux specification with leather seating, Imperial Blue paint, and the connection to Richard Parry-Jones makes this Escort RS Cosworth an extraordinarily rare and desirable example. It is a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to acquire one of the last and most remarkable Cosworths ever produced.
