Ex-Jeremy Clarkson Ford Escort RS Cosworth to be auctioned
08/03/2024 01:00 PM
Never offered in Australia, the last of the high-performance Ford Escort Cosworth models of the 1990s – this one with a fascinating backstory – will soon be coming up for auction.
A pre-production 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth driven by TV host Jeremy Clarkson is set to go under the hammer this month.
The Ford hot hatch was one of three hand-made prototypes built prior to production, with the Escort RS Cosworth later declared by Clarkson to be one of his “all-time favourite cars”.
Designed as a homologation special – allowing the model to compete in the World Rally Championship – the Escort ‘Cossie’ was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Cosworth engine producing 167kW and 304Nm, driving all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
While Ford didn’t win any World Rally Championships with the Escort, the vehicle won several events over the years, with the car maker placing as high as second in the manufacturer’s standings.
The Escort was succeeded by the Ford Focus, driven in the 1999 WRC season by Colin McRae and Petter Solberg.
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This particular prototype was offered to Jeremy Clarkson as a long-term loan, before the vehicle was offered as a competition prize in Top Gear Magazine.
Clarkson was reunited with the Escort Cosworth for his 2000 TV special Clarkson’s Car Years, when he took the car to Buttertubs Pass in North Yorkshire.
“One of my all time favourite roads meets one of my all time favourite cars, the Cossie,” he said.
With a price guide of £65,000 to £75,000 ($AU128,500-148,200), the 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth prototype is being offered by Iconic Auctioneers in the UK on Saturday, 24 August 2024. You can view the auction lot by clicking here.
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