The Ford Escort is a small family car that was manufactured by Ford Europe from the years 1968 up until 2000. In total there were six generations, this being the fourth generation. A performance variation of the Escort arrived in 1984, the RS Turbo, which was unfortunately delayed several times. When it eventually went on sale in 1985, the chassis was subject of heavy criticism. A total of 8,604 RS Turbo models were built due to increased demand and were almost all in Diamond White. These were equipped with Recaro seats as standard, alloy wheels from the limited production RS 1600i and limited slip differential. Only three cars were finished in black, one of them being built especially for Lady Diana.
The engine fitted to the RS Turbo was a 1600 CVH unit, modified to suit the higher loads as well as the addition of a turbo. Computerized fuel injection and fuel management system incorporating a boost controller were also fitted. Exterior wise, the RS was given a distinctive appearance consisting of body coloured front grilles, bumpers and an XR3i spoiler. Production was extremely limited and many examples were modified in period for racing.
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