Registration – F390 NVU

Chassis No. – WF0BXXGCABKJ84859

M.O.T. – NO

Odometer – 47,500

This 1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo is a desirable Series Two model in a very 1980s shade of red. The vendor describes it as being in ‘good’ condition throughout, with the condition of the paintwork aided by a respray during their stewardship. It has been off the road for the past few years due to the vendor’s ill health. This is why it currently does not have an MOT, but they say it will pass. ‘F390NVU’ also doesn’t have much history, but its highly original condition speaks for itself – given how many similar Escort RS Turbo were treated to a ‘Max Power’ makeover, this alone make ‘F390NVU’ a true survivor.

Records show ‘F390NVU’ is a car built in 1989 that was imported into the UK from a right-hand drive market in 1995. The odometer currently reads 47,500 miles, and the vendors says this is believed to be genuine, through checking the DVLA website and the car’s MOT history. Original Ford Escort RS Turbo features such as the alloy wheels, bonnet vents and Recaro sports seats are present and correct. This car also has a sliding glass sunroof and an upgraded Alpine sound system.

The Ford Escort RS Turbo was first seen in Series One guise. A development of the Mk3 Escort, it went on sale in early 1985 as a high-performance halo car. Originally, Ford intended to built 5,000 cars, to meet Group A homologation requirements. However, customer demand saw more than 8,600 built, almost all in Diamond White. Its popularity meant a Mk4 Ford Escort RS Turbo, called Series Two, was quickly introduced in 1986. This was a more well-rounded machine, with diligent development by Ford’s crack SVE engineers resolving criticisms of the original. It was now available in a broader range of colours, including iconic 1980s red, gaining a reputation as a more subtle but also more able Ford Escort performance car.

· 1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo resplendent in red

· Described as being in ‘good’ condition throughout

· Has been stored off the road for the past few years