Modified 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth

This 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a show car built in 1999 as a joint project between Richter Motorsport and Autohaus Wagner, a German Ford dealer. Powered by a modified 2. 3-liter â??big turboâ? inline-four paired to a 5-speed manual transmission with custom gearing, the car was shown in Germany briefly before being imported to the US in 2000. The engine and body were shipped separately, and the car was reassembled and assigned a VIN by US-based importer Sun International. The selling dealer recently recommissioned it to roadworthy condition with a new turbocharger, fluids, belts, and hoses. The 1999 build included fully stripping the car and repainting the bare shell. Body modifications include a carbon fiber WRC front bumper cover and rear spoiler, as well as WRC-style headlights. Some cracks from age are noted near the original spoiler mounts. Interior alterations include an aftermarket steering wheel and shift knob. The standard stereo is still fitted and incorporates two single-DIN Ford units that include a cassette deck and CD player in separate units. The builder had to modify the engine bay so the stock A/C hardware could be retained alongside the enlarged intercooler. Bolstered Konig sport seats were also added and wear a distinctive cloth center section. The rear seats retain their original upholstery. The original spare tire and tool kit are still in place in the hatch area. The car features an earlier â??big turboâ? Cosworth YB engine from a 1992-early 1994 car, as these are more tunable that the later â??small turboâ? engines. The DOHC inline-four has been bored out to 2. 3-liters and incorporates Group A-spec internals, RS500-spec turbo capable of running 2. 0 bar of boost, RS500 intercooler, Bailey aluminum header tank, Mountune cams and followers, Group A dump valve, carbon fiber valve cover and a 3â?³ Mongoose exhaust. Work included the installation of a new turbocharger, intercooler flush, new alternator, fix and re-charge of the AC system, all hoses and belts, and replacement of all fluids. Driveline upgrades include custom transmission gear ratios, a Sachs clutch, and Quaife differentials. The suspension has been upgraded with H&R coilovers, polyurethane bushings, and an OMP strut tower brace. The stock front brakes have been removed in favor of Tarox 6-Piston units. The car has also appeared in Sport Compact Car and in H&R Advertising materials from the period.