ESCORT COSWORTH T25
Softer and smoother than earlier Escort RS Cosworths, the run-out Small Turbo model was the ultimate evolution of the road-going Cossie – an iconic masterpiece that’s a Fast Ford perfect ten
IDENTITY
This is crucial. A bad Cossie can be a very bad car indeed – potentially resulting in you losing your entire investment.
Cossies were renowned for being nicked, crashed, reshelled and faked since new, and with today’s values so high, there are still dodgy machines on the market. A thorough history check is essential, including searches for outstanding finance and being an insurance write-off.
Compare the chassis number on the logbook with the VIN plate (riveted to the slam panel on the driver’s side), the stamps under the carpet flap on the driver’s inner sill, and the visible ID tag on the dashboard, facing outwards through the windscreen at the passenger side. The VIN number should start with WF0BXXGKAB, followed by two more letters and five numbers; these seven digits should be repeated on the Karmann body plate on the slam panel at the passenger side.
An original car will have a matching number on the engine; if not, it’s evidence that the motor has been replaced. Check it’s a 200 block rather than 205, with corresponding casting numbers on the side of the crankcase.
Other digits to look out for on the VIN plate are N5 in the engine
code box, 2 or B (right-hand drive) for drive, 8 for trans, and ABLC4 in the type box. A car with original leather interior will have LW in the trim panel; Hexagon cloth should be E9, G9, L9 or O9.
If you fancy a Monte Carlo limited edition, you’ll be paying a premium for its rarity. Montes were offered in Mallard Green, Ash Black or Jewel Violet, with OZ 8x16in alloys, unique Raven Flow upholstery and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. The VIN plate should show LB in the trim box.
If you’re concerned about an EsCos being a fake, first make sure there’s a YB engine under the bonnet. Authentic Karmann-built shells are dimensionally very different from the regular Mk5, with a longer wheelbase. The easy way to tell is by comparing rear quarter panels, which on a genuine Cosworth are positioned higher where they meet the tailgate and form a neater shape in alignment with the lower rear spoiler.
INTERIOR
It’s a Mk5 Escort, so don’t expect a modern Aston Martin. The Escort’s hard plastics are prone to rattling, and the switchgear liable to failure. That’s all part of the experience of owning an old Ford. Fortunately, many of the bits were shared with lesser models, so they’re cheap and easy to source.
That doesn’t extend to the instruments, of course. The dashboard’s white dial faces go blotchy with age, and the digital clock might have missing digits; you’ll pay heavily to fix them.
Gear lever gaiters and the steering wheel could be tatty, and mint replacements are dear. All Small Turbo models had a driver’s airbag, so make sure the dashboard warning light is working properly.
Ignore anyone telling you that Luxury trim included leather upholstery – it was an optional extra, which should be revealed on the VIN plate. Standard upholstery for all Escort Cosworths was cloth, in Hexagon design (or Flow on the Monte). Hexagon was available in grey, red, blue or green (depending on body colour), and certain shades are now incredibly rare. Check the seat bolsters for wear and tears, ensure the bases haven’t collapsed, and test the reclining mechanisms aren’t floppy.
The standard specification didn’t include many gadgets, but it’s worth ensuring everything works as it should. A Luxury should contain electric front windows, opening rear quarter glass, heated windscreen and electric glass sunroof. Air conditioning was optional.
Unless it’s cheap, it’s important to buy a car with the best-condition cockpit you can find, because sourcing mint-condition replacements can be very costly.
“The Escort Cosworth was the culmination of legendary motorsport experience”