TURBO BOOSTS

THE SERIES 1 ESCORT

As with many sporting Fords, the RSTurbo was born from the need to homologation a race and rally car. Effectively replacing the 1981-83 RS1600i, theTurbo debuted in October 1984 but was delayed until 1985.The model was based around the XR3i and powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged CVH with 132 bhp. With its innovative viscous coupling limited-slip differential — the first fitted to any front-wheel-drive car – white paint and wide arch bodykit the cars were distinctive and unusual. But while the Recaro interior offered a reasonable level of comfort, roadtesters complained that the chassis with its heavy-duty suspension lacked refinement.The Series 2 RSTurbo arrived in 1986 as the Mk4 Escort with a host of mechanical and suspension improvements including a water-cooled turbo, uprated anti-roll bars, ABS and improved engine management making the car better suited to everyday driving. Production ended in 1990 after a combined total of 8604 Series 1s and Series 2s were built.