1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo review from UK and Ireland

Overtaking a Fiesta Zetec s on a country road the plastic clip that keeps the throttle cable in place at the throttle decided to break. Resulting in no throttle whatsoever, not good at the time!

The poly ratchet on the clutch pedal has broken, so I cannot get it in gear, getting fixed soon though.

First of all, I keep getting asked why on earth I wanted to go from a 5 year old Focus to a 15 year old Escort and only like minded Ford lovers will understand.

I have always wanted an RS Turbo since I first seen a Series 1 in Llandudno when I was about 8.

Now I own one it feels great! When people ask me what car I drive, I have great joy in telling them that I own an Escort RS Turbo.

You get noticed in this car no doubt about it, even more than when I had my modified Focus.

I know there are people who hate Fords and think my car is rubbish, I am not writing this for them, I am writing this for the lucky people who either own a car like this or are considering buying one.

The things that have went wrong have been wee stupid things and I am glad the car is near enough standard.

I wanted a standard one so I could make it one of the cleanest Series 2 RS Turbo's in Scotland. The only things it has had is a full up to the Turbo exhaust system, pipercross induction kit, Bailey Dump Valve and a Garrett -31 Actuator. Got the Actuator because it was running lean, I think this could also be caused by the Pipercross, so I am currently looking for a standard air box.

At first the car is quite demanding to drive, in the wet you have to watch that you don't get to heavy footed or it will wheel-spin constantly. Once you get used to it and learn you have to be gentle it will drive like any other car.

Handling is fine, the Recaros are really comfy and when the Turbo kicks in it can go. Putting it simply that is what you want to know if considering buying one, just make sure you are careful, take your time before buying.

I am going to be making it perfect in the time that I will own mine, that is my mission. I am not bothered about modifiying the engine, I just want mine immaculate, making sure there will still be some of these future classic cars on the roads in years to come.