1989 FORD ESCORT RS TURBO SERIES 2 MERCURY GREY '38637-MILES'

FOR SALE

JF Classic Cars are proud to offer this outstanding 1989 Mk4 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 2, finished in the highly desirable Mercury Grey. A true icon of the late 1980s performance era, this example benefits from low ownership and remarkably low mileage, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire one of Ford’s most celebrated hot hatches in exceptional condition.

DESCRIPTION

The Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 2 was introduced in 1986 as a more refined yet equally thrilling progression of the original RS Turbo. Manufactured exclusively at Ford’s Halewood facility, the Series 2 was engineered to combine forced-induction performance with improved comfort, usability, and build quality a true everyday performance car capable of delivering both excitement and practicality.

Easily recognised by its integrated aerodynamic body styling, colour-coded bumpers, and distinctive RS enhancements, the Series 2 benefited from notable mechanical and structural improvements over the earlier model. Revised suspension geometry, improved interior refinement, and enhanced reliability ensured it appealed to both enthusiastic drivers and those seeking a usable performance hatch

EXTERNAL

Finished in its factory correct Ford Mercury Grey, this 1989 Escort RS Turbo Series 2 presents in exceptional condition throughout. The paintwork displays a deep, even gloss across every panel, beautifully accentuating the sharp creases and purposeful lines that define the RS Turbo’s unmistakable 1980s silhouette. The metallic finish remains vibrant and consistent, reflecting careful ownership and sympathetic preservation.

All body panels sit straight and true, with precise and uniform shut lines that speak to both original factory build quality and the car’s well-maintained life. 

The factory-correct decals and RS badging remain present, crisp, and correctly positioned, retaining their clarity and contrast against the Mercury Grey paint. The integrated aerodynamic body styling including the distinctive front spoiler, side skirts, and rear valance is presented in excellent condition, free from distortion, scuffs, or damage. The subtle yet purposeful body kit enhancements remain sharply defined, reinforcing the RS Turbo’s aggressive stance while preserving its originality.

At the front, the factory headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps remain in place, their lenses clear and free from cracks, chips, or clouding. The grille, bumpers, and exterior trim pieces retain a rich, even finish, showing none of the fading or deterioration often associated with cars of this era. The contrast between the dark trim elements and the Mercury Grey paintwork further enhances the car’s authentic period presence.

All glazing appears to be original specification, with correct factory etchings visible throughout. Window surrounds and door seals remain supple and well preserved, sitting neatly against the bodywork and maintaining the car’s tight, well-kept appearance.

Overall, this RS Turbo’s exterior is a superb example of how a low-mileage, carefully owned car should present. Clean, sharply defined, and unmistakably late eighties in character, it stands as a genuine survivor an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire an unspoiled icon from Ford’s golden era of performance hatchbacks

INTERNAL

Showing just 38,637 miles from new, the interior of this 1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 2 remains exceptionally well preserved, offering a superb representation of how these iconic performance models appeared when new.

The factory Recaro sports seats, trimmed in Ford’s distinctive period-correct cloth, remain in outstanding condition. Their deeply sculpted bolsters continue to provide excellent lateral support, with the seat structure retaining its firmness and original shape a clear reflection of the car’s careful use. The upholstery is clean and vibrant, free from fading, excessive wear, or distortion, with stitching and fabric weave remaining sharp and intact.

The matching door cards are equally impressive, sitting straight and secure with no lifting or warping. Interior plastics, switchgear, and trim components sit original and fully functional

The original carpeting remains rich in colour and depth, protected and well maintained throughout its life. The dashboard fascia presents original with all instrumentation clear and functioning exactly as designed. Gauges, warning lights, and controls operate precisely, reinforcing the car’s authenticity and mechanical integrity.

The factory-fit Ford stereo radio/cassette unit remains in situ and operational, further enhancing the period-correct feel of the cabin. The luggage compartment is clean, original, and unmodified, complete with an uncut parcel shelf a detail often lost over time and increasingly valued by collectors.

Overall, the interior of this RS Turbo stands as a fine example of originality and preservation. Clean, correct, and remarkably well maintained, it offers an authentic glimpse into the golden era of Ford’s turbocharged hot hatch legacy

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Powering this exceptional Series 2 Escort RS Turbo is Ford’s renowned 1.6-litre OHC CVH fuel-injected engine, paired with the formidable Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger and intercooler a combination that defined the hot hatch era.

Producing 132bhp, this lightweight RS delivers strong, responsive performance, with a 0–60mph sprint in just 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 128-mph figures that remain impressive even today.

The engine bay presents in remarkably original condition, completely standard and unspoilt, reflecting careful ownership and correct maintenance throughout its life. All factory data plates underscoring the car’s authenticity.

Attention to detail continues hoses, and service components, all in superb order and consistent with the car’s original build. This level of preservation makes this RS Turbo a standout example one that’s both mechanically strong and historically correct.

The five-speed manual transmission operates with precision, delivering a smooth, positive shift through all gears. The clutch action is light and crisp, allowing the driver to fully enjoy the turbocharged performance with confidence and ease

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

This RS Turbo sits proudly on its factory-correct 15-inch light grey alloy wheels, all in outstanding original condition with sharp definition to the spokes and no evidence of corrosion or marking. Each wheel is shod with quality high performance tyres, including the spare along with original jack and tools

Braking performance is provided by servo-assisted ventilated front discs and solid rear drums, offering excellent stability and predictable stopping power in line with Ford’s factory specification.

The RS Turbo-specific suspension system remains true to design, featuring independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, and telescopic gas-filled dampers at the front, with a beam axle and trailing arms with coil springs at the rear all working harmoniously to deliver the iconic balance of precision handling and comfort that defined the RS range.

Every element of the running gear reflects both originality and correct upkeep, making this example not only visually pristine but also dynamically tight and confidence-inspiring to drive.

A genuine, unmodified example of Ford’s legendary turbocharged hot hatch rarely found in such well-preserved, factory-correct condition

HISTORY FILE

Registered new on the 1st August 1989 to a Mrs Richards by leading Ford Rs dealer Trimoco Chelmsford who retained the vehicle for one year before Mr Harvey took the reigns and retained until 2014, It then went to it's third and final owner Mr Grimaldi who has retained ever since and incidentally remained around the Colchester area all it's life!

Covering just over 38000 miles in it's lifetime and two former keepers makes for one very desirable car in a rare colour

With original book pack and original 'Ford extra cover' documents echoing the fastidious ownership, Full ford service complements with over 14 service stamps in the original service book as follows:

02-10-1989..1601 miles

05-01-1990.. 6203 miles

03-08-1990.. 11953 miles

02-12-1991.. 15699 miles

04-06-1993.. 17926 miles

19-10-1994.. 21097 miles

02-04-1996.. 23393 miles

12-05-1998.. 25636 miles

23-05-2000.. 29374 miles

21-05-2004.. 31146 miles

09-05-2006.. 32543 miles

08-04-2008.. 34291 miles

27-04-2010.. 35818 miles

04-04-2012.. 37212 miles

2012 to date storage

Having covered very few miles since, With reams of service documents and some old mot certificates to compliment

Unspoiled RS Turbo models have shown consistent strength as collectors seek authentic cars with provenance and integrity. As a result, opportunities to acquire examples of this calibre are becoming fewer each year.

Whether purchased as a nostalgic return to one of Ford’s most exciting eras, a long-term addition to a serious performance car collection, or a carefully considered investment-grade classic, this RS Turbo Series 2 represents a rare and compelling opportunity to secure a true icon preserved, respected, and ready for its next custodian.

V5 Present & HPi Clear.