Ford Escort RS and RS Cosworth: books - history

Ford Escort RS & Mexico (1970-1979) - Brooklands Portfolio

Brooklands Portfolio book about the Ford Escort RS and Mexico models from the years 1970-1979. Describes the Ford Escort Mark I and II Mexico, RS1600, RS1800 and RS2000.

• The 40 articles, taken from contemporary British and American car magazines, provide much information about history, model changes and technology.
• Also driving impressions, tests, comparison tests, technical specifications, etc.

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Factory-Original Ford RS Cosworths - The originality guide to the Ford Sierra, Sapphire & Escort RS Cosworths

The launch of the Sierra RS Cosworth in 1985 marked a significant milestone for Ford. Initially developed for racing, it quickly became one of the most desirable performance cars available to the public. Its impressive performance at the time still stands out today.

The Sierra RS Cosworth was the first in a series of turbocharged Ford Cosworth models, followed by the Sierra RS500, Sapphire RS Cosworth, Rouse Sport RS Cosworth, Escort RS Cosworth, and Escort RS Cosworth Monte Carlo.

Today, these cars are highly sought after. This book provides owners and prospective buyers with detailed information on the original factory specifications and equipment, supported by hundreds of specially commissioned colour photographs of exceptional examples.

The book covers all aspects, including body panels, trim, paint colours, interior details, dashboard, instruments, underbonnet parts, engine, transmission, lamps, and the tool kit.
Of particular interest are the unique components developed specifically for the RS Cosworth, as well as those adapted from other Ford models to create the perfect combination.

Written by classic Ford expert Dan Williamson, with around 400 colour photos, this book is a must-have for Cosworth owners and enthusiasts.

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Ford Escort RS1800 (Rally Giants)

The Ford Escort RS1800 (Mk II) was one of the most successful and versatile rally cars of the late 1970s. Developed from the Mk I, it retained a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout but was powered by the BD-series 16-valve engine, a 2.0-liter unit producing up to 270 bhp.
Known for its strength and reliability, the RS1800 excelled in demanding rally conditions.

Between 1975 and 1981, it won 17 World Rally Championship (WRC) events, including victories in the RAC, Safari, Acropolis, 1000 Lakes, Sweden, Portugal, and Canada. In 1979, it secured the World Makes Championship, while Björn Waldegård (1979) and Ari Vatanen (1981) won World Drivers' titles.

Hundreds of RS1800s were built for motorsport, making it one of the most widely used and adaptable rally cars of its era.

Models covered: Escort RS1800 and factory-supported "works" versions (1975-1981), all equipped with the BD-engined 16-valve system.
Models not covered: Lower-powered derivatives such as RS Mexico or RS2000.

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Works Escorts in Detail - Ford's rear-wheel-drive competition Escorts, car by car

Between 1968 and 1981, the Ford Escort became the most successful rally car family in the world. The first specialized Escort, a Twin Cam, won its first major International Rally in April 1968 and its last in mid-1981. During this period, Escorts won the World Rally Championship three times, and their drivers claimed the Drivers' Championship twice.

Ford-UK and its partners built 113 works or 'works-blessed' Mk I rally cars between 1968 and 1974 and 55 Mk II cars between 1975 and 1981.

This book, by renowned rally co-driver, team manager, and historian Graham Robson, details the career of each of these cars, including their successes, challenges, build details, competition histories, drivers, development, specification changes, and color schemes.

Each car is illustrated in its primary livery using contemporary photographs, with special images of important surviving cars taken for this book to allow enthusiasts to examine them in detail.

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Ford Escort RS Cosworth & World Rally Car (Rally Giants)

The Escort RS Cosworth, introduced to rallying in 1993, was one of Ford's most innovative designs. Built on a shortened Sierra Cosworth 4x4 platform with a modified Escort body, it quickly evolved into a highly capable and advanced rally car. It became Ford's most successful rally car since the iconic Escorts of the 1970s.

Smaller, lighter, and more agile than the Sierra, it combined Cosworth power, four-wheel drive, and advanced aerodynamics, making it competitive in all conditions. In its debut season, it won five World Rally Championship (WRC) events and continued to achieve success worldwide. Legendary drivers such as Carlos Sainz, Tommi Mäkinen, and François Delecour contributed to its reputation.

In 1997, the Escort World Rally Car replaced the RS Cosworth to comply with new regulations, continuing Ford's winning streak until the arrival of the Focus WRC in 1999.

This book details the full history of the Escort RS Cosworth and its achievements. It is part of the "Rally Giants" series.

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