The Ford Escort has a storied history in the world of rally racing, ingraining itself in the imaginations of motorsport enthusiasts the world over. Initially introduced in the late 1960s, this automobile carved out its legacy on the rally stages, earning a reputation for being both rugged and adaptable. Known for its performance and success in competition, the Escort series boasts numerous models that were specifically designed with rallying in mind, with the Ford Escort RS Cosworth and Ford Escort WRC being some of the most iconic.
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth, a homologation special, was instrumental in marking Ford’s foray into the Group A category for the World Rally Championship from 1993 to 1998. The road-going versions of this rally legend were made available from 1992 till 1996, featuring a distinctive powertrain that was exclusive to this particular version of the Escort. The car’s tunable Cosworth YBT engine, combined with its effective four-wheel drive, gained a devoted following among rally teams and car enthusiasts alike.
By evolving into the Ford Escort WRC, Ford’s rally aspirations reached new heights. This iteration was developed by M-Sport and succeeded where the Group A car left off. Despite this evolution, the earlier Mark I and Mark II Escorts also made substantial contributions to Ford’s rally heritage. The Ford Escort Mk II RS1800, for example, a Group 4 vehicle, excelled in the 1970s rally scene and is often celebrated for its victories and pivotal role in securing the World Rally Championship title in 1979. Whether it’s the older MK I and II Escorts, the Group A RS Cosworth or the later WRC version, these vehicles demonstrate Ford’s commitment to the sport of rally racing and its relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
Heritage and Evolution
The Ford Escort’s rally heritage is a storied tapestry that sees the vehicle evolve from a formidable competitor to a legendary icon. This evolution is characterized by technological innovation, celebrated victories, and the indomitable spirit of its drivers and engineers.
Birth of a Rally Icon
The inception of the Ford Escort as a rally car dates back to the late 1960s, when the Ford Motor Company decided to replace the Lotus Cortina with a car that had greater potential for mass appeal and success in motorsport. The Ford Escort, with its unassuming body, was equipped with the performance-oriented twin cam engine, initially borrowed from the Cortina, making its debut with Hannu Mikkola at the 1968 San Remo Rally. Soon after, this car gave way to the RS1600, which was powered by the innovative BDA engine – a powerful unit designed by Brian Hart that would become synonymous with rally success.
The Escort Mexico, a special edition commemorating the vehicle’s victory in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally with Hannu Mikkola, added to the lineage. Roger Clark and Timo Mäkinen subsequently championed the Escort on the rugged stages of the RAC Rally and the grueling East African Safari, cementing its status as a robust and versatile rally machine.
Rise to Prominence
As the Ford Escort series evolved, so did its prominence in the rally world. The RS Cosworth models epitomized this evolution. These vehicles boasted a blend of the Escort’s agility with the power of the Cosworth-tuned engines, leading to an era of domination. Notably, the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, based on the Sierra RS Cosworth chassis, was introduced as a World Rally Car and continued the Escort’s legacy through the 1990s, with drivers like Malcolm Wilson, Ari Vatanen, and others at the helm. Its competition with rivals, such as Lancia, showcased Ford’s engineering prowess and determination to stay at the forefront of motorsport innovation.
Under the guidance of figures like John Davenport, rally team manager, and Bill Meade, head of the advanced vehicles operations that developed the Escort Mexico, Ford’s motorsport approach underwent constant refinement, allowing each iteration of the Escort to be a force to be reckoned with and a testament to Ford’s rally heritage and its unceasing evolution.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Ford Escort’s rally versions are a testament to exceptional engineering, designed to conquer the demanding rally stages with their robust technical makeup and impressive performance metrics. These vehicles balance raw power with the finesse required to handle the varied conditions of rally racing.
Engineering Marvels
Developed with the expertise of Cosworth, the Ford Escort rally editions, especially the Ford Escort WRC, featured engineering marvels like the sophisticated inline-four engines and robust turbocharging systems. Notably, models like the RS Cosworth utilized the Cosworth YBP engine and a Garrett T25 turbo, improving the car’s power delivery. The integration of advanced cooling systems, employing air/water intercoolers, ensured optimal engine performance even under the stresses of high-speed rallying.
Rally Performance Metrics
The rallying Ford Escorts are characterized by their agility and power, which are illustrated by their torque and handling capabilities. The combination of MacPherson struts in the front and live rear axle with leaf springs in the rear provided balance and adaptability to varying rally conditions. Servicing these cars was made more accessible by the simplicity of the shock absorbers and the overall layout, allowing privateer teams to maintain competitive performance with fewer resources.
Legacy and Homologation Specials
Homologation specials like the Escort RS Cosworth, also fondly known as Cossies, bridged the gap between Group A car competitiveness and road car practicality. By collaborating with companies like Karmann, Ford transformed their rally derived engineering into vehicles that enthusiasts could enjoy on the road, thus fulfilling homologation requirements. These models have retained their status as historic rally cars, symbolic of a time when innovative engineering and rallying heritage melded to create performance legends.