Record-breaking £202k Escort RS Cosworth and more NEC auction results

Hits from the Blue Oval back-catalogue

The 2024 NEC Classic Motor Show proved to be one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of retro motoring, with packed crowds across the weekend.

Alongside the hundreds of cars on show, a litany of vehicles were up for auction, including lots of legendary fast Fords. Iconic Auctioneers hosted the NEC Classic sale, with cars crossing the auction block on Saturday 9 November 2024.

The auction saw some phenomenal prices paid, including more than £200,000 (including fees) for the pictured 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth!

Join us for a look at some of the other big prices paid (all with fees included), plus some of the lots that missed out.

1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux – £202,500

Arguably the most famous Escort in Ford’s history, the RS Cosworth brought four-wheel-drive performance from the Sierra to a more compact bodyshell. Like its older brethren, it was designed for motorsport homologation, with this being one of the first 2,500 cars made for that purpose.

Astonishingly, this Cosworth had covered just 2,221 miles from new. Trailered to shows, the Cosworth has undergone some gentle preparation work before being auctioned.

1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth Lux – £202,500

Finished in Diamond White, it comes equipped with the desirable Lux package. This means a full leather interior, electric sunroof, leather steering wheel and a heated front windscreen.

Being so original, it had a guide price of £80,000 to £100,000. The winning bid of £202,500 with auction fees saw that estimate doubled, making this an incredible result for a fast Ford.

1989 Ford RS200 – £247,500

There were actually two Ford RS200s up for grabs at the NEC Classic sale, meaning twice the opportunity to own one of these rare, mid-engined homologation specials.

This is said to be the 100th of the 200 vehicles planned. It was specified with a full leather interior, and the iconic Ford Motorsport exterior decals. Like all RS200s, it makes use of a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that drives all four wheels.

Having covered fewer than 1,800 miles from new, this RS200 even still wears its original Pirelli P6000 tyres.

It had a pre-auction estimate of between £220,000 and £260,000, and was on the money with a sale price of £247,500.

1989 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is a true hero of 1980s motorsport. It became the dominant force in Group A touring car competitions throughout the decade.

Taken from the initial run of 5,000 homologation cars, this Sierra RS Cosworth is painted in desirable Moonstone Blue. Like all RS Cosworths, it makes use of a 204hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that powers the rear wheels.

The car’s five owners since 1987 all seemingly resisted the urge to drive the Cosworth too much. There are only 8,840 miles recorded on its odometer, making this an extremely well-preserved example.

It came with a guide price of £100,000 to £120,000, but failed to find a new owner.

1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth – £109,125

What could be more special than a Sierra RS Cosworth? An even rarer Sierra RS500 Cosworth, of course.

This evolution aimed to ensure that the Cosworth remained competitive on-track. The RS500’s engine was boosted to deliver 224hp, thanks to a larger turbocharger. Other tweaks included an extra rear spoiler and cooling ducts in place of front fog lights.

This particular example was a Ford press vehicle, and was later used by the Benetton Formula 1 team.

It came with a huge history file, which possibly helped it achieve a final price of £109,125.

1990 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Group A – £309,375

This is a genuine piece of British motorsport history, being the Sierra RS500 Cosworth used by Tim Harvey during two seasons of the British Touring Car Championship.

Built by Andy Rouse Engineering, it wears the iconic Labatts livery, and took multiple class wins during the 1989 and 1990 seasons. The RS500 also achieved victory in the 1989 Guia touring car race, with Harvey at the wheel.

Now restored for historic motorsport competition, the RS500 has made appearances at the Silverstone Classic and Oulton Park Gold Cup, with Harvey back in the driver’s seat.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it sold for a substantial £309,375.

1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth Rouse Sport 304-R – £84,375

Andy Rouse was a successful touring car driver in his own right, with multiple BTCC title victories. His Andy Rouse Engineering outfit was responsible for building many successful racing cars, including the previous RS500. However, the company, with Ford’s blessing, also turned its hand to making modified road-going Sierras.

A total of 78 examples of the four-wheel-drive 304R were produced, with 260hp extracted from the 2.0-litre turbo engine, plus a bespoke body kit. Larger tyres and an upgraded interior with new seats were also fitted, adding £4,600 to the list price.

This example had covered just 2,800 miles from new, making it perhaps the closest thing to a new Rouse Sport 304-R.

A guide price of £70,000 to £80,000 reflected the rarity of this special Sierra, and was accurate with a winning bid of £84,375.

1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 – did not sell

Launched in 1990, the four-wheel-drive version of the Sapphire Cosworth was the final chapter in the Sierra RS story. All-wheel traction, plus a boost in power to 220hp, meant 0-60mph took just 5.6 seconds.

This particular example was first used as Ford’s press demonstrator, appearing in promotional material and evaluated by motoring journalists. Bought by the vendor in 1995, it has been kept garaged and scrupulously maintained ever since.

With a guide price of £28,000 to £32,000, it made for a more affordable route into Sierra RS Cosworth ownership, but failed to be bought at the NEC Classic.

1969 Ford Escort Mk1 Twin-Cam – £73,125

The link between the Ford Escort and performance began soon after the first-generation car was launched, with the Twin-Cam added to the range in 1968. It acted as a homologation vehicle for rallying, using a Lotus-engineered engine to deliver 110hp. Top speed was 110mph.

Only 883 examples of the Twin-Cam were made before it was replaced by the Escort RS1600. It makes early examples like this one rare and desirable, especially when the car was used to win multiple rallying championships.

Restored in 2017, this Twin-Cam features Bilstein suspension, Cibie spotlights and a renewal of its signature livery. A pre-auction estimate of £65,000 to £75,000 was apt, with a sale price of £73,125.

1973 Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000 – did not sell

Following the RS1600, Ford released the RS2000 version of the Escort Mk1 in 1973. Intended to be easier to live with, the RS2000 featured a 2.0-litre Pinto engine that developed 100hp and 100lb ft of torque.

Kept in storage for many years, a complete bare-metal restoration was commissioned by the vendor. This included the bodyshell being dipped and repaired, with as many original parts used as possible.

Around £130,000 is said to have been spent on the restoration of this car. It meant a guide price of £80,000 to £100,000 could present good value, but the RS2000 went without a winning bid.

1980 Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000 Custom – £37,125

Launched in 1974, the Mk2 version of the Ford Escort retained the same platform as its predecessor beneath updated bodywork. Ford kept many of the same performance models, too, including a second generation of the RS2000.

This 1980 car comes with the desirable Custom pack, including the trademark ‘fishnet’ Recaro seats, four-spoke alloy wheels and extra gauges for the dashboard. Incredibly, it has had just two owners from new, with around 45,000 miles shown on the odometer

Unrestored, the spare wheel is original, with the ashtray and cigar lighter both unused. Such a time-warp Escort could achieve £40,000 to £50,000.

1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo S2 – £38,250

A move to front-wheel drive for the third generation Ford Escort was a radical change, but that did not stem the flow of RS-branded models. Launched in late 1984, the Escort RS Turbo brought forced induction to Ford’s hot hatchback.

A Series 2 version of the RS Turbo was introduced with the updated Mk4 model, with the 1.6-litre engine now developing 132hp and 133lb ft of torque.

Fewer than 30,000 miles had been driven by this RS Turbo, which is noted as being in unrestored original condition. A winning bid of £38,250 was enough to secure this big slice of 1980s retro performance.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16v Cosworth – £32,625

Demonstrating that not everything in the Iconic Auctioneers sale comes with a Ford badge, here’s a different take on Cosworth performance.

First developed with rallying in mind, the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16v evolved into a touring car contender instead. A total of 185hp was extracted from the Cosworth-enhanced 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed Getrag dog-leg gearbox.

This particular car was delivered to the Team Lotus Formula One team, then used by both management and drivers. Given the late Ayrton Senna was part of the team at that time, there is a very real chance he drove this 190E.

With a potential link to one of the greatest Formula One drivers, a guide price of £30,000 to £35,000 seemed almost good value, with the new owner paying £32,625.

1993 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton – £56,250

An executive saloon with a 377hp twin-turbocharged engine may seem unremarkable today, but in the early 1990s the Lotus Carlton created a storm. Famously, it was even mentioned during a parliamentary debate, after a campaign was launched to have the 177mph four-door banned.

This is one of the last of the 320 cars with Vauxhall (rather than Opel) badges, and has been carefully maintained since being acquired by its current vendor. The work included a respray in Imperial Green for the bodykit and bonnet.

Owning a legendary super saloon required a total of £56,250, almost exactly on the pre-auction estimate.

1993 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo II – £91,125

When it comes to retro hot hatchbacks, few are hotter than the Lancia Delta Integrale.

In Evo II trim, the four-wheel drive rally weapon saw the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine enhanced to deliver 215hp, whilst there were also new 16-inch alloy wheels and high-backed Recaro seats.

With enthusiast owners, and a strong service history, a final sale price of £91,125 reflected just how impressive this example was.

1994 Renault Clio Williams Phase One – £45,000

Like many of the cars on this list, the Renault Clio Williams was developed as a homologation special. Intended to help Renault enter Group N rallying, a link with the Williams-Renault Formula One team gave this hot hatch extra credibility.

The combination of a 2.0-litre 150hp and upgraded suspension made for one of the most engaging front-wheel-drive cars ever. Painting it in Metallic Sports Blue, then adding 16-inch gold Speedline wheels, created a genuine legend.

As one of the first 2,500 ‘Phase One’ cars, this Clio Williams is even more desirable. Showing just 9,331 miles on its odometer, an extensive history file and even a pair of promotional jackets pushed the guide price to between £40,000 and £50,000.

Yes, we really do live in a world where a Renault Clio Williams now costs £45,000.

2002 BMW Z3 M Coupe – did not sell

Can the Z3 M Coupe be classed as the ultimate hot hatch? A passion project by BMW engineers, it added a practical hatchback to the two-seat Z3 roadster.

Taken from later in the car’s production life, this Z3 M Coupe features the more powerful S54 engine, developing 321hp. A five-speed manual gearbox was mated to a limited-slip differential, responsible for sending all the power to the rear wheels.

Bought by the vendor’s late father, this rare Imola Red example comes with a low mileage. With a guide price of between £60,000 and £70,000, the retro BMW failed to find a buyer.

1980 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 – £64,688

Middlesbrough-born musician Chris Rea has a longstanding association with Ferrari, having owned and raced many historic models. His love for the Italian marque even led to Rea producing the 1996 film La Passione, a tribute to the Ferrari 156.

Numerous examples of the Dino 308 GT4 have been owned by Rea, including race versions. This particular car is finished in a subtle combination of Grigio Ferro over Blu Dino Scurro, with its interior trimmed in Bordeaux Red leather.

Recently recommissioned, being linked to a true Ferrari aficionado will add to the desirability of this Dino. It came with a guide price of between £40,000 and £50,000, but perhaps the celeb connection helped with the final price of £64,688.

2011 Land Rover Defender 110 6.2 V8 – £84,375

Film producer Guy Ritchie did not want just any Land Rover Defender when he approached specialists Nene Overland in 2015. He wanted the ultimate Defender for use on his 1,100-acre estate, able to act as a work vehicle, but still comfortable to commute in.

The result was a Defender with a 430hp 6.2-litre Chevrolet V8, alongside an automatic six-speed transmission and adjustable air suspension. Larger brakes, 20-inch wheels and adjustable seats from a Range Rover were all included, too.

Ritchie has added less than 20,000 miles since the Defender conversion was finished, leaving it ready for more use. Given the amount of work undertaken, plus the celebrity ownership, it feels like someone snatched a bargain by paying £84,375 for the Defender.

1977 Jaguar XJC-R Restomod – £63,000

The Iconic Auctioneers sale includes another restomod, this one being sold to raise money for the RNLI charity. Completed by Jaguar specialist Tom Lenthall, the car is named ‘Emma’ after his late friend who died of cancer.

Using a 1977 Jaguar XJ-C Coupe as a base, Lenthall added the supercharged 4.2-litre engine from a 1990s XJR. Extra fettling has resulted in 370hp, earning it the ‘XJC-R’ name. Brembo brakes and suspension subframes from the modern XJR have also been fitted to the classic coupe.

No guide price was given, with a sale price of £63,000 securing a substantial donation for the RNLI.

1999 Skoda Felicia Fun – £10,688

Here’s a big yellow dose of fun. Literally. The Skoda Felicia Fun was made between 1997 and 2001, bringing a sense of silliness to the usually pragmatic Czech marque.

Its whimsical specification included Yellow Fun paintwork, a pair of slide-out rear seats and interior upholstery featuring a frog in a crown. Yes, really. Yellow dials, a yellow leather-trimmed steering wheel and a yellow gear lever were all part of the package, too.

A Truckman hardtop has been fitted on this particular Fun, which has covered around 38,800 miles from new.

It comes with the apt personalised registration number included, and a final price of £10,688 demonstrates that fun does not have to cost six figures.

2000 Rover Mini Classic Cooper Sport 2000 – £24,750

Taken from the very end of classic Mini production, some 2,091 examples of the Cooper Sport were built.

Standard features included a walnut-clad dashboard, aluminium interior detailing, and Cooper logos replacing the typical Mini ones.

Finished in Solar Red, with the iconic white roof, this example had covered under 8,000 miles from new. This likely aided the sale price of £24,750.

1989 Porsche 930 Turbo LE – £208,125

The Porsche 911 Turbo is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, and this could be one of the finest examples of the original 930-generation created.

Porsche only made 53 930 LE cars for the British market, with one earmarked for each dealership in the country. Wider bodywork, a larger rear wing, heated sports seats, and a 180mph speedometer were all just some of the extra features.

Being highly collectible, it should be no surprise that this car cost its lucky new owner £208,125.

2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen – £74,813

When it comes to collectability, the Tommi Mäkinen Edition of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI is one of the most desirable rally weapons of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Only 50 examples officially came to the UK, with new bodywork, special Recaro seats, and an output from the turbocharged engine believed to be close to 300hp.

Being an official UK-supplied car, and in the iconic combination of Passion Red with extra rally decals, will have aided the final sale price of £74,813.

2002 Aston Martin Vanquish 2+2 – £43,313

Aston Martin has recently released a brand-new Vanquish, but the original version from the early 2000s still manages to look stunning. Arguably one of Ian Callum’s greatest designs, being finished in Forest Green makes this Vanquish even more attractive.

The 5.9-litre V12 engine, combined with an automated paddle-shift transmission, could see the Vanquish reach more than 190mph. This particular Vanquish is in 2+2 layout, with the green theme continued inside.