4/19/20 15/75 Ford Escort RS Cosworth

Now for a car that has fascinated me since I first got this Matchbox copy back in 1995, the Ford Escort RS Cosworth.  Designed for Group A rally car racing, the RS Cosworth was actually the former Ford Sierra Cosworth modified with body panels from the fifth-generation European Escort, which was front-wheel drive.  The fenders bulge out, the hood has more vents for cooling, and the rear has the massive whale tail spoiler over the rear hatch glass.  It was a looker and one rare car for sure, and it was nice to see Matchbox release this casting, and for 2000 it gets the royal treatment in white with the Union Jack across the sides, a blue interior, and a red rear spoiler.  The front has detailed headlights, grille with Ford logo, and detailed hood vents, while the sides show the flared fenders and exterior mirrors and no matter what wheels it has on all of them provide the proper stance of the car.  The rear has a separate rear spoiler, square taillights, and a lower bumper that is part of the plastic base and is the only negative on this casting.  The interior has a right-hand drive layout with detailed dashboard and front seats, and also the rear windows are frosted instead of clear, a nice touch.  The base shows off the rear-wheel drivetrain with all-wheel drive and a dual exhaust system for the Cosworth I-4 under the hood.  After this release the Escort Cosworth was retired from the line, but the casting has so many great variations that it is one Matchbox casting not to miss.

Specifications:

· Engine: 2.0L DOHC turbo I-4, 224 hp.

· Transmission: 5-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 5.5 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: $35,000 est. 1995

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars