Jeremy Clarkson’s Ford Escort RS Cosworth is for sale

A 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, first driven by Jeremy Clarkson, will be coming up for auction next month. 

Used by Clarkson during his early days on the Top Gear TV show, the fast Ford became one of his favourite cars. Iconic Auctioneers will offer the Cosworth as part of its sale at the 2024 Silverstone Festival.

Jezza regretted not keeping the Ford when he had a chance. Now this could now be your opportunity to own the car he lovingly christened as ‘Gary’.

An icon of the 1990s

Launched in 1992 as a true homologation special, the Escort RS Cosworth was designed to allow Ford to enter World Rally Championship Group A competition.

Developed from the Sierra RS Cosworth platform, the Escort had a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produced 224hp. Combined with four-wheel drive, this resulted in a 0-62mph time of less than six seconds, plus a potential top speed of 144mph.

A gigantic ‘whale tail’ spoiler made the Escort RS Cosworth instantly recognisable, as did its bespoke front bumper and chunky five-spoke alloy wheels. 

From a total production run of more than 7,140 cars, Ford designated the first 2,500 examples for rally homologation. However, Clarkson’s RS Cosworth was even more special…

The hand-built Cossie

‘K38 FMC’ was one of just three pre-production cars made before the Escort Cosworth started leaving the Karmann factory in Germany. 

Made by hand, each of the three prototypes were rumoured to have cost Ford £250,000 to complete. For reasons unknown, these hand-built cars came without a catalytic converter fitted.

Painted in Mallard Green, with a Raven Hide interior, K38 FMC went into service with the Ford Motor Company in late 1992. It was then used by a certain Top Gear journalist to evaluate living with one of the wildest hot hatches of the time.

Clarkson filmed updates for the original version of the Top Gear TV series on his time with the Cosworth, noting the car’s thirst for super unleaded fuel and the extortionate insurance quotes received for it. He also gave it the name ‘Gary’ during this long-term test.

Friends reunited

In October 1993, the Ford was given away by Clarkson to help launch the then-new Top Gear magazine. Mercifully, a year’s free insurance came with the car as well.

The Cosworth was one car that seemingly played on Clarkson’s mind throughout the 1990s. He was finally reunited with ‘Gary’ in 2000, as part of Clarkson’s Car Years series. The duo were filmed tackling North Yorkshire’s infamous Buttertubs Pass.

In the film, Jeremy said: ‘One of my all-time favourite roads meets one of my all-time favourite cars: the Cossie’.

Passing through private hands, the Escort was listed for sale in 2007 wearing aftermarket 18-inch alloy wheels, but still with the same registration number.

No need to be a millionaire

More recently, the long-term owner of the Escort RS Cosworth gave it a mechanical overhaul, with particular attention paid to the brakes and suspension. A set of original Ford alloy wheels were fitted, with the interior headlining also replaced. 

The Cosworth is heading to auction with a suggested guide price of between £65,000 and £75,000. Given the sums paid for Fast Fords in recent years, this seems quite reasonable.

‘Gary’ will cross the block on Saturday 24 August 2024 as part of the Iconic Auctioneers sale, taking place at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.