The Ford Escort RS Turbo Series 1, launched in 1985, occupies a special place in British motoring history as one of the most iconic hot hatches of the 1980s.

Origins and development:

By the mid-1980s, Ford of Europe’s Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) team needed a performance flagship for the Mk3 Escort range. The result was the RS Turbo, developed largely in Germany and the UK, but built at Ford’s Saarlouis plant. It was designed to sit above the Escort XR3i and to take on rivals like the Vauxhall Astra GTE and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Engine and performance:

At its heart was a 1.6-litre CVH engine fitted with a Garrett T3 turbocharger and Bosch fuel injection. Producing around 132 bhp, the RS Turbo was seriously quick for its day:

• 0–60 mph in around 8 seconds
• Top speed of approximately 128 mph

Torque delivery was aggressive, giving the car a reputation for strong straight-line pace and, in the wrong hands, lively torque steer.

Design and features:

The Series 1 RS Turbo was instantly recognisable:

• Diamond White was the only factory colour
• Deep front bumper, side skirts and rear spoiler
• 15-inch RS alloys
• Blue-striped Recaro seats and RS badging inside

Unlike many hot hatches of the era, it felt purpose-built rather than merely upgraded.

Reputation and cultural impact:

In Britain, the RS Turbo quickly became a cult car. It was admired for its performance but also gained notoriety for:

• High insurance premiums
• Being a frequent target for theft
• A strong association with 1980s “fast Ford” culture

It was also famously favoured by Princess Diana, who owned a black RS Turbo (a modified example), further cementing its place in popular culture.

Series 1 vs later models:

The Series 1 (1985–1986) is generally regarded as the most desirable version. In 1986, Ford introduced the Series 2, which featured mechanical revisions, a lower ride height, and a broader colour range, but many enthusiasts feel it lost some of the raw edge of the original.

Legacy:

Today, the Escort RS Turbo Series 1 is a highly sought-after classic, valued for its rarity, performance and unmistakable 1980s character. It represents the peak of Ford’s turbocharged hot-hatch era and remains one of the most celebrated fast Fords ever produced.