I can't be the only one with a weakness for Fast Fords?
Discussion
This is copied from my Car Investment Website (address in profile), but I thought this would be relevant to my fellow PH'ers.
I have always had a weakness for Fast Fords and thought I'd share some idea on models that I feel would make a good future investment.
Other than with Ford’s giant killing success at Le Mans in the late 60’s sending the prices and collectability of the GT40 skyrocketing, what makes Performance Fords a very tempting investment?
It started in the early days of the Ford Escort, with the Escort Twin Cam, which featured a Lotus made engine helping make this quick Escort one of the best selling cars of the 60’s. The Production of the Twin Cam was phased out as the well-known rally success, the RS1600 was developed.
The Mark I Escorts became very successful as a rally car, and they eventually went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s / early 1970s, with the greatest victory being in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally. This gave rise to the famous Escort Mexico a special edition road version in honour of the rally car.
Ford also produced an RS2000 model as a more “civilised” alternative to the somewhat temperamental RS1600, this also clocked up some rally and racing victories; and pre-empted the hot hatch market as a desirable but affordable performance road car. Like the Mexico and RS1600, this model is highly sought after today reflecting an amazing investment opportunity in light of this motorsport success.
It’s this rally heritage that has stuck by Ford’s performance model and helped to give the two letters ‘RS’ one of the most respected reputations in automotive history. It’s a recurring theme with Ford’s rally success turning the road cars into investment goldmines.
For example, the RS200 was released in the heyday of rallying to compete in the ill-fated group B class only to achieve a best result of a 3rd place finish in it’s career. Despite this, Ford RS’ notoriety had been set and now RS200’s which once sold for £40,000 are now retailing £120,000+.
There was also another name that came to the forefront and become cemented in Ford's history following the RS200’s jump is value, that name was ‘Cosworth’.
Cosworth have a long and prolific motorsport history both in working with Ford and other F1 teams since 1963. The Sierra Cosworth of 1985 was built to branch Ford’s Motorsport prowess into the growing Global Touring Car series. To ensure the car was going to be a class leader and re-instate Ford at the top of Motorsport, the ‘Cosworth DFV’ engine was selected thanks to its 154 Formula 1 victories. Such amazing prominence gives kudos even today that’s represented in the amazing values today as they fast approach £40,000.
Since the Sierra, Cosworth has now become synonymous with Performance Fords meaning the following later cars are still benefitting from the remarkable motorsport history.
The later Sapphire Cosworth was less well received from the original, however good ones are still climbing as the lower end are quickly rotting away or being modified beyond return.
Following the Sierra, Ford Motorsport turned their attention back to rallying and partnered with Cosworth again to produce the ultimate performance icon of the 90’s – The Escort Cosworth.
The Escort Cosworth achieved numerous successes in the WRC (world rally championship) between 1994 and 1999 and in the same way that it did with the original Escort – this rally success made the road car instantly desirable.
The Escort Cosworth originally sold new for £25,800 and has barely depreciated in 15 years!
However, I have noticed some begin to drop recently and would be my tip for a very solid long term investment. I have no doubt that they will reach the levels of the Sierra in the near future.
Following in the trend of classic RS’s is the Mark 1 Ford Focus. Despite parting company with Cosworth, the Focus had an amazing rally career and along with being produced in very limited numbers (4500 worldwide) it will be considered a future classic Ford, following in the footsteps of the Escort Cosworth before it.
It is clear to see that the well looked after RS models will continue to rise in value, however where does that leave the model ranges of the ‘ST’ and ‘XR’ that have always been in the shadow of the RS family that could be ripe for quick and decent profit margins?
Well cared for fast Fords look to always appreciate in value and can be a great choice for a quick turnaround (as I have discussed in my previous articles, however my Choices for future Investment, in order of profitability.
• GT40
• RS200
• Escort Mark 1 and 2 RS1600 / RS200
• Escort RS Cosworth
• Escort RS Turbo Series 1 and 2
• Focus RS
• Sierra Sapphire Cosworth
• Sierra Cosworth
• Ford Racing Puma
• Fiesta XR2
• Fiesta RS1800
Thanks for reading!
I have always had a weakness for Fast Fords and thought I'd share some idea on models that I feel would make a good future investment.
Other than with Ford’s giant killing success at Le Mans in the late 60’s sending the prices and collectability of the GT40 skyrocketing, what makes Performance Fords a very tempting investment?
It started in the early days of the Ford Escort, with the Escort Twin Cam, which featured a Lotus made engine helping make this quick Escort one of the best selling cars of the 60’s. The Production of the Twin Cam was phased out as the well-known rally success, the RS1600 was developed.
The Mark I Escorts became very successful as a rally car, and they eventually went on to become one of the most successful rally cars of all time. The Ford works team was practically unbeatable in the late 1960s / early 1970s, with the greatest victory being in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally. This gave rise to the famous Escort Mexico a special edition road version in honour of the rally car.
Ford also produced an RS2000 model as a more “civilised” alternative to the somewhat temperamental RS1600, this also clocked up some rally and racing victories; and pre-empted the hot hatch market as a desirable but affordable performance road car. Like the Mexico and RS1600, this model is highly sought after today reflecting an amazing investment opportunity in light of this motorsport success.
It’s this rally heritage that has stuck by Ford’s performance model and helped to give the two letters ‘RS’ one of the most respected reputations in automotive history. It’s a recurring theme with Ford’s rally success turning the road cars into investment goldmines.
For example, the RS200 was released in the heyday of rallying to compete in the ill-fated group B class only to achieve a best result of a 3rd place finish in it’s career. Despite this, Ford RS’ notoriety had been set and now RS200’s which once sold for £40,000 are now retailing £120,000+.
There was also another name that came to the forefront and become cemented in Ford's history following the RS200’s jump is value, that name was ‘Cosworth’.
Cosworth have a long and prolific motorsport history both in working with Ford and other F1 teams since 1963. The Sierra Cosworth of 1985 was built to branch Ford’s Motorsport prowess into the growing Global Touring Car series. To ensure the car was going to be a class leader and re-instate Ford at the top of Motorsport, the ‘Cosworth DFV’ engine was selected thanks to its 154 Formula 1 victories. Such amazing prominence gives kudos even today that’s represented in the amazing values today as they fast approach £40,000.
Since the Sierra, Cosworth has now become synonymous with Performance Fords meaning the following later cars are still benefitting from the remarkable motorsport history.
The later Sapphire Cosworth was less well received from the original, however good ones are still climbing as the lower end are quickly rotting away or being modified beyond return.
Following the Sierra, Ford Motorsport turned their attention back to rallying and partnered with Cosworth again to produce the ultimate performance icon of the 90’s – The Escort Cosworth.
The Escort Cosworth achieved numerous successes in the WRC (world rally championship) between 1994 and 1999 and in the same way that it did with the original Escort – this rally success made the road car instantly desirable.
The Escort Cosworth originally sold new for £25,800 and has barely depreciated in 15 years!
However, I have noticed some begin to drop recently and would be my tip for a very solid long term investment. I have no doubt that they will reach the levels of the Sierra in the near future.
Following in the trend of classic RS’s is the Mark 1 Ford Focus. Despite parting company with Cosworth, the Focus had an amazing rally career and along with being produced in very limited numbers (4500 worldwide) it will be considered a future classic Ford, following in the footsteps of the Escort Cosworth before it.
It is clear to see that the well looked after RS models will continue to rise in value, however where does that leave the model ranges of the ‘ST’ and ‘XR’ that have always been in the shadow of the RS family that could be ripe for quick and decent profit margins?
Well cared for fast Fords look to always appreciate in value and can be a great choice for a quick turnaround (as I have discussed in my previous articles, however my Choices for future Investment, in order of profitability.
• GT40
• RS200
• Escort Mark 1 and 2 RS1600 / RS200
• Escort RS Cosworth
• Escort RS Turbo Series 1 and 2
• Focus RS
• Sierra Sapphire Cosworth
• Sierra Cosworth
• Ford Racing Puma
• Fiesta XR2
• Fiesta RS1800
Thanks for reading!
How do you actually make profit in these cars as an investment. If that is what you are saying, then the ROCE is very low.
I understand that people buy as an investment but then using them would harm the value.
Also the Testarossa is a flat 12 not v12 as listed on your website.
I understand that people buy as an investment but then using them would harm the value.
Also the Testarossa is a flat 12 not v12 as listed on your website.
Edited by The Spruce goose on Tuesday 6th March 19:00
The Spruce goose said:
How do you actually make profit in these cars as an investment. If that is what you are saying, then the ROCE is very low.
I understand that people buy as an investment but then using them would harm the value.
Also the Testarossa is a flat v12 not v12 as listed on your website.
Given so much of what he wrote on the Fords above is complete tosh...and Im not even a Ford fan or Beard, I dread to think what drivel I would find if I went to see what he has written about stuff I am a Beard on!I understand that people buy as an investment but then using them would harm the value.
Also the Testarossa is a flat v12 not v12 as listed on your website.
I've always been a massive ford fan, my first car was an XR2. Not a fast ford but I loved it.
I've had several Mk2 RS2000s, a couple of RS Turbos and a couple of Cosworths but the last was about 15 years ago.
The values have just gone mental over the last few years which means buying now wouldn't be an investment but more of a risk and using a fast ford at its value now would definately not be a good idea.
If I were buying one now I've got 2 or 3 I'd like. A moonstone 3 door cosworth. Nothing out of this world but I think it will still be £10k+, a Mk1 RS but it would have to be either a rep of in need of work or it'll daft money or a Mk2 Lotus Cortina which I think is the best kept secret with values nowhere near the Mk1s or other crazy priced fords.
Anyone seen the Bonkers collection??
I've had several Mk2 RS2000s, a couple of RS Turbos and a couple of Cosworths but the last was about 15 years ago.
The values have just gone mental over the last few years which means buying now wouldn't be an investment but more of a risk and using a fast ford at its value now would definately not be a good idea.
If I were buying one now I've got 2 or 3 I'd like. A moonstone 3 door cosworth. Nothing out of this world but I think it will still be £10k+, a Mk1 RS but it would have to be either a rep of in need of work or it'll daft money or a Mk2 Lotus Cortina which I think is the best kept secret with values nowhere near the Mk1s or other crazy priced fords.
Anyone seen the Bonkers collection??
Edited by falkster on Tuesday 6th March 08:31
The stuff that will appreciate int eh future will the rare rotting stuff. Next it will be MG Metros, (already happening), MG Maerstros and Montegos, and things like Nova Sports, Astra GTEs etc.
Stuff that was mainstream but that people had to bomb about in in the 80s, but that have generally rotted away.
Who's to say we wont see a £20k Nova Sport in 10 years?
Stuff that was mainstream but that people had to bomb about in in the 80s, but that have generally rotted away.
Who's to say we wont see a £20k Nova Sport in 10 years?
s3fella said:
The stuff that will appreciate int eh future will the rare rotting stuff. Next it will be MG Metros, (already happening), MG Maerstros and Montegos, and things like Nova Sports, Astra GTEs etc.
Stuff that was mainstream but that people had to bomb about in in the 80s, but that have generally rotted away.
Who's to say we wont see a £20k Nova Sport in 10 years?
Great call!! Other than the Astra I suppose the others you've listed were cars we grew up with but, at the time, thought were terrible. My dad had an MG EFi and Turbo Montego - all I remember is the rust starting at 18 months old. Stuff that was mainstream but that people had to bomb about in in the 80s, but that have generally rotted away.
Who's to say we wont see a £20k Nova Sport in 10 years?
falkster said:
s3fella said:
The stuff that will appreciate int eh future will the rare rotting stuff. Next it will be MG Metros, (already happening), MG Maerstros and Montegos, and things like Nova Sports, Astra GTEs etc.
Stuff that was mainstream but that people had to bomb about in in the 80s, but that have generally rotted away.
Who's to say we wont see a £20k Nova Sport in 10 years?
Great call!! Other than the Astra I suppose the others you've listed were cars we grew up with but, at the time, thought were terrible. My dad had an MG EFi and Turbo Montego - all I remember is the rust starting at 18 months old. Stuff that was mainstream but that people had to bomb about in in the 80s, but that have generally rotted away.
Who's to say we wont see a £20k Nova Sport in 10 years?
I think you could certainly class the XR2 as a Fast Ford though Falkster - saw one the other weekend, a Mk1 Y-reg. Supersports seem even rarer now
RatLad said:
The Escort Cosworth originally sold new for £25,800 and has barely depreciated in 15 years!
However, I have noticed some begin to drop recently and would be my tip for a very solid long term investment.
Investing in these cars is pointless. I have one and know exactly how much it costs to keep it in the condition that I bought it and I do less than 1000 miles a year in it. However, I have noticed some begin to drop recently and would be my tip for a very solid long term investment.
If you had bought one new for £25000 and never drove it, it would probably still only be worth £25000 today.
You mention long term investment and I agree in the next 10 years it will increase in value maybe even up to £35000. It sounds great on the face of it but if you factor in inflation and what you could make on other types investments with your £25000 it doesn't make much sense.
xrv said:
Investing in these cars is pointless. I have one and know exactly how much it costs to keep it in the condition that I bought it and I do less than 1000 miles a year in it.
If you had bought one new for £25000 and never drove it, it would probably still only be worth £25000 today.
You mention long term investment and I agree in the next 10 years it will increase in value maybe even up to £35000. It sounds great on the face of it but if you factor in inflation and what you could make on other types investments with your £25000 it doesn't make much sense.
Additionally, they are only investments if you don't use them - it's like buying a house and leaving it vacant.If you had bought one new for £25000 and never drove it, it would probably still only be worth £25000 today.
You mention long term investment and I agree in the next 10 years it will increase in value maybe even up to £35000. It sounds great on the face of it but if you factor in inflation and what you could make on other types investments with your £25000 it doesn't make much sense.
s m said:
I've seen a Montego Turbo recently but not a Maestro.
I think you could certainly class the XR2 as a Fast Ford though Falkster - saw one the other weekend, a Mk1 Y-reg. Supersports seem even rarer now
As I've for older I wished I'd bought the Mk1 XR2 but when you're a kid you want the newest car you can afford and I, sadly, went for the radiant red mk2. I think you could certainly class the XR2 as a Fast Ford though Falkster - saw one the other weekend, a Mk1 Y-reg. Supersports seem even rarer now
I did the same when I bought my first E30. Worked all hours and this guy couldn't afford the repayments so got a 3 year old, 90H tech2 325 sport for what seemed pennies but now I wished I'd bought a tech1 sport, much better looking car.
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