Escort Cossie WRC: Time for Coffee?
It's 25 years since the Cosworth made its rally debut; time for a (very fast) trip down memory lane...
This isn't about what Cossies are worth now though, it's about what it achieved as a WRC car. While its debut season in 1993 - yes, a quarter of a century ago - did not result in any titles, Ford did take second in the Manufacturers' Championship and Francois Delecour secured runners-up spot in the drivers' standings. Going without a title during its time as a rally car meant the Escort might not be remembered as a Ford motorsport legend, but that says as much about the exalted standards of the Blue Oval's triumphs as any major failing of the car.
Anyway, this should be a celebration, so here's a video of the Escort Cosworth winning the Tour de Corse in its first season. It's actually a highlights video, featuring both Delecour and teammate Miki Biasion, but it was the Frenchman who triumphed by more than a minute over Didier Auriol in the Celica.
As always he's great value for the victory, getting the #3 Escort bucking, weaving and flaming around the Mediterranean island in spectacular fashion. The livery looks great, the OZ wheels look great, the double headlamps look great... yep, everything about this old WRC car looks pretty great. And we all know proper homologation cars are better. They just are.
So watch and enjoy as the Escort and Delecour romp around Corsica in a small PH anniversary tribute. Should it prompt wistful memories of your own Cosworth experiences, feel free to share them below...
[Source:Wikipedia]
I have a signed picture of me aged 11 with Malcolm Wilson and his Blue and Yellow Michelin Pilot Escort Cossie, loved that car and color scheme. Think that colour scheme was actually for national and not WRC rallies though.
First knew about it when we went on a school trip to see the police helicopter station, was more interested in the row of RS200's etc parked up near the entrance.
The land is still reportedly owned by Ford Motor Co, they have been trying to get houses on it for a long time.
I've been on that land as I know the farmer, drove part of what is left of the Boreham test track a couple of years ago. Not much left now!
I also donly recall my grandfather talking about going to race events including one Grand Prix there in the 50's.
First knew about it when we went on a school trip to see the police helicopter station, was more interested in the row of RS200's etc parked up near the entrance.
The land is still reportedly owned by Ford Motor Co, they have been trying to get houses on it for a long time.
I've been on that land as I know the farmer, drove part of what is left of the Boreham test track a couple of years ago. Not much left now!
I also donly recall my grandfather talking about going to race events including one Grand Prix there in the 50's.
Grandfather also told a story of settling a score with a friend down there who said his Sunbeam Alpine was quicker than his Zephyr 6 with Raymond Mays cylinder head etc etc, score was duly settled...
Did enjoy visiting Cumbria last year and seeing a M sport Fiesta coming towards me though, that took me by surprise at first, then I twigged due to where we were etc
Some great little bits of history in the local area though - little workshops tucked away that used to do all sorts. Was so many people based near by - the likes of Gordon Spooner etc.
I agree, a lot of history around. We still have Graham Hathaway near Maldon, Geoff Page Racing too.
It's actually quite impressive what expertise there still is about and around Maldon.
Various ex ford rally guys are about, or at least were, and now we have the huge JD classics site too.
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