In an undisclosed location somewhere in Europe, not one, but two classic Ford Escort RS Cosworths are slowly rotting away. They were recently featured in a YouTube video by The Bearded Explorer, and you don't have to be a Ford fan to feel the pain of this case. These cars were truly disappointing.
The video begins with a “very long drive” to a rural location, which according to the video description is a secret, as the property is clearly under surveillance and in regular use. There are actually several buildings in the area; in front of the two escorts we see a number of cars, including a Porsche 928 that appears to have burned out in one spot. Also lying in the grass is a BMW E30 Touring, a classic Mini Cooper S, and the skeleton of an airplane nearby.
The Escorts have suffered the most. Judging by the registration plates, they have been there for at least 20 years. Both are completely covered in dirt and moss, so much so that the camera can't see through the windows. The bearded researcher can see the black leather interiors in both, which makes this find even more bittersweet. He cites anonymous sources who tell him that one of the cars has only driven 12.500 miles, or a good 20.000 kilometers.
Even with such low mileage, it would need a complete restoration to bring it back to life. Up close, the brakes on both cars are just rust. We can't see under the hoods, but the seals and pipes of the 2,0-liter Cosworth turbo engines are certainly destroyed.
The rust appears to be minimal at least – there’s a little visible on the rear fender of the blue van, but we dread to think what the undercarriage looks like. Prolonged exposure to bare ground can lead to various moisture problems, and the problem is exacerbated by the fact that the barn has open sides.
Still, they are worth saving. In excellent condition, a Ford Escort RS Cosworth can easily fetch a price of 50.000 euros. Unfortunately, these cars are likely to remain as they are for the foreseeable future. As can be seen in the video, the current owner has no intention of selling them or doing anything to save them. It is a sad end for two legendary cars.
