Jeremy Clarkson’s Former Ford Escort RS Cosworth Sets Record Sale Price

A 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth, once driven by the well-known television personality Jeremy Clarkson, has recently garnered attention by selling for a remarkable £67,500 (~$88,825) at Silverstone Festival’s Iconic Auctioneers event. This high-performance hatchback surpassed expectations and nearly tripled its auction estimate.

The car isn’t just any Ford; it’s a pre-production model, meticulously hand-built by Ford at an estimated cost of £250,000 (~$329,022). Initially loaned to a young Clarkson, he put the vehicle through its paces extensively, featuring it in various long-term tests. After Clarkson had finished with it, the car was given away in a Top Gear Magazine competition. Years later, Clarkson revisited this very car during the BBC series “Clarkson’s Car Years,” where he lauded it as one of his all-time favorite vehicles.

Over the years, the Escort RS Cosworth has been well-preserved by its subsequent owners. Prior to the auction, it underwent thorough maintenance and received minor interior enhancements to ensure it remained in top form while retaining its original charm.

The auction saw fierce competition with both in-person and online bidders vying for this legendary car. Ultimately, the Escort sold for over $88k, a notable sum reflecting its celebrity ownership and storied history.

While impressive, the Escort RS Cosworth wasn’t the most expensive car at the Silverstone Festival. That honor went to a 2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 SE Coupe, which fetched a staggering $562,590. On the other end of the spectrum, a more affordable option, a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E, sold for a modest $7,475.

The sale of the Escort RS Cosworth serves as a reminder of the lasting appeal and value that can be found in well-maintained, historically significant cars, particularly those with a bit of celebrity cachet.

Source: Iconic Auctioneers