The Ford Escort RS Cosworth shouldn’t need an introduction. If, like me, you’ve been obsessed with cars for as long as you can remember, this rally-bred legend has, at some point, held a firm spot in your top three must-own cars. Fast forward to 2025, and prices are only heading in one direction—up. A well-kept example will now set you back a cool €80,000. Those who got in before the hype? Sitting pretty.
But here’s the thing some people don’t care about the skyrocketing values. Some people just want to build their perfect version of an all-time great. And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of passion I respect.
Enter Árpád Lakatos of RS-Tuning in Hungary. In his eyes, he’s created the ultimate Escort RS Cosworth. And looking at the result, it’s hard to argue. The first thing that grabs you is the stance—the car sits impossibly low, thanks to a fully custom-built airride setup. No off-the-shelf system exists for this car, so Árpád and his team had to develop their own, opting for a Grinds air management system to control it all.
Then there are the wheels—a jaw-dropping set of BBS LM alloys in 19×9.5J all around. A bold choice, but one that somehow works perfectly on the Escort’s wide-arched body.
Look closer, and you’ll start to notice the carbon fiber. RS-Tuning isn’t just a performance shop—they also have a subsidiary called RS-Carbon specializing in carbon craftsmanship. Naturally, they put their expertise to work here, crafting a carbon fiber front lip, bonnet, and, of course, that legendary Cosworth rear wing.
Step inside, and the theme continues. The Recaro CS seats feature carbon shell backs, blending seamlessly into an interior that has been completely reupholstered in Alcantara. The result? A cockpit that feels every bit as special as the exterior.
This Escort RS Cosworth isn’t just a resto-mod. It’s not a museum piece, either. It’s a labor of love, a machine built to be driven hard, and a reminder that no matter how valuable a car becomes, it’s still meant to be used. And that, above all else, is what makes it truly special.
