9. Mark McClelland – 1993 Ford Escort RS Cosworth

As a huge fan of the sport Mark has always aspired to owning a rally version of the Escort Cosworth, and back in 2021 he was able to do just that. With a superb history, this is one special car.

It was constructed by the famous Malcolm Wilson Motorsport - known since 1996 as M-Sport - and was driven by Rod Menzies on the Network Q RAC Rally in 1993 and 1994, although it recorded a ‘DNF’ for the latter. “I owned the road version but was able to part exchange it for this car, and it was a dream come true” says Mark.

The owner also discovered a fascinating part of its story, which saw it being used as a reconnaissance car by the Ford World Rally Team from 1996 to 2002. Used by François Delecour in 2001, it has also been driven by other rally greats including Ari Vatanen and Petter Solberg.

The stunning Escort had been in storage for a number of years, so extensive recommissioning was required along with an update of the safety equipment. The engine, brakes and electrical system were overhauled with the car now ready for the competitive rallies the owner would like to do in the future.

In the meantime, he has certainly enjoyed undertaking some demonstration runs, and visitors to the last show might remember seeing it in action. Plenty more is planned for this year, too, so fans of Group A rallying are in for something of a treat.

As for the livery, it is a recreation of the one featured on Delecour’s Monte Carlo Rally winning RS Cosworth back in 1994. Researching the history has been an enjoyable part of the ownership experience, and having found his dream competition car we can’t imagine the owner ever wanting to part with it.