Back in 1985 i could have purchased a low mileage 1977 one owner from new Ford Escort RS1800 for only £17000.
At the time it seemed like far too much money to pay, even for one of the rarest and most desirable RS Escorts ever produced.
A work colleague was emigrating to New Zealand, and even though he was prepared to take the car with him, he asked me if i would like first refusal on buying it from him.
At the time my salary was not especially impressive, and even though i had just about enough savings to buy the car, it would have left me nearly broke.
Two years ago i saw one for sale advertised by a specialist Rally company based in Ireland, and he was asking £48000 for it. Within the month the car was sold.
That would have been a healthy return on my £17000 investment, but it would almost be like me buying a new Audi R8 instead of my A1, just about achievable but i would have little left afterwards.
At the time it seemed like far too much money to pay, even for one of the rarest and most desirable RS Escorts ever produced.
A work colleague was emigrating to New Zealand, and even though he was prepared to take the car with him, he asked me if i would like first refusal on buying it from him.
At the time my salary was not especially impressive, and even though i had just about enough savings to buy the car, it would have left me nearly broke.
Two years ago i saw one for sale advertised by a specialist Rally company based in Ireland, and he was asking £48000 for it. Within the month the car was sold.
That would have been a healthy return on my £17000 investment, but it would almost be like me buying a new Audi R8 instead of my A1, just about achievable but i would have little left afterwards.