A rally car once driven to victory by motorsport legend Carlos Sainz Sr. is expected to sell for more than £350,000.
The 1997 Ford Escort WRC was originally piloted by Carlos Sainz and co-driver Luis Moya.
It was one of the first cars developed under the new World Rally Car regulations, which replaced the long-standing ‘Group A’ category and allowed for greater technical freedom in design and performance, as reported by Whats The Jam.
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Throughout the 1997 World Rally Championship season, several top-tier drivers competed in this Escort, including Juha Kankkunen, Armin Schwarz, and Jarmo Kytöleht.
The car contested multiple WRC rounds, including the Swedish Rally, Rally Portugal, and Rallye de France – Tour de Corse.
It secured its maiden victory at the Acropolis Rally in Greece, followed by another win at the Rally of Indonesian – both under the expert control of Sainz Sr.
Mechanically, this particular example underwent a full engine rebuild in 2020 using correct-specification parts, and has seen minimal mileage since.
It also features its original 1997 season livery, preserving its authentic rally heritage.
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Driven by some of the sport’s greatest names and etched into WRC history, this Escort is a rare collector’s opportunity for any serious rally enthusiast.
The car is being offered by Iconic Auctioneers as part of the Silverstone Festival’s ‘Competition Cars’ section, with an estimated value of between £250,000 and £350,000.
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