AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL 2023

Back after an absence of three years, the Autosport International 2023 show provided a great start to the year for many motorsport fans and companies.

We popped along on the Thursday trade day to take a look, as well as catch up with numerous customers and suppliers. Whilst the show was quieter than it was on previous years (like when we visited back in 2020), there were still plenty of trade stands to visit. Plus, there were a few Cosworth-powered cars to search out.

Here are four Cosworth-powered cars that we managed to spot, and all very different to one another in lots of ways!

Ford Escort Mk1

Ford Escort Mk2

The Ford Escort Mk1 dominated the rallying world – indeed, it was one of the most successful cars between 1968 and 1981. In 1970 the engine switched to the Cosworth BDA, an engine designed by Mike Hall. The BDA (belt-driven, type A) proved to be a formidable powerplant, evolving into numerous other specifications such as the hugely popular BDG.

Today we supply numerous parts for the Cosworth BD-series engines, such as pistons, valve springs and bearings.

2. Ford Escort WRC

Ford Escort WRC

In the late 90s the Ford Escort WRC was the king of rallying. Powered by Cosworth’s YB engine, the Escort WRC was introduced to the WRC series at the Monaco event in 1997.

You can read more about the Escort WRC’s tumultuous birth here: https://www.fastcar.co.uk/tuning-tech-guides/escort-cosworth-wrc-the-greatest-escort-of-all/

3. Aston Martin Valkyrie

Aston Martin Valkyrie

OK, we’ll admit that we don’t stock spare parts for this amazing creation, but maybe in 30 years time we might! Powered by a bespoke Cosworth V12 engine, this car has reset the benchmark for hyper cars in the 2020s. Originally conceived by Adrian Newey and his team at Red Bull Applied Technology, the Valkyrie has now gone into production at Aston Martin’s Gaydon facility.

4. Viking

Viking Monoposto

Alan Baillie built this Viking in his workshop and raced it in the Monoposto Formula Championship. He won 21 races between 1972 and 1976, and the Monoposto Formula Championship in 1974, 1975 and 1976. To be honest, we’re not entirely sure what engine is in this car! From a very cursory internet search it looks like it’s a pushrod Ford 1.6l engine, so it could have been similar to some of Cosworth’s early Ford-based engines.

It was great to finally get a chance to catch up with so many friends, customers and suppliers at what is probably one of the most important motorsport shows on the calendar. We’re already looking forwards to Autosport International 2024!