The use of asbestos was reduced from the 1970s on. Since January 1993 it's no longer allowed to use asbestos in Germany. I'd say the Sapphire 4x4 Cosworth already is asbestos free as the car manufacturers usually switched to non-asbestos parts earlier.

Best thing is to ask Ford Deutschland or Ford UK for an official statement.



P.S.: Funny coincidence: Yesterday I was looking for technical details of the Escort RS2000 16V and in the technical brochure "product introduction" Ford informed their dealers and mechanics that the head gasket is asbestos free.