The Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 is a truly legendary vehicle and stands as one of Ford’s most iconic vehicles ever produced.
With interest in retro Fords skyrocketing in recent years, these souped-up saloons are at the very top of many collectors’ shopping lists.
This modified example presents buyers with an opportunity to secure such a rare beast, with the advantage of being one of the finest Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworths to exist today.
This is a vehicle that has been stripped down to the bare shell, fitted with a range of race-spec performance parts, and built to the absolute highest level. The sheer value presented to buyers with the parts fitted to this vehicle alone is worthy of consideration.
This mighty Sierra Sapphire of course began life as an original RS Cosworth model and has been enjoyed by 7 former keepers prior to the current owner.
Throughout its time with the current keeper, the vehicle has undergone a rather significant transformation, beginning with thorough underbody repairs & further rust prevention.
As part of this process, the chassis was completely stripped down and treated to fresh metal where needed. Once absolutely perfect, the underside was then protected with anti-chip coating and fresh underseal. The chassis was also treated to a fresh coat of high gloss black paint.
With no expense spared throughout the rebuild process, all consumables and regular maintenance parts such as wheel bearings were also replaced with new, high-quality replacements.
In addition to the above, the vehicle’s engine was recently rebuilt by Harvey Gibbs of Supreme Car Services at a total cost of £12,478. The full specification can be found in the “Mechanics” section below, but it should go without saying that this impressive engine alone is a hidden gem itself.
Evidence of all parts and previous labour is supported by a tremendous stack of invoices, covering a range of areas, from the built engine all the way to new sensors.
A quick glance alone through this collection of invoices reveals an enormous amount invested into this vehicle, presenting buyers with fantastic value for money here today.
The paperwork also includes previous MOT certificates, a dyno printout, and the V5C document ready for the new owner.
Now, this vehicle is ready to enjoy a new home, where it begs to be enjoyed out on the road or indeed the track. Being a rather rare vehicle, this would also suit those looking for an exquisite collection piece.r2FqgLy4nKRKpxIsKOgPwoPWecz3JRwKbPZYS03j.jpeg210.9 KB
The Interior
Excellent condition
Original Recaro seats
Stack ST700 display, complete with rev counter, water temp, oil pressure, shift light functions, and a matching Stack electronic speedometer
Discretely mounted ignition kill switch
Piano black gloss & carbon fibre dash inlays
Integrated Parrot Bluetooth system, 12V, and USB sockets
Alpine CDE1938T head unit
Boot mounted Bose amplifier
Custom red seat belts throughout
Black perforated headliner
Ford fitted carpet mats
Lifeline plumbed in fire extinguisher system with dash-mounted controls
This Sierra Sapphire shows a fantastic combination of performance upgrades and original interior comforts.
It's the sort of pairing that would suggest the vehicle would happily suit a track day in the morning, and then carry the weekly shop without trouble in the afternoon.
Despite being packed with aftermarket toys, the car still boasts the original Recaro seats, adorned with a custom set of red seat belts. Due to the age of the vehicle, buyers can expect the driver’s seat to show minor signs of wear, but hardly anything capable of detracting from the driving experience.
The front passenger seat follows behind, showing very few signs of use. The rear seats also show off the custom red belts and appear to have only been sat in a mere handful of times.
The car shows off clean carpeting throughout the cabin, with fitted Ford floor mats poised as the cherry on top. The black perforated headliner is in a similar condition, showing very few signs of age whatsoever.
All four door cards are also in excellent condition for their age, with the driver’s side of course showing more signs of use. For those looking to preserve the vehicle’s purity moving forwards, a little dash of TLC and trim product would likely bring the door card’s finish back to former glory in no time at all.
Diverting your attention to the front of the car, it would be rather difficult to miss the sporty OMP 3-spoke steering wheel and dashboard gizmos. The steering wheel has seen use, but remains in great shape, and is a welcome contributor to the sporty nature of this car.
Hidden amongst carbon fibre and gloss black dashboard trim, you’ll find a Stack ST700 display, Parrot Bluetooth system, Alpine head unit, and switches complete with controls for the fire extinguisher system. All controls are in full working order and show minimal wear on contact points.
In the boot, you’ll find another example of the car’s quirky balance of performance & comfort; a Bose amplifier right next to a race-spec aluminum washer fluid tank.
You’ll also find a fuse box, and the Lifeline fire extinguisher, mounted in the centre.
This Ford Sierra Sapphire is in excellent condition and is one truly spectacular-looking car.
The glossy black finish and Morette twin headlamps give the front end a mean, race-inspired aesthetic, while the debadged exterior sets this example aside as a sleek beauty.
The paintwork is in fantastic condition, with only one noticeable defect found just above the driver’s rear light. This would very likely vanish with a polish and is only noticeable upon rather close inspection. Otherwise, this vehicle shows off its mirror-like finish with pride and deserves to be admired in person.
The car sits on a set of 17x8 Compomotive Motorsport alloy wheels, befitting the car’s era and race-inspired style. All 4 wheels wear their Anthracite finish beautifully, and are just enough to allow the AP Racing brake calipers to peek through.
The wheels are wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres with plenty of tread left for the new owner to enjoy. If you’re familiar with performance tyres, you’ll likely know that these are the ideal candidate to help put down the car’s power and keep you planted on the road.
Overall, the car presents itself beautifully, with no major defects or signs of age at all.
Highly specced engine, built to the highest standard
Performs fantastically, without fault
Maximum power output 411BHP
No expense spared
Remote locking
Brize Group A intercooler
Group A alloy twin fan radiator
Samco silicone hoses
Group A stainless steel twin side exit exhaust
High-pressure electronic fuel pump with Goodridge braided lines and in-line fuel filter
Mercedes Benz electric power steering pump
Front & rear strut braces
Group A adjustable pedal box
Engine
Harvey Gibbs 4X4 200 series engine block bored 0.50 oversize with long stud conversion and WRC head gasket
Pectel T6 ECU
Jeff Dewett Group A engine wiring loom
Burton fast road cams
Thermatic electric water pump
Brize Axial starter motor
Lightened steel flywheel with ARP bolts
Transmission
Quaife Group N close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox
Short shift kit
Hydraulic clutch operation
Suspension
Koni adjustable dampers front and rear
Eibach 40mm lowering springs
Group A front compression struts
Brakes
AP Racing 4 pot radial-mount calipers, with 304mm discs all round
Bespoke billet caliper mounting brackets
Mechanical handbrake calipers
Braided Goodridge lines throughout
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you won’t be surprised to hear that this Ford Sierra Sapphire is to put it no other way; the bee’s knees. It’s absolutely packed with high-performance parts, ranging from the built engine, all the way to beefy 4-pot AP Racing calipers on each corner.
It’s not just a pile of snazzy parts either, it's a fine-tuned machine capable of delivering a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience, and will surprise any vehicle on the road or track.
After being fitted with an engine specced to the high heavens, the car was put on the dyno to prove its worth and returned an impressive maximum power output of 411BHP and maximum torque figure of 369 lbs/ft.
Although the vehicle’s interior remains an intact and comfortable environment, passengers are still treated to a very progressive powerband and plenty of turbocharged goodness.
This is one of those rare vehicles that puts your appreciation for modern vehicles aside, in exchange for a grin-inducing blast from the past.
With no known mechanical or electrical issues to report, this Sierra Sapphire is more than ready to be enjoyed by the lucky new owner, and will surely provide endless fun behind the wheel.
This Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth is one of the few cars that deserves your utmost attention and should be considered by any enthusiast or collector.
It’s been tastefully modified with a fantastic amount of race-spec performance parts, yet still retains plenty of OEM purity, sitting perfectly on the edge between manic track weapon and sporty family saloon.
Built to the highest standard with no expense spared, this is a rare car you simply cannot afford to miss out on.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
