Highlights

Only one former registered keeper
Extensive history file including the original sales invoice
Noted to have featured on the television programme Bangers and Cash
The vendor describes the car as very good, original and honest throughout
Advisory-free MOT valid to June 2026
Service book stamped regularly until 2008; car subsequently placed into storage
Work between 2022 and 2024 includes rocker cover refurbishment, and new engine oil, oil filter, alloy radiator, Group A coil, thermostat, spark plugs, water temperature sensor, distributor cap and rotor arm

The Appeal

The Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 needs little introduction. Born of Ford's motorsport ambitions and packing a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with permanent four-wheel drive, it was the homologation special that dominated Group A rallying and became an instant icon on the road. Roughly 12,250 units of the 4x4 Sapphire were produced before it was succeeded by the Escort RS Cosworth in 1992, with standard features including a stiffer shell, four-wheel disc brakes with electronic ABS, unique RS spring rates and damping, Recaro front seats and 15-inch lattice-style alloy wheels. Values have risen sharply in recent years, and finding an original, well-documented example with a short ownership history is increasingly difficult.

This 1990 example is just such a car. With only one former registered keeper prior to the current vendor's purchase in December 2021, it has led a sheltered life having been placed into storage in 2008, and comes with an extensive history file. Since acquisition, the vendor has invested in mechanical upkeep while retaining the original parts where possible. It is not presented as a concours restoration but rather as an honest, well-preserved survivor, making it an appealing proposition for the Cosworth enthusiast. Showing 80,416 miles on the odometer, this is a worthwhile opportunity to acquire one of Ford's most recognised performance cars in refreshingly original order.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1990 in the United Kingdom
Only one former registered keeper
Original Peacocks of Balham dealer plates still fitted; original registration ‘H726 WGF’ etched on windscreen
Noted to have featured on the television programme Bangers and Cash
History file including the owner’s manuals, the original sales invoice and extensive maintenance invoices
Service book has regular stamps up until 2008 at 79,325 miles; car subsequently placed into storage
Purchased by the current vendor in December 2021
The odometer now shows 80,416 miles
Advisory-free MOT valid to June 2026
Distributor cap and rotor arm supplied in June 2024 by Graham Goode
Water temperature sensor supplied in May 2023 by Graham Goode
New spark plugs supplied in May 2023 by PartsPlus
Group A coil, alloy radiator and thermostat supplied by Sierras R’ Us throughout July and August 2022
New oil filter supplied by Car Parts Express in June 2022; Titan Race Pro S 10w50 oil supplied by 710 Oil
Rocker cover refurbished in red by Tremona Garage in May 2022

The Condition

Diamond White paintwork
15-inch lattice-style alloy wheels; spare wheel supplied with jack and wheel wrench
Headlight wipers
RS Owners Club windscreen stickers
Black interior with Recaro front seats, electric windows and a sunroof
Stored in a dry garage and kept in a car bubble by current owner
Paintwork described as being in very good condition with a couple of small dents
Engine bay reported to be very clean
Underside could benefit from ice blasting due to mild surface corrosion
Wheels reportedly refurbished to original standard with all new tyres fitted at the same time
Interior described as being in very good condition
Headliner slightly saggy and could do with replacing
Door cards exhibit the usual shrinkage
Correct radio and amplifier fitted; radio requires a code
All instruments reported to work correctly
Original Ford bubble mats present
The vendor describes the car as not concours but in good, original and honest condition

The Mechanics

2.0-litre turbocharged 16-valve Cosworth inline-four with strengthened block, larger T03B turbo and improved intercooler; 220bhp
Five-speed manual transmission with permanent four-wheel drive
Work between 2022 and 2024 includes rocker cover refurbishment, and new engine oil, oil filter, alloy radiator, Group A coil, thermostat, spark plugs, water temperature sensor, distributor cap and rotor arm
New fuel tank and complete new fuel lines from front to back, including the engine bay, we are told

BEFORE YOU BUY

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