Description
H&H Classics Auction Sale at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford
15th Mar, 2023 13:00
Registration No: A20 RRS
Chassis No: WF0EXXGBBEGA00197
MOT: T. B. A
• Finished in arguably the most desirable colour, Moonstone Blue Metallic • 1 of just 1, 653 UK registered examples (from the 5, 545 three-door cars built) • Extensively renovated during the current ownership • Recent engine overhaul by Rose Race Cars of Cheltenham (with the turbocharger being entrusted to Turbo Dynamics for reconditioning) • Retaining much of its original Grey cloth upholstery with K. C. Customs of Hayling Island treating it to a new headliner and other cosmetic improvements • Brake system overhaul, new petrol tank / pump and refurbished alloy wheels etc. Offered with a collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
Introduced at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show, the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth - the first Blue Oval product to wear a Cosworth badge - was the brainchild of Stuart Turner and his team. Conceived as a means of homologating the Sierra for Group A Touring Car Racing, the newcomer's three-door monocoque bodyshell was aerodynamically enhanced via a deep front air dam, side skirts and 'whale tail' rear spoiler. Powered by a Cosworth-designed 2-litre DOHC 16-valve turbo engine allied to Borg Warner T5 manual transmission, the rear-wheel drive hatchback was credited with developing some 204bhp and 205lbft. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6. 2 seconds and 149. 5mph in standard tune, total production of the first-generation RS Cosworth is thought to have amounted to just 5, 542 cars. In a condition you could describe as superior to many that have covered a much lower mileage, this RS Cosworth has had just 3 former keepers. It's interesting to note the original supplying Ford dealer retained the vehicle as a demonstrator for approximately 4 months from first registration on 1st August 1987, with the second keeper acquiring the vehicle on 28th November 1987 and the third on 21st March 1992. With maintenance carried out by a Ford dealership from 1992 to 2019, in 1998 the Cosworth displayed 95, 347 miles recorded at the time of the MOT. The current owner acquired the vehicle on 25th June 2019 with 103, 000 miles displayed on the clock. It was at this point that the car was partially dismantled and placed into long-term storage. The last MOT had been passed on 25th June 2010.
During its current ownership, extensive works of renovation have been undertaken; the body was found to be in remarkably good condition, requiring only minor repairs, before undergoing a strip down and repaint in the original Moonstone Blue. The interior had been removed from the car and kept in heated premises during the period the vehicle was in long-term storage and is in remarkably good condition. It has been valeted and carefully reinstalled and a new headlining has also been fitted. At the same time, all the interior, glass and elements of the body kit were restored, repainted and refitted. This task was undertaken professionally to a high standard.
Upon purchase, the current owner was advised the engine had been rebuilt at 88, 000 miles. In spite of this, the engine has undergone a further strip down and rebuild by Rose Race Cars of Cheltenham including reconditioning of the turbocharger by Turbo Dynamics. In addition, the brakes have been overhauled, new pads, calipers and flexible hoses have been fitted plus the reconditioning / rewinding of the ABS pump motor, a new fuel tank and pump. The wheels have been restored and diamond-cut and shod 205/ 50/ R15 89V Toyo Proxes T7R tyres. ‘A20 RRS’ comes with various documents including invoices, tax discs, old MOTs (dating back to 1991), an early V5, and an original sales brochure in excellent condition. The vehicle is currently on a SORN, however, it is planned to have the car MOT'd into February of 2024. Reluctantly offered to a new owner due to the current owner suffering ill health, prohibiting him from driving. A model-related cherished registration ‘A20 RRS’ (original number 'E444 YDO') accompanies this RS Cosworth. The vendor has described the bodywork, engine, paintwork and transmission as ‘Excellent’ and the electrics and interior as ‘Very Good’.
