This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, Supercar Fest Sale of Iconic and Classic Cars 2024 on Saturday the 18th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. If the RS Cosworth was an homologation car, the RS500 was an evolution special. Once Ford had built the requisite 5, 000 RS Cosworths, 'Group A' rules allowed an upgraded 'evolution' model to be launched. This could carry changes focused on improving its racing potential, provided Ford sold 10% of the original number as road cars, hence the 500, with the vast majority (392) being finished in Black, 56 in Diamond White and 52 in Moonstone Blue. All RS500s had modified bodywork and the cachet of being hand-assembled. Indeed, during the model's 30th Anniversary year in 2017, the RS500 was named the 'Ultimate Cosworth' by one of the UK's biggest one-make car shows.
The car presented here is the 1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth, #433, finished in Diamond White and despatched from Tickfords on 6th August 1987 to Bristol Street Motors of Cheltenham. It was immediately registered by its first keeper as E100 GFH, before becoming the totally appropriate E433 COS during our vendor’s ownership.
The condition of the car is truly remarkable. Iconic Auctioneers (formerly Silverstone Auctions) has been fortunate enough to bring over 30 RS500s to market, and this is undeniably one of, if not the, best of all. The paintwork is immaculate, with no evidence of having been touched over the years, appearing to be all original. The interior of the car truly sets it apart from the rest, having benefited from living in a temperature-controlled garage, under a custom-made RS500 car cover, with custom-made covers protecting the dashboard, gear knob and steering wheel, a wonderful example of just how cherished this ‘pride and joy’ car is. Mechanically it has never been messed with, retaining all its original parts, except for the new/ old stock original specification exhaust, with the original item accompanying the car at the sale.
In 2007, our vendor set his mind on sourcing and buying the best RS500 he could find to add to his Collection, and that is exactly what he achieved here. Following months of research, viewings and knowing the right people, he was able to find the car in question, #433, and purchased it for what, at the time, was the highest ever price paid for an RS500. Shortly after taking delivery in 2007, he set about removing as much of the factory underseal as possible in order to showcase the condition of the car’s underside being as strong as the topside.
The well presented history file makes for confidence-inspiring reading and displays the same amount of attention to detail as the rest of the car. The original book packs are present in their original wallets, including the main stamped service book up to 9, 167 miles, a large quantity of invoices for parts and maintenance and almost every single MOT from new in chronological order, confirming the car’s low indicated mileage. Although only used very lightly, the RS has been regularly serviced, maintained and detailed during our marque-expert vendor’s ownership, primarily undertaken by him, including two cam belt changes. His ‘perfectionist’ attention to originality can be illustrated by the fact that his cars are always stored on padded mats to ensure that the tyres never become squared-off due to lack of movement. The original set of tyres will accompany the car at the sale, alongside the original exhaust. This uncompromising approach might explain why this gleaming white RS500 may well be the best you have ever seen, and truly needs to be seen in the metal to be fully appreciated.
#433 has been lovingly taken to shows and events where it has won a borderline embarrassing amount of awards, undoubtedly as a result of its incredible condition and microscopic attention to every detail. We understand that #433 drives as perfectly as you’d imagine, with a pure, unspoilt and original feel.
Well known and much respected within the Owners Club, just 12, 805 miles indicated, recently serviced with a fresh MOT and documented long term meticulous care from a dedicated owner all suggest that this is a remarkable opportunity and we invite and encourage your viewing of this best of breed example of a model that is considered the 'high-water mark' in Ford’s enviable back-catalogue.