Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the BRDC Classic 2026 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 25th of July, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. Few performance Fords have achieved the legendary status of the Sierra RS500 Cosworth. Developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering division as the ultimate homologation evolution of the already formidable Sierra RS Cosworth, the RS500 was created specifically to enhance Ford’s competitiveness in Group A touring car racing. With only 500 examples produced and hand-finished by Aston Martin Tickford, the RS500 has become one of the definitive icons of the 1980s performance car era.
Powered by a Cosworth-developed turbocharged 2. 0-litre engine producing 224bhp in road-going form, the RS500 featured numerous upgrades over the standard RS Cosworth, including revised induction and turbocharger arrangements, upgraded brakes and subtle aerodynamic revisions. In competition trim, the model would go on to dominate touring car racing globally, cementing its reputation as one of Ford’s greatest homologation specials.
Offered here is build number 470 of the 500 examples produced, identified as E111 Build 470, chassis #38994. Finished in Moonstone Blue, this example is particularly desirable, being one of just 52 cars believed to have been supplied in this colour, making it amongst the rarest RS500 variants produced.
Supplied new by OMC Ford of Macclesfield on 15th August 1987, the car initially served as the dealership’s demonstrator. Importantly, the original service book remains with the car and contains stamps from OMC Ford, together with Middlewich Autos and Quicks of Chester, documenting servicing up to 66, 663 miles. The accompanying history file is notably comprehensive, including the original owners handbook, Ford radio guide, RS500 supplement, dealer directory and further supporting documentation. Also accompanying the car are original invoices and historical paperwork retained throughout its life.
Indicating 67, 260 miles at the time of photography, this RS500 is described as a genuine and original example, retaining a highly original character increasingly difficult to find amongst surviving cars. Importantly, it is understood never to have been modified in period, avoiding the alterations so commonly associated with RS Cosworth models during the 1990s and early 2000s. Previous commentary within the history file notes that, aside from a glass-out repaint and rebuilt differential, the car had largely only received routine servicing and maintenance throughout its life.
It's understood to have spent some years off the road prior to recommissioning in 2010, after which it returned to enthusiast ownership and subsequently formed part of a private Collection. In August 2015, respected marque specialists, KGF Classic Cars, carried out further works to prepare the car to a high standard, with invoices on file documenting expenditure including servicing and cambelt replacement. The car was later sold by ourselves in 2018 to its previous owner.
Today, the car presents as a highly appealing and well-preserved RS500, combining originality, provenance and rarity in equal measure. Its mileage, while higher than the ultra-low-mileage collector examples that now command substantial premiums, is nevertheless modest and well documented, equating to relatively sparing use throughout its life. Indeed, the car is noted to drive and present particularly well, benefiting from careful long-term ownership and ongoing maintenance.
Accompanied by an extensive history file, original books and supporting documentation, this rare Moonstone Blue RS500 represents an opportunity to acquire one of Ford’s most celebrated homologation specials in highly original and usable condition. As values and collector interest continue to strengthen, well-documented and unmodified examples such as this are becoming increasingly difficult to source.
As ever, we encourage interested parties to inspect the car to fully appreciate its condition, originality and provenance.
