Description
1988 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth
Please find for sale my stunning 1988 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth, finished in rare Mercury Grey.
This is one of the earliest Sapphire Cosworth’s produced. This model was featured at the famous British International Motor Show in 1988, as well as appearing in the legendary Cosworth advert, which can be viewed on YouTube.
Overview
The car was first registered on 21st May 1988 and was originally sold by Peter Clarke Autos, a now-defunct Ford RS dealership in Skipton, to its first owner, Mr Hardaker, a local Skipton resident.
In its 38 years, the Cosworth has had just 10 previous keepers. It was exceptionally well maintained during its early years, as demonstrated by its comprehensive service history, which contains 18 service stamps, some of which are from Ford, covering a 14-year period. The last recorded mileage during this period was 95, 261 miles. The car was subsequently laid up and remained off the road until returning to the road in 2023, when it reappeared on the MOT registry. It currently has a mileage of approximately 98, 500 miles.
Restoration
The car has undergone a fully comprehensive restoration over the past few years, with a recent documented spend of well over £15, 000 on the engine and various other works.
Work completed prior to my ownership included a complete respray in its signature Mercury Grey, along with a full underside restoration + the headlining was re-trimmed.
The current MOT is valid until 31st May 2027 and has no advisories.
The interior is very clean and presents in very good condition. It retains many of its original and desirable features, including the unique Cosworth original leather gear knob, leather-trimmed 3 spoke Cosworth-specific steering wheel and Recaro sports seats which have been trimmed in the early grey Halley fabric and are in fantastic condition. Also present is the fully working original Ford Stereo and Amplifier (pre-key code) with six speakers.
Engine Bay
Under the bonnet, the car is fitted with a fully rebuilt and documented, period-correct 205-block YB engine, complete with the Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger and intercooler. The engine was recently rebuilt by a highly reputable RS specialist and has been retained in completely factory-standard specification, producing the original 204 PS output rather than being modified for increased power.
The fully documented engine rebuild/ replacement includes:
• New bores and pistons
• New cam belt
• New auxiliary belts
• New hoses, including some Motorcraft items
• New engine wiring loom
• Refurbished turbocharger
• Freshly painted cam cover
• Genuine Ford ignition leads
• Motorcraft coil
• New Clutch
• Replacement genuine Ford radiator
• Replacement genuine Ford intercooler
• Rare intercooler deflector plate
• Ultra-rare original Ford Turbo heat shield
The engine bay has been carefully restored to replicate the appearance of the car as featured in the original 1988 brochure, with period-correct Ford hose clips, the original Ford airbox, a new period-correct replica coolant bottle (original will come with the car) and correctly coloured cam cover bolts (black), along with many other original or period-correct details inc. an original Ford Exhaust. I had a running-in service carried out at 800 miles, and the rebuilt engine has now covered just under 1, 500 miles.
Braking System
The braking system has undergone a complete overhaul at considerable expense. The work includes a refurbished ABS module, all-new brake lines and new genuine Ford front callipers.
Wheels and Tyres
The car is fitted with fully refurbished 15 x 7-inch lattice-style Cosworth wheels, fitted with Continental RainSport tyres.
Additional Documented Work
A selection of the other documented work carried out includes:
• Replacement fuel lines from front to rear
• Replacement front crossmember
• Replacement front steering coupling
• Powerflex inner and outer TCA anti-roll-bar bushes
• Replacement Amal valve and associated pipes
• Replacement gearbox mount
• Replacement differential mount
• OEM-replacement front shock absorbers, finished in black
• Power-steering belt and cooler
• Replacement nearside track-rod ends
• Four replacement wheel bearings
• Three replacement hubs
• Replacement prop-shaft centre bearing
Early-Car Features
Being an early example, the car retains some of the unique features that Ford subsequently changed on later models:
• No red line on the rev counter
• Seatbelt-warning picture
• Sapphire badge deleted from the C-pillar trim
• No audible warning for the headlights
• Original Motorcraft black and clear caps under the bonnet
Summary
This is a lovely example of an early Sapphire Cosworth. At 38 years old, however, it naturally carries some patina, which should be expected and appreciated as part of its character.
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing, please do get in touch
Graham
