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
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