Highlights

Excellent originality
Very well maintained interior
Bodywork fantastic throughout

The Appeal

Ford’s answer to the Audi Quattro. The XR4x4 was no firebreather, but what it lacked in face-melting speed it more than made up for with its handling capabilities. The Sierra was outfitted with a Formula-Ferguson-derived four-wheel drive system which distributed power 34% to the front and 66% to the rear. Upgraded suspension and bigger rear brakes were other welcome additions to the Sierra, heightening the experience of the 150hp 2.8-litre V6. The popular five-door Sierra now had a little more tricks up its sleeve.

This example we have presented here remains in charming condition with extensive originality. A proper blast from the past, many of us lusted after the idea of owning the likes of a Sierra but could never stomach the cost when new. As prices came down, likeminded enthusiasts and collectors have surrounded these at any chance they get, so original and clean examples such as this are a hard thing to come by!

The History and Paperwork

First registered on the 22nd of February 1986
V5C present and correct, ready for transfer of ownership
Most recent MOT expired on the 21st of July 2023, the current owner did not see any requirement for renewal as the vehicle is used so little as of late
Previous MOT certificates are available and present with the vehicle
Some invoices for mechanical work undertaken are present, such as work carried out by Ed Pannett back in 2014 for minor mechanical repairs
The keeper states not much other paperwork remains with the vehicle, as is sometimes the case with older vehicles due to the passing of hands

The Interior

Lovely original interior, upholstery remains in well presented condition with no apparent rips or tears on the front seats, just some general wear indication on the driver side bolsters but nothing excessive
Steering wheel has been fitted with a leather cover to help protect and preserve the original wheel, which does present some light signs of patina
Gauges all remain original showing no signs of fading or discoloration, all of the dials reportedly work as you would expect them to with no unwelcome warning lights present upon startup
Dashboard remains free from any cracks or damage, with the original cassette player and analogue clock in great condition and functional
Electronic window controls for the front appear to remain entirely operational
Carpets front and back are well preserved with no damage noticed
Fabric headlining appears in good shape, some light staining is noticed at the front just above the rear-view mirror however it doesn’t show any signs of sagging or rips which is great!
All four door cards present themselves well, showing no damage and well maintained plastics
Boot compartment could do with a little clean up of the floor carpet however remains in good shape, and the spare wheel is present

The Exterior

Reportedly original bodywork and paintwork, remaining in lovely condition with just some general signs of age and use as to be expected of a car creeping up to its 40th birthday
All lights up front remain operational with only the lower driver side indicator lens being cracked, the rest of the lenses seem to be in good shape
Bumper plastics appear to be in good shape with the red trim remaining in place
Front bumper does show some paint chips to the driver side in front of the wheel
Original wheels are present with some age related marks and shod in tyres which the keeper informs us are good
Arches appear to be in good health with just some gentle corrosion showing on the passenger side front, and some very gentle bubbling on the passenger side rear
Some small paint runs can be noticed just in front of the driver side rear wheel above the sill, potentially from a previous repair
Tail lights reported to remain functional, with some gentle signs of age on the lenses, and some small paint blisters on the edge of the passenger side light
Sunroof reported to remain operational and water-tight
Some small scuffs noticed beside the exhaust outlet on the rear bumper
Small paint chip and blemishing on the bootlid around the rear wiper

The Mechanics

2.8-litre V6 petrol engine, reported to remain in great mechanical health firing up at the turn of a key!
5-speed manual transmission we’re told is in excellent condition, allowing for smooth rowing between the gears for an engaging driving experience
Four-wheel drive configuration with a 34% front, 66% rear power split, allowing for a little bit of oversteer on some spirited driving and resulting in excellent handling characteristics
Original, matching numbers engine and gearbox
Underside shows some signs of oil sweat around the front subframe and lower engine, however the owner states no leaks are present
Sills appear in good shape with some hints of corrosion on the chassis components as to be expected of a vehicle this age
Car appears to have been undersealed at some point in its life to help prevent any further corrosion to occur

Summary

The Sierra is a car that lives in many of our hearts. A true Ford superstar of its era, and presented in the rare and desirable XR4x4 model designation this would make for a fantastic addition to any avid Ford enthusiasts collection!

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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