Highlights
- Low mileage, near concours-quality Cosworth
- One of the last built and entirely standard
- Long MOT to end of November 2024 with no advisories
- Highly collectable Fast Ford
- Rally-inspired 4x4 with luxury interior
The Appeal
After years leading the hot saloon market with cars like the Escort Mexico and Lotus Cortina, Ford was left looking a little wrong-footed when the Sierra arrived.
It didn’t take long for the firm to catch up. A fruitful association with Cosworth led to a run of brutally quick Sierras that were incredibly successful in period and now the doyen of modern-day Fast Ford fanatics. The final iteration was the rally-inspired and prosaically named Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4, designed to wrest the rallying crown from Audi’s Quattro.
It didn’t quite hit the target on the rally stages, but it did fly out of showrooms. Over 12,000 4x4 Sapphire Cosworths were built over just two years, buyers drawn by the more powerful engine, rear-biased 4WD drivetrain and uber luxurious interior. The tougher saloon shell also improved handling.
This is one of the last built and must be one of the best around. An older restoration kept in near Concours condition, it is factory standard with a long MOT. Its keys give access to one of the most vibrant classic car scenes, but of course it is also a hugely capable and entertaining saloon.
History and Paperwork
- First registered on 6th July 1992, a few months before production ended
- Just seven owners from new with current owner since 10th October 2020
- Original supplying dealer tax disc holders
- Clifford Alarms owners package wallet
- 2 keys
- V5 in vendor’s name
- Previous owner V5s
- Old MOTs to support the mileage
- Invoices for various parts
- HPI check dated 11th October 2015
- Turbos overhauled in October 2019
- Clutch kit purchased in August 2016
- Alloys refurbished in March 2017
- Only 5,000 miles covered since 2008
- Long MOT to 27th November 2024 with no advisories
- HPI report states previous colour grey, this is incorrect as the vehicle has always been blue from factory
The Condition
- Superb condition close to concours inside and out
- Condition reflects the low mileage which appears to be original and correct
- Factory standard car with no visible modifications
- Factory 15in sharktooth alloys refurbished in 2017 and unmarked with matching spare
- Fitted with Toyo tyres which have only done 1000 miles
- Very well preserved interior with luxury leather Recaro specification
- Well kept switchgear, door cards and trim throughout
- Glass sunroof and electric windows all round
- Kenwood stereo fitted but original stereo is also available
- Carpets in good order throughout with black protective mats fitted
- Underside presents very well with no structural advisories on current MOT
- Fitted car cover provided
The 4x4 RS Cosworth was devised to succeed on the world’s rally stages but the road car was altogether less utilitarian. Trimmed to a high standard – it is based on a top spec Sierra Ghia – these cars were intended to be technologically advanced, brutally capable rivals to the on-road best from BMW and Audi.
This car reflects every inch of that drive. It looks superb in a rare Smokestone blue with black interior, all of which appears to be factory standard including the lovely Sharktooth 15in alloys (which were restored in 2017). We suspect that the car is an older, well preserved restoration which presents in the photographs in near concours condition. There are very few, if any, visible signs of wear throughout.
The Mechanics
- 1,993cc turbocharged 4cyl Ford engine developing 220bhp
- 5spd manual gearbox
- This is a later unleaded ‘green top’ engine indicating catalysed exhaust system
- Turbos refurbished in late 2019
- Good history file indicating ongoing maintenance and improvement
- Sparing use since 2008 with only 5,000 miles covered
- 4x4 system with 34:66 rearward bias
The 4x4 was the ultimate iteration of the Sierra Cosworth journey. Power jumped to 220bhp to compensate for the increase in weight, but it was a fair trade because the saloon body and all wheel drive system delivered incredible levels of grip. This system was heavily biased towards the rear wheels, so buyers could have some semblance of the rear-drive hoonery that is a key component of classic fast Fords.
This car is the later ‘green top’ version which indicates it is set up for unleaded and runs with catalysers. Although we did not have access to the service history at the time of writing, the history file indicates ongoing scheduled and preventative maintenance. The car has been used sparingly since 2008 and the photographs attest to fastidious maintenance.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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