Highlights

Comprehensively rebuilt onto a new old stock complete Ford body shell
Extensive mechanical renewal including fuel, brake and clutch systems
Service history, mostly with Ford dealers, accompanies the car
Registered in Bristol in August 1986, where the car has spent its entire life

The Appeal

Affectionately nicknamed the "Cossie", the Ford Sierra Cosworth is one of the most revered performance cars of the 1980s - a blue-collar hero car for an entire generation of petrolheads. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and unmistakable whale-tail rear spoiler made it an instant icon on both road and rally stage, and values today reflect its enduring desirability among enthusiasts.

This example was first registered in Bristol in August 1986 and covered just over 52,000 miles before being taken off the road in 1999, where it sat partially dismantled until the current owner acquired it in 2022. Upon stripping the car to a bare shell, it was found to be beyond repair, but rather than abandon the project, a new old stock complete Ford body shell was sourced, stripped, etched and painted. Every component from the original car was then checked, cleaned, painted, replaced or reconditioned as required before being fitted to the new shell. The owner, now 80 years old, is selling for someone else to enjoy the fruits of what has been a considerable restoration effort.

Key Information

Mileage: 52,754 miles (supported by known service history)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT to 13th October 2026 (no advisories)
Technical specs: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder, five-speed manual
Paperwork: service history, mostly with Ford dealers, accompanies the car, including stamped service book

The Detail

Rebuilt onto a new old stock complete Ford body shell, which was stripped, etched and painted
All components from the original car checked, cleaned, painted, replaced or reconditioned as required
Entire fuel system replaced, with the exception of metal pipes
Entire brake system replaced, with the exception of metal pipes and ABS unit
Complete clutch assembly replaced
All engine ignition electrics replaced
New aluminium radiator fitted
All belts and tensioners replaced
Wheels refurbished and new Toyo tyres fitted
New headlining fitted
Mk2 dash fitted; original dash included with the car
The vendor states the engine is smooth and powerful, with paperwork indicating 270 bhp on the rolling road
Slight propshaft vibration noted in top gear at slow speed
The vendor notes a few exterior blemishes and states detailing would elevate it to the next level
The vendor reports all panel gaps are good
The vendor describes the underside as like new
Interior described by the vendor as in overall good condition for its age
The vendor describes the sunroof cassette as like new
Radio is not working
Occasional glitches with electric switches reported
Hub caps included but no locks for them
A couple of items noted by the vendor as non-standard

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.

Comments

jason j••••

Bidder

2 days ago

Is there any pictures of the underside please?

priceer••••

Seller

8 hours ago

Photos

247trad••••

1 week ago

Has the original chassis number been put into the new shell or does it have a Blank where the vin should be ? If so is the section of floor still available with the chassis numbers on them , Thanks

Yes it’s in the new shell