1986 Ford Sierra 'Group A' 3-Door Rally - ex-McRae/Ringer

By the late 1980s, the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth had become the cornerstone of 'Group A' rallying across the UK and Ireland, delivering formidable pace and handling through its turbocharged YB engine and rear-wheel drive platform. Built in 1989 by Cyril Bolton of Lancashire, the example offered here was created as a dedicated competition car and rose to prominence during that same year as Colin McRae’s principal rally weapon.

With both Colin and Jimmy McRae aiming to compete in 1988, it was agreed they would avoid direct competition. Jimmy ran in 'Group A', whilst Colin campaigned a 'Group N' Sierra hired from Rallysport. Plans were laid for him to step into 'Group A' the following season. That deal, managed by Rallypart and backed by sponsors Presspart, resulted in Q293 GHG being prepared for the 1989 campaign. However, delays from Ford in supplying vital components meant the car was not ready for the opening rounds. Instead, the 1988 car was temporarily upgraded to near-'Group A' trim, while final preparation of Q293 GHG continued behind the scenes.

The car’s competitive debut finally came at the Kayel Graphics Wales National Rally in June 1989. Paired with co-driver, Derek Ringer, McRae was forced to retire after going off-road, but the pair returned in spectacular form. In September that year, they claimed outright victory at both the Shell Oils Cumbria Rally and the Trackrod Forest Stages Rally, taking first overall and first in Class A8 on both occasions. These wins marked a turning point in McRae’s ascent and laid the foundation for what would become a World Championship career.

In 1990, the car was sold to Mr Enda Nolan in the Republic of Ireland and registered as 87 CW 795, continuing its competition life in the Irish Tarmac Championship. It was later sold into Northern Ireland, becoming the property of James Gillen of Castlederg, County Tyrone and re-registered as UJI 9527. Under this identity, it entered the 1990 Wexford Stages Rally, followed by a busy 1991 season. That year, Paddy White and Joseph McKeever campaigned the car in the Skoda Sport Galway International Rally, the Circuit of Ireland and the Shell Donegal International Rally, although mechanical issues, including a head gasket failure, led to multiple retirements.

The car remained in active use into the 1990s and beyond. In 1997, Gillen entered the UAC Easter Stages, while in 2003, the Sierra appeared in the Dogleap Rally, driven by Paul McAuley and Dessie Fitzgerald, securing a respectable 35th overall and 11th in class. The car’s second life in historic rallying began in earnest during the 2010s, when Richard Hall of Londonderry took ownership – at about this time being converted from original left-hand drive to the current right-hand drive configuration. Under Hall, it competed in the Killarney Historic Stages, Cork 20, Donegal Historic, Pacenotes Rally Magazine Stages and the Cartellie Rally of the Lakes.

Crucially, in 2016, Hall successfully lobbied the DVLA to reinstate the car’s original registration, Q293 GHG, restoring its identity and further confirming its provenance. Today, it is presented in a livery echoing the appearance it wore during McRae’s 1989 campaign. An FIA sticker is present, however we understand that the FIA papers have now expired. A copy of these will be held on file for inspection by interested parties.

Whilst there has been speculation over another chassis bearing similar claims, our research supports this example as the original car used by McRae. The DVLA’s reissue of the Q-plate further reinforces this position, as does its correct and original chassis plate. Interested parties are encouraged to carry out their own research and view the detailed history file.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a true piece of British rallying history. With direct ties to Colin McRae’s formative years, a continuous and well documented history and eligibility for historic demonstration and competition events, Q293 GHG represents one of the most historically significant 'Group A' Sierra Cosworths still in existence.