1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

The introduction of the Sierra in 1982 required a serious marketing boost, so it was the obvious choice to become the platform for Ford's new competition aspirations. It was rear wheel drive, had good aerodynamics, albeit being prone to lift at high speeds and it was available as a three-door. The new body kit and rear spoiler would sort out the lift issues but, more importantly, Ford still needed to build 5,000 units for homologation, somewhat worrying when Turner's initial approach to the dealer network came back with an estimate that suggested they could sell around 1,500 units! The eventual sales record is, of course, history. Ford went on to sell 5,545 three-door cars including the RS500, of which only 500 were built, and the Cosworth engine also found its way into nearly 30,000 Ford Sierra Saloons (Cosworth 3dr, Sapphire 2wd, and 4wd). The Sierra Cosworth comfortably exceeded Ford's best expectations and it went on to become one of the most successful Touring Car racers of all time, winning races all over the world.

Chassis number WFOEXXGBBEGB51624 was the victim of the very common RS Cosworth curse, in that it was stolen very early in its life in 1987. When the car was eventually found, it had been carefully stripped by the 'bad lads' and all that was left was a shell which retained its wiring loom and some sound deadening.

When the dust had settled, it was purchased by an avid Ford enthusiast from the insurance company as salvage, and he set about bringing it back to life over the next few years. A fully rebuilt engine was installed, along with the correct gearbox, axles, and diff. The bonnet, doors, tailgate, and everything else that was missing was sourced, and many parts were supplied new by Ford. At the time, our enthusiast was a Ford technician and worked on Cosworths during the day, so was able to identify the exact parts required. For the pedantic out there, a Triplex tinted screen was fitted at the time as that was his choice.

Once completed to an exacting standard in 1989, the car was inspected by DVLA and they were sufficiently impressed that they granted the right to wear a new chassis plate (SABTVR03629247360) and issued a correct registration "D440 UNK".

So what have we got - a genuine Genk-built, RS Shell, originally supplied by a Ford dealership in Scotland, that has been extremely well rebuilt to full RS Cosworth specification by an enthusiastic Ford Technician, and that has only covered 6,003 miles since 1989. With the car there is a large history file containing; a letter from a Ford dealer verifying the original VIN, a confirmation from the RS Owners club, who know the car well, detailed MoTs up until 2000 showing a mileage of 5,927, and the last Tax Disc (2000) is still on the screen.

Having not seen much use recently, this low mileage RS Cosworth just needs a wash and polish before it returns to doing what RS Cosworths do best!!