1989 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 2WD

Introduced in 1988, the Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth marked a significant shift in Ford’s high-performance strategy. Where the original three-door Sierra RS Cosworth had been conceived primarily as a homologation special, the Sapphire RS Cosworth was designed to broaden the appeal of Ford’s turbocharged flagship, offering the same performance, now housed in a more discreet, family friendly, four-door saloon body. Built at Ford’s Genk plant in Belgium, it combined everyday usability with genuine motorsport pedigree.

Power came from the familiar Cosworth-developed YB 2.0-litre engine, featuring a Garrett T3 turbocharger and producing 204bhp at 6,000rpm, with 203lb/ft of torque. Driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox, the Sapphire RS Cosworth was capable of 0–60mph in around 6.1 seconds and a top speed of approximately 150mph. In period, these figures placed it firmly among the fastest saloons on sale in the UK.

Although less visually aggressive than the earlier three-door model, the Sapphire RS Cosworth retained the same mechanical intent and proved hugely effective in competition, particularly in touring car racing. On the road, similar to the infamous Lotus Carlton, it developed a reputation for its speed and, unfortunately, became one of the most stolen performance cars of its era, a testament both to its desirability, usability and its relatively understated appearance.

This 1989 example is finished in the lesser-seen Flint Grey with a grey cloth interior, presenting in excellent condition throughout and remaining in even-lesser-seen totally standard and original factory specification. Notable details include its period mobile phone, a new old stock exhaust, and correct Pirelli tyres fitted all round.

The history file is fastidious and exceptional. Accompanying the car is an enormous box file containing 109 documents, charting its life from new in remarkable detail. The car was originally supplied to a Sheffield-based doctor, who retained it from new until 11th May 2022, when it was purchased by its second owner. Following acquisition, the car was carefully recommissioned by Mellors Elliot Motorsport in Derbyshire to ensure the car was as excellent mechanically as it was aesthetically.

The odometer shows a warranted 43,463 miles from new, consistent with the car’s condition and documentation. The car is HPI clear and presents exactly as a well-preserved, correctly maintained Sapphire RS Cosworth should.

As values continue to favour originality and provenance, original and well documented examples such as this, with low ownership, modest mileage and a comprehensive history, are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a properly preserved Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth.