1988 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth Sports Saloon

• Iconic sporting Ford
• Highly sought after
• Present ownership for 31 years
• Massive history file

The sight of rival manufacturers reaping the rewards of successful circuit racing programmes prompted Ford to renew its alliance with engine builder Cosworth to create the eponymous Sierra. Assembly of the minimum 5,000 required for Group A homologation commenced in June 1986 at the company's Genk plant in Belgium. Based on the three-door Sierra bodyshell, the RS Cosworth combined the standard 1,993cc Pinto engine's cylinder block with a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, the first time this combination had been seen in a production Ford engine. Topping it off was a Cosworth-developed, twin-camshaft, 16-valve cylinder head fed by a Garrett AiResearch turbocharger, the latter being deemed necessary to achieve a competitive power output for racing, which in time would amount to over 500bhp! Even in standard road trim the Sierra RS Cosworth produced a staggering 204bhp, its Weber-Marelli engine management system ensuring that the resulting stupendous performance was delivered with minimal turbo lag. Needless to say, the standard Sierra underpinnings were comprehensively up rated to cope. In 1987 the hatchback version ceased production and was replaced by the more refined Sapphire RS Cosworth four-door saloon, which was built for the years 1988 and 1989, some 13,000 being completed.
Delivered new to an A J Simons of London W1, this Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth has had only three owners from new and has belonged to our vendor, the third owner, since the 6th of January 1992, a total of 31 years. During the current owners extensive time with the car, it has regularly been used in drives across Europe. As one would expect from such long-term custodianship, the car's history file is most extensive, containing a vast quantity of bills accumulated over the years together with numerous expired MoT certificates and tax discs. There is also a log recording the mileage every time any work was carried out. The meticulous nature of the owners attention to detail when it comes to compiling the history, is reflected in the condition of the car today. During the current owners tenure, new Koni Shocks, steering rack, radiator fan and injectors have all been fitted (invoices on file). The engine was subject to a complete rebuild in 2004/2005 at 78,000 miles and has covered less than 300 miles since. The engine also benefits from Graham Goode chip. The most recent works were undertaken in late 2022/early 2023 by Robin Lackford Motor Engineering of Cowfold, West Sussex (invoices on file), which included the fitment of a new fuel pump, rebuild of the turbo and ABS overhaul. Over £9,000 has been spent on the car in the last 6 months (invoices on file). The car also comes with its original handbooks, factory brochures, and its original delivery details and service book with the first three main dealer stamps.