1987 FORD SIERRA RS500 COSWORTH

This Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth is an iconic homologation special, presented in excellent condition and with very low mileage from new. Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine, developed by Cosworth and producing around 224bhp and 204lb-ft of torque, which drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates just 23,122 miles from new.

Created to help Ford continue its success in the European Group A racing series, the RS500 was an evolution of the already impressive Sierra RS Cosworth, with Aston Martin Tickford winning the contract to convert 500 right-hand-drive Cosworths into the racier variant. Increased performance came courtesy of a larger Garrett turbocharger and intercooler, an uprated fuel pump and a reworked induction system, bringing an extra 20bhp.

The strategy was a clear success, with the racing version of the RS500 taking home wins in the 1988 DTM championship, the 1989 Spa 24 Hours and the 1990 British Touring Car Championship, to name just a few of its victories.

This example is a particularly interesting RS500. It is build number 007 of the 500 built and is one of the original 392 black cars. This Cosworth was supplied new to Ford Motor Werke in Cologne, Germany, and was first registered in August 1987. The company registered very few cars directly, and while there is no confirmation of the nature of its life in Germany, it can be speculated that this was perhaps used for promotional purposes in the European market.

While still in Germany, the car was sold to its second owner, businessman and motorsport agent Werner Heinz – who has managed drivers including Nick Heidfeld, Nico Hulkenberg, and Tom Kristensen – forming part of his personal collection. Then, in 2007 it was imported into the UK, where it has remained to this day. This RS500 is now being offered for sale by the trade.

Looking as purposeful today as it did in period, the car’s bodywork is in genuinely excellent condition, with no signs of accident damage and consistent panel gaps. The black paint also presents very well, with the vendor noting that both sides of the car have been repainted to remove some storage marks, before it was treated to a paint correction detail. Earlier photos of the car in the UK also show that it was once adorned with replica decals in tribute to the famous black ‘Texaco’ Cosworth racing car.

Having been significantly improved by the seller, there are now only very minor cosmetic imperfections, including some barely visible marks on the body, and marring on the iconic ‘whale tail’ upper spoiler that is only perceptible upon very close inspection. All of the body trims and badges are present and correct, and the light lenses and windows are all very smart, with no signs of chips or scratches. It rides on the correct 15-inch alloy wheels, which are in great shape having been refurbished, retaining the ‘dummy’ centre lock style caps.

In the cabin, the original grey fabric Recaro seats with red chequered centres are still fitted, and are in very good order. As with all RS500s, grey vinyl, carpeting and fabric feature throughout, and the trim presents very well indeed – however, the dashboard is a period replacement from a Sierra Sapphire; a common modification due to the original’s propensity for cracking.

Typically high-wear areas such as the steering wheel, gear knob, sill covers and lower door cards all show minimal wear, commensurate with the car’s low mileage. All of the interior switchgear and buttons work correctly, and a period-correct Ford stereo cassette player is also fitted, enhancing the car’s retro charm.

Mechanically, this RS500 is in fine fettle, having been fully serviced and recommissioned in July 2018 at 23,118 miles, when all of the fluids and filters were replaced, plus the cambelt and water pump. The brake calipers were also refurbished, and new tyres were fitted all round. A replacement stainless steel exhaust system and Spax suspension were installed at some point in the car’s past, enhancing its sound and handling.

Prior to this, the only other documented services were carried out by Ford Motor Company in Germany, with the service book showing records in September 1987 at 1,500 miles, March 1988 at 10,253 miles and January 1989 at 20,000 miles. Its condition suggests that it has been regularly fettled since being in the UK, to keep it in good running order.

This RS500’s last MOT test was conducted on 9 March 2018 at 23,037 miles, which it passed first time without a single advisory – the same result as every year since 2007, when it was first brought to the UK. The vendor also notes that the car will be supplied to the buyer with a fresh MOT certificate. All four wheels are fitted with new Continental PremiumContact tyres in size 205/50 R15.

Accompanying the car are its original owner’s manual, service book, paperwork from its time in Germany, and past MOT test certificates. The full-size spare wheel is also still present beneath the boot carpet.

This Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth is a ‘blue collar’ performance hero, albeit now a bona fide collectable car that commands a significant premium over standard Cosworth models. Presented in superb and almost entirely original condition, this low-mileage RS500 also boasts intriguing provenance, and has evidently been well cared-for throughout its life. This is a rare sight on the road and would make a striking addition to any collection of modern classics.

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