1987 FORD SIERRA RS COSWORTH

This Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is a superb example of the iconic hot hatch, which presents as a highly original and low-mileage example. Under the bonnet sits Cosworth’s turbocharged 2.0-litre 16-valve engine, paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The car is capable of hitting 60mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds and will push on to 149mph. The odometer currently indicates 55,450 miles from new.

This Sierra RS Cosworth was first registered in February 1987, supplied by Ford dealer Kirbys in Wrexham – and it still wears the original Kirbys number plates at the front and back. There are five previous registered keepers on the log book. It has been with its current collector owner for four years, who has mostly kept the vehicle safely stored in a garage, covering minimal mileage to start and exercise the car sparingly.

This RS Cosworth’s bodywork appears in excellent condition, and to the best of the owner’s knowledge it has never suffered any damage. The vehicle presents with consistent panel gaps, while the white paintwork is believed to be original. As can be appreciated from the detailed set of photos, the finish appears to be in remarkably good order, entirely commensurate with the low mileage. The badging is all present and correct, as are the body trims and substantial rear wing. It rides on 15-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, which look immaculate, with no signs of kerbing or stone damage. The only visible modification on the exterior is the addition of a Mongoose stainless steel exhaust.

Moving inside, the vehicle still features its original grey fabric Recaro seats with red chequered centres, which remain in superb condition. There are no rips or tears in the fabric, and only modest signs of wear. The red chequered pattern continues through the door cards.

The original radio is present and correct, while the dashboard controls, instrument clusters and interior trim are free of any obvious scuffs or scrapes. The chunky gear knob and three-spoke steering wheel show minimal aging, and again appear to be entirely original. The new owner will also find a manual sunroof, which still operates as it should.

Having been dry stored for virtually all of the last four years, the most recent service was undertaken in August 2016 at 55,028 miles, where the technicians at Grappenhall Motor Services in Warrington changed the engine oil and filter. Prior to this, in July 2015, the same trusted garage carried out an engine flush and oil change, before also replacing the car’s flat battery and fitting it with a new cut out switch. It was also serviced by the same garage in July 2014, including renewal of the rear brake pads.

In 2006 at 48,240 miles, it is understood to have received some Stage 2 engine upgrade parts by Cosworth specialist Graham Goode Racing (GGR). A note in the stamped service book also shows a WRC-type head gasket was installed in April 2007. The drive belts and water pump were renewed in 2010 at 50,860 miles.

The last MOT test was on 12 March 2020 at 55,355 miles, which resulted in a pass with two advisories to monitor worn rear sub-frame pins or bushes. The vehicle rides on Avon C338 tyres all round, in correct 205/50R15 fitment. Visually, they appear as new, and are described by the vendor as being in very good condition.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original owner’s handbook, service book, audio guide, accessory booklet, Extra Cover warranty book and RS Cosworth leaflet, as well as a large file detailing the car’s maintenance history and a matching spare alloy wheel fitted with a Dunlop SP Sport tyre.

This Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is a great example of the ‘80s ‘everyman’ performance hero, presented with low mileage and a good service history file, and remaining almost entirely unmodified. Given the evident quality of this particular car, it will no doubt appeal to serious Ford RS collectors. However, having spent most of the last four years off the road, this well-preserved Cosworth arguably deserves a good run on the open road, where the next owner can experience the analogue delight of this hot hatch icon.

Summary of maintenance history:

• 19/03/1987 – 1,618 miles
• 16/07/1987 – 6,892 miles
• 17/02/1988 – 13,839 miles
• 06/09/1988 – ~20,000 miles
• 20/06/1989 – 22,689 miles
• ??/??/1992 – 29,547 miles
• 03/04/1999 – 35,800 miles
• 22/05/2001 – 40,656 miles
• 15/04/2007 – 48,670 miles (fitment of WRC head gasket)
• 29/06/2010 – 50,860 miles
• 17/04/2012 – Mileage not recorded
• 17/07/2014 – 54,513 miles
• 08/07/2015 – 54,757 miles
• 01/08/2016 – 55,028 miles

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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