1987 FORD SIERRA RS500 COSWORTH

This Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth is a bona fide ‘blue collar’ performance icon, which is presented in highly original condition and in excellent order throughout. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine, developed by Cosworth, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 93,400 miles.

The RS500 was an evolution of the standard RS Cosworth to homologate an uprated version for European Group A racing, with the road cars converted by Tickford into a racier variant with a larger Garrett turbocharger and intercooler, enhanced fuel pump and a revised induction system, boosting power by around 20bhp.

This car is build number 115, and was first registered on 19 August 1987. There are seven previous keepers on the log book, and it was acquired by the current owner (a private collector of classic cars, to be displayed alongside his 1964 Mk1 Lotus Cortina SE) in September 2016. It is currently under a valid MOT but is stored off the road under a valid SORN.

The bodywork and paint is described by the vendor as being in excellent condition, and may well have had a previous high-quality respray given how smart the finish remains today. The vendor reports a very minor scratch on top of the nearside front wing, and another by the bonnet shut. Otherwise, the paintwork has a smooth and glossy appearance, with no heavy stone chipping or scuffs, all of the body trims present well, and the underside is also in top condition. All four alloy wheels are in superb order with no kerbing damage. The only modification from the factory specification is a larger exhaust tailpipe.

Inside, the upholstery and trim is believed to be entirely original, with the grey cloth and its red and black centre panels all in very good condition, with no rips or tears in the material, and only modest discolouration commensurate with the age and mileage. There is some slight sagging in the base cushions and lower bolsters, but overall the cabin still looks very smart. Its originality is reflected even down to elements such as the Ford radio cassette deck and four-channel amplifier, and there are no known faults with any of the electrics.

The last scheduled maintenance was in October 2020 at 93,984 miles, with an engine oil service and filter change carried out by Bespoke Competition Storage. The air filter was also renewed, along with the spark plugs and coolant. Prior to this, it was also serviced by North Yorkshire RS Spares in June 2015 at 93,328 miles, and in February 2010 by the owner at the time.

The work carried out by them included new brake discs and Ferodo pads, a K&N Group A filter kit and Group A ignition coil, and a set of motorsport HT leads, as well as a new distributor cap and rotor arm. The engine was fully rebuilt during the last ownership in 2004, so it is assumed that the cambelt was replaced at this point. It was inspected recently and found to be in good condition. A recent rolling road session has been carried out to optimise fuelling, showing around 285hp on the readout.

The most recent MOT test was on 24 September 2020 at 93,384 miles, when it passed at the second attempt with no advisories, after an emissions issue was rectified. The online MOT history reflects the fact that this car has covered less than 4,000 miles in the last 14 years, but also reflects its excellent condition, with only two other advisories noted during this period. The tyres are reported to be in very good order; fitted in 2012 but still with 7.7-8mm of tread.

Accompanying the car is the original handbook and service book, as well as numerous old invoices and MOT certificates, copies of registration documents, and some owners’ club literature.

This Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth is a striking homologation special, which the vendor describes as being in excellent condition, and having evidently been very well maintained. For someone who has been seeking one of these iconic modern classics to relish on the road, and not just store in a static collection, this is a compelling and highly original example in very good order.

Summary of service history:

• 21/09/1987 - 1,807 miles - Cuff Miller Ford, Littlehampton
• 26/01/1988 - 6,399 miles - Cuff Miller Ford, Littlehampton
• 19/05/1988 - 13,499 miles - Cuff Miller Ford, Littlehampton
• 18/08/1988 - 19,334 miles - Endeavour Motor Co., Brighton
• 11/11/1988 - 26,105 miles - Cuff Miller Ford, Littlehampton
• 25/01/1989 - 30,916 miles - Endeavour Motor Co., Brighton
• 09/06/1989 - 36,385 miles - Culver Cars, Lancing
• 13/09/1989 - 41,656 miles - Culver Cars, Lancing
• 30/04/1991 - 52,240 miles - Culver Cars, Lancing
• 04/11/1992 - 58,765 miles - Culver Cars, Lancing
• 12/03/1993 - 65,973 miles - Culver Cars, Lancing
• 12/07/1994 - 73,539 miles - Culver Cars, Lancing
• 21/07/1995 - 78,954 miles - Legion Motor Sport, Kent
• 19/04/1996 - 80,343 miles - KT Dartford, Kent
• 02/02/2010 - Owner servicing
• 01/06/2015 - 93,328 miles - North Yorkshire RS Spares
• 23/10/2020 - 93,384 miles - Bespoke Competition Storage, Gloucestershire

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 where available. 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.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.