Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth

History

Launched in 1985 the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth became an overnight sensation, sparking off a frenzy of tooth-sucking, hand-wringing headlines questioning the wisdom of selling Essex man a saloon car that was capable of more than twice the legal speed limit. The motorised equivalent of the hoodie, it quickly gained the reputation of a latter day MkII Jag, capable of carrying five burly bank robbers and a boot full of swag away from the scene of the crime faster than the plod could catch them.

The first truly affordable supercar, it was powered by a Cosworth-developed 16-valve turbocharged 2-litre engine that had been some four years in development. Pumping out a bullet-proof 204bhp, it could hit 60 in 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 149mph with brakes and handling to match. In 1988 it got faster still, the Sapphire version hitting 60 in 5.8 seconds and topping out at 151mph.    

This particular Sapphire was sold new in May 1993 to the director of a steel stockholding firm by OMC Ford of Macclesfield. Three years later it was bought by the current vendor, a mature garage proprietor, who has owned it ever since. Totally original and immaculate throughout, it has never been thrashed, abused, repaired or modified as has been the fate of so many Cossies. And for the last 11 years at least it has always been kept in a heated garage and has not been out in winter.

Still accompanied by all its original handbooks and a fully stamped up service history including the preliminary inspection by the supplying dealer, it also has every MOT from new to verify the recorded mileage of just 52,900. Fitted from new with a Vectra vehicle security system, it also has a Gemini alarm for added security.

One of the last Sierra Cosworths ever made, it has the late type Green engine which is suitable for unleaded fuel and is said to be capable of 35mpg if driven sensibly on a long motorway run. Due to be freshly MOTd before the sale and said to drive perfectly, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a totally unmolested example of this iconic sporting saloon.