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Description

The Ford RS200 is a rare piece of rallying history and one of the most iconic machines ever produced during the legendary Group B era. Developed by Ford Motor Company in the mid-1980s, the RS200 was built from the ground up with a singular purpose; to dominate the world of rallying. Unlike many of its rivals, it wasn't based on an existing road car, making it a purebred performance machine with advanced engineering, a lightweight composite body, and a mid-engine, all-wheel-drive layout, which was far ahead of its time. The RS200's rarity makes it one of the most sought-after collector cars in the world today, with just 148 road-going examples produced to meet homologation requirements.

This particular example is especially appealing as it has covered just 9,700 miles supported by documentation and benefitting from only 2 previous registered keepers. The car was purchased from Hendy Lennox, Hampshire on 25th March 1987 by Shering Builders Ltd. The history file shows a copy of a hand-written letter dated 31st October 1986 from David Shering to Bob Howe (Ford's RS200 Sales Manager) with a series of questions. The history file also contains the Hendy Lennox Customer Sales Record which documents each entry from initial enquiry to formal sale. Unfortunately, David has since passed away but the vendor has received an email from David's son which provides some really useful information. For example, they chose chassis number 00053 because their business address was 53 Church Street and the original registration number of D49 FOT was chosen because their home address was number 49. David's son reports that they hardly ever used the car which accounts for the incredibly low mileage. The car was “mostly kept in their garage during their ownership and used only at local shows for sales and advertising purposes”. There is a photograph on file of the original owner and Murray Walker stood next to the car, when he opened a venue for the Shering group.

After over 10 years of ownership, the car was sold to Hendy Ford Cosham Ltd on 3rd July 1987. Over the next 20 years, the car was mostly stored and used for events and covered approximately 5,000 miles. Our vendor has received an email from an employee for Hendy Ford who was the exclusive user of the car and confirmed the originality of the car and their belief that it is “one of the very best RS200s in existence”. During their ownership, the car was upgraded to approximately 350bhp by a renowned RS200 engineer Terry Hoyle, a figure closely associated with the model's original development.

In November 2024, our vendor acquired the car having covered a total of 8,886 miles, but it required significant recommissioning before being driven as intended due to over 6 years of non-use. Renowned RS200 specialist Geoff Page conducted the recommissioning service (at a cost of £6,758) and has maintained the car in the period since. The vendor has embarked on a series of sympathetic visual improvements to the car which include refurbishment of the alloy wheels and all eight shock absorbers, fitting of four brand new Pirelli tyres, and paint correction of some fibreglass crazing along with removal of deep seated air bubbles. All improvements have been well documented and are included in several published articles in the RS Owners Club magazine, Rallye News. The car has also been treated with a five year Gtechniq ceramic coating. As a result, the car presents as what can be described as a 'concours' example and is completely stunning throughout.

The most recent service was conducted in October 2025 (at a cost of £4,528) where the cambelt was replaced. At this time, the non-standard AP four paddle competition clutch was replaced with the standard AP three paddle clutch, which has greatly improved the driveability of the car. The car has just returned from Geoff Page who has completed a pre-sale inspection of the car and in his words “the car is in perfect working condition and ready to use”. The current MOT expires on 27th October 2026.

The RS Owner's Club RS200 Registrar, Justin Smith, has inspected the car for the vendor and confirmed that the car is “a very honest and genuine example in excellent condition, which is now ready for use given the time and effort spent on ensuring she is ready for the roads in 2026. The clutch change is a big improvement as these cars are notorious for being hard to pull away in”.

The car will be supplied with the original leather bound Ford RS200 Owner's Manual, two Ford keys, two front trunk keys and even recently sourced, period correct Hendy key rings. D49 FOT also retains the original tool kit, which looks completely unused, with all tools and the retaining plastic all in remarkable condition. The unrestored spare wheel still retains the original Pirelli P700 tyre, which is no longer available.

The history file includes a number of tax discs from 2009-2011 and 2014. The file also contains MoT certificates from 2000, 2003, 2005-2007, 2009-2010, 2017-2019 and 2024-2025, along with some service receipts, all of which assist with verification of the incredibly low mileage. Included with the sale is a bespoke Ford RS200 branded indoor cover and made to measure floor mats to preserve the condition of the original carpets. The vendor has cherished this car during their ownership and has even documented every trip they have made in the car, covering just under 1,000 trouble free and incredibly enjoyable miles.

In summary, this is an incredible opportunity to acquire a compelling and versatile example. It would be equally at home within a blue-chip collection or being enjoyed as a highly capable driver's car. The combination of low mileage, limited ownership, and expert-led enhancement, positions this RS200 as a particularly attractive opportunity within today's market. Offered with accompanying history, documentation, and strong recommendations from a leading RS200 specialist (Geoff Page) and the RS Owner's Club RS200 Registrar (Justin Smith), this is a rare chance to purchase a well-specified example of one of Ford's most celebrated performance cars.

In the event that potential bidders are not able to view the car on one of our two viewing days, the vendor has kindly agreed to make the car available for viewing and formal inspection with immediate effect. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1987
Make: Ford
Model: RS200
Registration: D49 FOT
Chassis No: SFACXXBJ2CGL00053
Odometer: 9,700

* Immaculately presented, low mileage, example

* Just two previous registered keepers

* One of just 57 right hand drive examples built

* One of only 38 RS200's known to remain in the UK

Condition & Registration

Registered

Ready to drive: Not provided

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Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make: Ford
Model series: Sierra
Model name: Sierra RS Cosworth
Manufacturer code: Sierra '87 - Serie II
First registration date: Not provided
Year of manufacture: 1987
Mileage (read): 9,700 mi
Chassis number: Not provided
Engine number: Not provided
Gearbox number: Not provided
Matching numbers: Not provided
Number of owners: Not provided

Technical details

Body style: Saloon (3-doors)
Power (kW/hp): 150/204
Cubic capacity (cm³): 1993
Cylinders: 4
Doors: 2
Steering: Not specified
Gearbox: Manual
Gears: 5
Transmission: Rear
Front brakes: Disc
Rear brakes: Disc
Fuel type: Petrol

1987 | Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Description

Condition & Registration

Inspection Report

Technical Details

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Technical details

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