1989 | Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Remapped engine with minor modifications to improve performance
Displaying a credible 44,000 miles on the odometer

The sight of rival manufacturers reaping the rewards of successful circuit racing programmes prompted Ford to renew its alliance with engine builder Cosworth to create the eponymous Sierra. Assembly of the minimum 5,000 required for Group A homologation commenced in June 1986 at the company's Genk plant in Belgium. Based on the three-door Sierra bodyshell, the RS Cosworth combined the standard 1,993cc Pinto engine's cylinder block with a forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, the first time this combination had been seen in a production Ford engine. Topping it off was a Cosworth-developed, twin-camshaft, 16-valve cylinder head fed by a Garrett Ai Research turbocharger, the latter being deemed necessary to achieve a competitive power output for racing, which in time would amount to over 500bhp! Even in standard road trim, the Sierra RS Cosworth produced a staggering 204bhp, its Weber-Marelli engine management system ensuring that the resulting stupendous performance was delivered with minimal turbo lag. The standard Sierra underpinnings were comprehensively uprated to cope. In 1987 the hatchback version ceased production and was replaced by the more refined Sapphire RS Cosworth four-door saloon, which was built for the years 1988 and 1989, some 13,000 being completed.

'F209 RCF' was first registered on 27th April 1989 and spent the first ten years of its life in the ownership of six keepers. Acquired by the vendor in 1999, the beginning of its known history, it was found to be a remarkably solid example. The vendor has been the owner of several Sierra Sapphire Cosworths over the years and with 'F209 RCF' he decided to create a modified machine that would have looked perfectly at home on the cover of Max Power magazine. Being somewhat of a perfectionist, the vendor opted to repaint the car after a full body overhaul to what is described by him as an 'incredibly high standard' in the punchy Mint Green that it still presents in today. The Sierra was also fitted with a set of Revolution wheels that were painted body colour, a strut brace and a louvred bonnet.

Mechanically, the car was also given a good going over, mainly remaining standard although it was fitted with a dump valve, aluminium catch tank and induction kit.

Although the work was completed to what is described as 'show car standard', it was almost immediately hidden away in dry storage, only being taken out to be recommissioned after 25 years. Now offered for sale, this Sapphire RS Cosworth is a remarkably preserved survivor of a period that many of us are now looking back to nostalgically - when car meets were free from the constant pry of social media and competitions between who had the loudest sound system were just as important as how fast the car could go. Consigned by James Good.

Lot details
Year: 1989
Make: Ford
Model: Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth
Registration: F209 RCF
Chassis No: WFOFXXGBBFJL76334
Engine No: JL76334
Odometer: 44,000


* Cosmetically overhauled to a modified 'Max Power' style which was performed to a very high standard