1983 Ford Sierra Rally Car Powered by Cosworth

The sight of rival manufacturers reaping the rewards of a successful circuit racing programme prompted Ford to renew its alliance with engine builder, Cosworth, to create the eponymous Sierra, with assembly of the minimum 5,000 units required for 'Group A' homologation commencing 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 the latter 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 AiResearch 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 an impressive 204bhp, its Weber-Marelli engine management system ensuring that performance was delivered with minimal turbo lag. Needless to say, the standard Sierra underpinnings were comprehensively up-rated to cope. 6,021 examples had been completed when production ceased in 1986, and today the model is much sought after.

This three-door, Cosworth-powered Sierra has an interesting competition history commencing in 1987, when it was built from a 2.0 GL shell, fully seam-welded, fitted with a full roll cage and prepared to a GRPN specification. It was built by privateer, Paul Dyas, and driven by him in some 28 National Rallies, alongside some of the best drivers of the day, regularly picking up silverware over a 15-year career. Originally, the car was sponsored by Motivation UK and Dunlop Tyres and was painted in yellow, white and red, however later support was forthcoming from Castrol Syntron-X and their distinctive graphics can be seen in our images. Paul subsequently upgraded to a 4 x 4 Sapphire Cosworth in 1990 and the original car then found its way up to Scotland.

It was purchased by our vendor in 2020 as a rolling shell and was in a bit of a sorry state at the time. Upon stripping it down, the livery emerged and, after some investigation, the car was found to be that of Paul Dyas'. He contacted Paul to find out about the car's history and was delighted to find that it had enjoyed much success at National level during the late 1980s. Initially he hadn't been sure what colour to paint it, however the Paul Dyas connection convinced him to return the car as close as possible to the way it would have looked in-period and the restoration was completed just in time for the October 2023 Historic Rally Festival around Weston Park, where it finished  with no issues at all.

The restoration was substantial, with any rot cut out and fresh metal worked in and the shell stripped back to bare metal. It was fitted with all new suspension, 'Group N' brakes with new discs and pads, an alloy fuel tank with high pressure fuel pumps and all the fuel lines were run inside the car. The car was fitted with a totally refurbished 205 YB engine with a new turbo and has covered c.800 miles. The T5 gearbox was fully rebuilt and a new electric steering rack fitted. 5-point harnesses were fitted, along with a plumbed-in fire extinguisher, a passenger footrest and a Peltor intercom and the car now sits on Speedline Wheels.

The MSA papers have recently expired and the Turbo needs a restrictor fitted (supplied), however we understand that is all that is required to start the season. Guided very sensibly, this recently restored entry-level historic rally car surely represents great value for money, particularly with its provenance and lovely back-story.