1985 Ford Sierra 2.8i 4x4

• Offered as Ford’s answer to the total traction trend in the mid-eighties at the 1985 Geneva Motor Show
• Cologne 2.8 V6-engine producing 162bhp with a superb V6 soundtrack 
• Rugged Ferguson four-wheel-drive transmission
• Staggering all-weather grip, a balanced chassis and speed to rival the trend-setting Quattro
• Only 35,010km by its one French owner complete with a UK NOVA
• Dashing three-door styling shared by its Cosworth sibling and presenting in great overall condition

Ford's all-wheel drive family hatch was developed to extend the usability of its household name with a brace of driven axles and a tough, naturally-aspirated V6. So popular did the concept prove in its day that the XR4x4 superseded the rear-wheel drive XR4i that came before it. It seemed British buyers of the eighties were becoming enthusiastic by the notion of added traction. You can understand why, given that back in 1985, when the XR4x4 was first shown with its twin viscous differential-equipped driveline at the Geneva motor show, the four-wheel drive segment was comparatively tiny. The XR4x4 promised familiar hatch usability with added year-round dependability in a familiar package. It was unique.

The car packed a punch, too, Ford's 2.8-litre Cologne V6 providing the early three-door with 162hp at 5,700rpm, meaning the Sierra XR4x4 could hit 60mph in 8.5 seconds - ranking it alongside some of the era's most interesting hatchbacks, including the much smaller 1.6 Peugeot 205 GTI. Obviously Ford's ambition for the Sierra was different, but its rear-bias, all-wheel drive system meant there was still fun to be had in the 1,262kg machine.

Obviously smitten when the Sierra 2.8i, 4X4 was launched at the Geneva Motor Show the cars French first owner went and bought one and kept it all his life until purchased by our vendor and imported to the UK recently. The early cars utilised the 3-door Sierra Cosworth bodyshell and were primarily left-hand drive. He only covered some 35,010km (22,000miles) in the car over the 35-years of his ownership

Since its arrival in the UK, it’s been subject to a full mechanical health check that included a complete replacement of the fuel system with a new tank, fuel filters and pump. The cooling system was totally gone through with a new radiator and hoses. It had a full service including oil and filter, spark plugs, HT leads, distributor and rotor arm and was treated to new wiper blades, fuses, battery and bulbs.

Low mileage, dashing three-door styling shared by its Cosworth sibling and presenting in great overall condition.