1985 Ford Sierra Cosworth 'Group N' Rally Car

At its introduction in 1982, the Sierra's revolutionary new shape proved a touch more divisive than Ford had anticipated, and some serious marketing became a priority, so it was the obvious choice to become the platform for Ford's new competition aspirations in conjunction with Cosworth. It fitted the brief well as it was rear-wheel drive, had good aerodynamics, albeit being prone to lift at high speeds, and was available as a three-door. The new body kit and rear spoiler would sort out the lift issues but, more importantly, Ford still needed to build 5,000 units for homologation, somewhat worrying when the company's initial approach to the dealer network came back with an estimate that suggested they could sell around 1,500 units! The eventual sales record is, of course, history. Ford went on to sell 5,545 three-door cars including the RS500, of which only 500 were built, and the Cosworth engine also found its way into nearly 30,000 Ford Sierra Saloons (Cosworth three door, Sapphire two-wheel drive and four wheel-drive).

The Sierra Cosworth comfortably exceeded Ford's wishes and it went on to become one of the most successful Touring Car racers of all time, winning races all over the world. In rallying the 'Group A' Sierra, on tarmac, was equal to all the four-wheel drive opposition, particularly when Didier Auriol won the 1988 Corsica Rally outright.

Offered here is what must be the most successful 'Group N' Sierra Cosworth in British rallying history. C234 HVM is a Ford Works registration number, as ten of the early Sierra Cosworths were used to launch the car to the World's press. These ex-press cars were then converted at Ford's Competition Department at Boreham, and seven of them were assigned to the 1986 Securicor Sierra Challenge rally series. C234 HVM went to Ford dealer, Peacocks, to be driven by Chris Mellors who took it to second overall in the Championship in 1986. This car then had many category wins between 1986 and 1988. It took part in The Lombard RAC Rally in 1987 and 1988, driven by Gwyndaf Evans, and in 1988 he went on to win the Shell Oils British Rally Championship (GPN). It also contested the 1987 Manx International Rally driven by Bertie Fisher.

This important piece of the British 1980s 'Group N' rally scene is on the button and beautifully finished in its 1988 Ulster Rally livery. Prior to our vendor's purchase in 2013, the Sierra had been checked over by BGM Sport who reported that all the compressions are correct and that the car is 'rally-ready' with an impressive 291bhp on tap. Since then, our vendor has only used the RS on a couple of occasions, mainly for demonstrations. The belts and extinguisher are out of date but that would be a small investment considering the historical importance of this car. It's supplied with a comprehensive history file containing important period documents and logbooks.