1987 Ford Sierra RS 500

• Tickford build sheets confirm this car as #215 out of 500 and first registered on the 3rd August 1987
• The detailed history file includes well stamped service book, numerous MOTs, historical invoices. There are two condition reports from 1991 and 2021
• Compiled by noted RS 500 expert Paul Linfoot, the 2021 condition report states the boost gauge is present and only fitted to early cars
• It also notes that the mileage of 23,222 (atoc) is consistent with the interior, radio, gear knob and original exhaust system
• The car was professionally painted in 2015 and the panels are straight with no signs of rust according to the report which is available pre-auction via email
• The report is also complimentary of the shut lines as we note that the car sustained light damage to the front in its early life and is registered as an insurance loss, damaged and repaired
• We welcome any inspection of this beautiful car and its impressive leather bound history file.

The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was announced in July 1987 and had a mechanically uprated Cosworth engine (more similar to the one to be used in competition), with power boosted to 224bhp, upgraded brakes, modified bodywork and the cachet of being hand-assembled. Just 500 three-door Sierra Cosworths were sent to Aston Martin Tickford for conversion to the RS500, and copy build sheets confirm that this car was number 215.

First registered on the 3rd August 1987 as “E321 EPD” the well stamped service book supplied in the incredibly detailed history file shows periodic services consistent with incremental mileage increases and corresponds to the historical MOTs. A condition report dated 31^st October 1991 written by Boddington, Mee Consulting Automotive Engineers of Nottingham shows the odometer reading as 2,972 miles and notes that there is slight damage to the N/S/F corner front bumper mounting and “no sign of major accident damage”. With no other reference in the history file to any further accident damage it appears that the 1991 report accounts for why the car appears on some online car history check websites as “repaired and inspected after being previously written off”. It would also be consistent with the low values of the model in the early 1990s and why the insurance loss adjuster may have been stricter with light damage.

The car is offered from a small Ford collection and upon inspection we noted that the ECU mounted behind the “RS” panel on the dashboard appears to be the original with the Morrelli stickers covering the screw holes free of tampering. The interior is wholly consistent of a car of this mileage and the rear parcel shelf is “bowed”, a common RS500 characteristic, further confirms the interior’s originality and the first aid kit can be found in the usual spot. The car was professionally repainted in 2015 and presents well today retaining a deep gloss shine. The engine bay was attended to at the same time by respected RS specialist Paul Linfoot who replaced the wing sealer to the replacement wing(s) and fitted new brackets, bolts and screws where appropriate.

Paul Linfoot compiled a report on the 17^th October 2021, copies of which can be emailed to interested parties pre-auction, and we have, with Paul’s permission, reproduced some excerpts here, which of course can be read in context within the full written report:

“The car carries all its correct RS500 unique parts that were fitted during its conversion. The original RS500 bumpers/spoilers and splitters are all in very good condition and fit correctly.”

“The interior is in very good condition and consistent with the car's low miles of 23,222, with its original Ford stereo and amplifier fitted and working. The seats and door cards are all correct and in good condition. The original leather gear knob is also present and in good condition, these are often replaced as they didn't wear very well.”

“The exterior of the car presents very well, its shut lines are all how they should be and the panels are straight and rust free…The correct pin stripe and (RS500) badge is proudly on display on the front wings and rear tailgate.”

“The underside looks original and untouched but solid and again the correct RS500 rear beam sits in place along with an original exhaust system that are usually replaced in favour of a modern stainless steel system.”

In relation to the car’s insurance registry status Paul said “It is my opinion that on older cars this is less important and any vehicle should be valued on its present overall condition rather than what may have happened while the car’s value was at its lowest.”

We conclude that this car, whilst estimated to reflect it’s damaged-repaired status, should be judged on its current condition, superb history and low mileage.