1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Very original, matching numbers, finished in the rare and desirable Moonstone Blue

Impeccably maintained by its three owners. Warranted mileage of 22,700

Stainless steel 'Mongoose' exhaust fitted. Original with the car

A full history from 'Day 1'. Original handbooks, wallet, service book, tax disc holder, 23 previous MOTs

Unmodified, unmolested and delightfully original. Freshly MoT'd prior to sale

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. It was rear wheel drive, had good aerodynamics, albeit being prone to lift at high speeds and it 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 Turner'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 3dr, Sapphire 2wd, and 4wd). The Sierra Cosworth comfortably exceeded Ford's best expectations and it went on to become one of the most successful Touring Car racers of all time, winning races all over the world.

This remarkable Sierra RS Cosworth was supplied new on 15/05/87 by the Target Motor Company, a designated Ford RS dealer, to its first owner, Philip Smith who, after a couple of years, was persuaded by his brother, Leo, to 'hand it over' and Leo was to become the car's second owner in May 1990. Subsequently, the RS was sold to its third and final registered keeper on 22/10/93.

The essence of this particular RS Cosworth is its pure originality. It has covered only 22,700 miles and reassuringly there are letters in the owner's file from all three keepers confirming the mileage at the point of sale and confirming that no accident damage has ever occurred to the Cosworth during their ownership. There is a comprehensive log of all servicing from Day 1 with receipts and invoices in the history file, original handbooks, wallet, service book, tax disc holder, number plates, and 23 older MoT Certificates, and a fresh MoT.

The car looks superb in Moonstone Blue and has not been modified or molested in any way. The only departure from standard is a stainless steel 'Mongoose' exhaust fitted due to the failure of the centre-box but the remainder of the original exhaust is supplied with the car. Prior to the sale, the car will be recommissioned with fresh fluids, filters and a new cambelt.

This an exceptionally original car and, as our vendor pointed out, “ They are only original once”.