1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 - Ex-Press Car

In 1988, Ford introduced the four-door Sapphire Cosworth, a family saloon which was, perhaps, a little more discreet than its be-spoilered sibling. As the name suggests, it was based on the Sapphire saloon and used the existing 1,993cc Cosworth Twin-Cam turbo.

A couple of years later, in January 1990, the third generation Sierra RS Cosworth was launched, this time with four-wheel drive. As early as 1987, Mike Moreton and Ford Motorsport had been talking about a four-wheel drive Sierra RS Cosworth that could make Ford competitive in the World Rally Championship. Ford Motorsport's desire for a three-door 'Motorsport Special' equivalent to the original Sierra RS Cosworth was not embraced however, as it was felt that the more discreet, family-friendly, four-door version was considered to have a better marketing potential. Consequently, it was decided that the new car should be a natural development of the second generation cars and would be launched in conjunction with the facelift scheduled for the entire Sierra range in 1990. They were now powered by the 220bhp Cosworth YBG/YBJ mated to the Ferguson 4x4 MT75 transmission and 0-60mph took just 5.6 seconds - pretty impressive for a family saloon.

On offer here is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive Sapphire Cosworth that was used by the Ford Motor Company as a press car, featuring in many marketing materials as you can see in the images on our website. First registered on 15th March 1990, the Sapphire is finished in Moonstone Blue with a classic RS Recaro interior in grey velour and cloth and was showing 78,418 miles at the time of cataloguing.

The vendor, a true RS-enthusiast, has owned this wonderful Ford Press Car since 1995 and he has kept it carefully garaged and maintained with regular lubrication services during this time. Coming to market due to retirement and subsequent loss of dry storage, the car will be presented to auction benefiting from a major service that included a fresh cambelt, water pump and an advisory-free MOT. With the availability of a substantial number of aftermarket performance and cosmetic enhancements for these cars, it’s rare to find one with nothing added or nothing taken away, so if you are looking for an unmolested and original RS Cosworth, this is probably one of the worthiest candidates currently available.

It's accompanied by both keys, a period Cobra Alarm, recently refurbished alloy wheels, its history file and an original copy of the July 1990 Fast Ford Magazine in which the car featured as part of its former press activity.

Presumably, after much consideration, Ford's Press Office chose Moonstone Blue for the colour of their 'launch' car as it was seen to be aspirational, and there is no doubt G364 COO was seen as an object of desire across thousands of breakfast and boardroom tables in early 1990 amongst potential buyers looking for a four-wheel drive, high-performance saloon. This is an important example in all round excellent condition that's worthy of serious consideration by any collector of landmark Fords.