1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth Rouse Sport 304-R - 2,882 Miles

Iconic Auctioneers are widely recognised for bringing the very best examples of all things Performance Ford to the market and this superb example epitomises that standard completely. The Ford Sierra Cosworth needs no introduction. The RS500 has long been seen to be the epitome of the range, but occasionally a car emerges that is so rare that maybe, just maybe, there may be a new challenger for the crown.

Ford launched the Sierra Sapphire Cosworth in 1988 to such acclaim, a four-door equivalent of the renowned three-door with just a little more ability to satisfy the family when needed, but still delivering almost supercar performance. Given the undoubted success of all things Ford with an RS badge, the decision was made to produce a limited run of just 200 in conjunction with Andy Rouse, four-time Touring Car Champion, which would feature a number of slight design tweaks on the already successful formula. It was originally planned to build 100 of each in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive format and they would be offered at a premium of around £4,500 over the standard Cosworth model. Upgrades included a bespoke body kit/aero pack with a body-coloured 'C' pillar, a smaller Garrett T25 Turbo and remapped ECU providing a further 40bhp, plus slightly larger tyres and an upgraded interior including model-specific Rouse seats and door cards with optional mahogany accents.

In truth, the timing of the launch, the additional cost for the upgrades and the already successful standard car meant that Ford were never destined to make the full 200 cars planned. Dealers understood that the majority of buyers wanted the four-wheel drive cars and consequently it appears that the total numbers of Rouse Sport Sapphires may have only been around 100, with the majority, 78, being the 304-R.

With just 2,882 warranted miles, the car we present here is almost certainly the lowest mileage and most original example of the model in existence and stored sympathetically with its original wheels and tyres removed, it still retains that indefinable 'new car smell'. This astonishing car is accompanied by correspondence from Andy Rouse to all buyers explaining how every car was hand-built by his team, personally checked and road-tested by him and asking buyers 'to respect their name and use it in a responsible manner'. It's supplied with the complete owners book pack, three MOT Certificates, various other marketing leaflets and paperwork relating to various car shows etc.

The car is currently being fully recommissioned prior to the sale by the respected Tremona Garage and will be refreshed and running well at our NEC Sale. #23, with less than 3,000 miles covered during its 34 years existence, is sure to be in demand amongst collectors of rare, low-mileage, high performance Classic Fords and the premium of £4,500 over the standard Sapphire Cosworth paid back in 1990 may well have proved a sensible investment.