1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4

In 1986, the original Sierra Cosworth was a new kind of performance car - a blue-collar hero able to humble true sports cars. A couple of years later, Ford introduced the Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth, a more ‘discreet’ version, built using the four-door Sapphire bodyshell, initially with the same rear-wheel drive layout as the three-door original and then later with four-wheel drive, but even with a more restrained exterior, a plush velour interior and an executive four-door shell, the Sapphire was far from dull.

The Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 was powered by Ford's venerable 1,993cc, 16v, turbocharged, YBG four-cylinder which utilised a revised head and cylinder block, an improved cast iron exhaust manifold and a 25%-enlarged intercooler to generate 224bhp and 214lb/ft of torque at 3,500rpm,enough for 0-60 in just 6.6 seconds and 150mph

The car presented here is a 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 resplendent in rare Gloss Black (A9/Zwart) paintwork with a Recaro Black leather interior. It was previously sold by Iconic Auctioneers in 2023, where we 'sung its praises' as a splendid example having come to market directly from its first owner, a rare occurrence.

We recall our 2023 description of it:

'Our vendor took delivery of this smartly finished Cosworth on 31st August 1990 with gloss black coachwork and a leather interior trimmed in black. Supplied by Wylies Ford of Glasgow, he informs us that it was the first RS Cosworth 4x4 sold in Scotland. In 1991, the car was used to transport a very special passenger, our vendor's new-born daughter, on her journey home from hospital. Used often in period for family trips to the south of England, the car was perfectly suited for comfortable cruising.

Over the following decades our vendor's work commitments led to periods of living abroad and to ensure that the car was exercised locally regularly, it was registered in his brother’s name for insurance and road tax purposes. He regretfully acknowledges that the car is now ready for the next owner to enjoy. Having put the private registration on retention, the car is back on the original number, H451 WHS and it flew through the MOT which is valid until December 2023.'

The car was purchased, in 2023 by a Ford enthusiast who wanted to improve on an already very good car and spent some £3,000 to make it 'as he wanted' but an unforeseen requirement for some liquidity has meant it is now back for sale. It has just been serviced with a new MOT and is accompanied by a large file of receipts, Ford handbooks, original Ford dealer brochures and books on the RS 4x4 model.

With the availability of a substantial number of aftermarket cosmetic enhancements for these cars, it’s rare to find one with nothing added or taken away, so if you are looking for an unmolested, wholly original RS Cosworth, this is probably one of the worthiest candidates currently available. This Sapphire 4x4 is one for a connoisseur of the Blue Oval and is offered at an attractive price guide, offering its next custodian entry into the exclusive world of RS ownership.