An ex-modified concours winning Ford Sierra RS Cosworth with 28,066 miles.
The Sierra RS Cosworth project was defined in the spring of 1983 by the then recently appointed head of Ford Motorsport in Europe. It was established that at the time, Ford was no longer competitive in this area. After receiving full support from Ford Public Relations, the project was underway with the Sierra chosen as the basis for the project. Ford Motorsport in Europe approached the automotive company Cosworth who answered positively, but put up two conditions: The street version of the car had to produce no less than 204 HP, and Ford had to accept no less than 15,000 engines. The project would only need about 5,000 engines, but Ford nevertheless accepted the conditions. The extra 10,000 engines would later become one of the reasons Ford also chose to develop a four door, second generation Sierra RS Cosworth. Few cars have ever been greeted with such enthusiasm as the original Sierra RS Cosworth.
Bodyside mouldings, integral front air dam, colour coded door mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, colour coded lockable fuel filler cap, bonnet cooling vents, halogen headlamps, integral front driving lamps, colour coded bumpers with front moulded overriders, single plane rear wing spoiler, tinted glass all round, tailgate wash/wipe, laminated windscreen, extended centre console, cigar lighter, quartz digital clock, fascia light dimmer, leather gearknob, leather three spoke sports steering wheel, 3-speed heater fan , cassette storage, electronic sound system (model ECU2) with power amplifier, electric aerial, Recaro Sports front seats, split folding rear seats, tilt and slide sunroof, tachometer with turbo boost gauge, trip recorder, anti-locking brake system with failure warning light, electric front windows. Nonstandard items: Chrome plated door locks, chrome plated door latches, oval smoked side repeaters, 3 inch stainless steel exhaust, various underbody chrome plated components.
The commanding exterior of this RS Cosworth is breath-taking and nothing short of simply magnificent. Finished in Diamond White (code B3), the paintwork boasts a deep gloss shine thanks to its pampered show winning past and commensurate with an example of such amazing low mileage. All exterior trim is in excellent order as is the glass, lights and badges but some minute stress fractures to the rear spoiler fixing points can be seen. The underside of this fabulous car is detailed perfection but not completely original with some components remaining chrome plated from its show winning past. The engine bay is spotlessly clean and the once spectacle of modified class winning exhibiting has largely been reversed to replicate a now standard look. Breathtaking in every sense and a real crowd pleaser.
The interior of this RS Cosworth is pristine. Finished in Ford Roma Grey (code S2), the Recaro seats and door trim are superb. The carpets are spotless and are free from wear having been protected by Ford floor mats. Seat and steering wheel covers have also been used. All interior equipment and trim is original, functional and free from any modification or additions other than a period immobiliser. The dashboard is immaculate having suffered no cracks, discolouration or distortion. The standard electronic sound system with power amplifier remains as Ford intended and the LCD display to warn of bulb failure and open doors operates perfectly with all lamp elements working. An absolute showpiece.
Recent works to the original RS Cosworth powerplant are documented and an extensive refurbishment process to restore originality is largely complete. Finishing items such as some factory stickers, a turbo heat shield and fusebox black material cover are required. There are also some minor clips and fixings chrome plated. Performance from the 204HP 2.0 Dual Over Head Cam with Garrett AiResearch T3 turbocharger is impressive with 0-60 in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 149mph quoted. The low mileage is clearly evident when changing through the gears with crisp, tight and precise progression up and down the range. An absolute delight.
The standard 15 X 7 inch RS Sierra Cosworth alloy wheels are shod with Goodyear Eagle 205/50 R15 tyres all round, with excellent tread remaining. The boot mounted spare houses an unused factory issued Dunlop D40. Diagonally split hydraulic circuits, anti-lock braking assisted 28.3cm ventilated Tarox 40 groove discs up front and 27.3cm discs at the rear bring the car to a sure and steady halt.
Supplied new on the 27th August 1986 by Ford Main Dealers, R.C Edmondson Ltd this vehicle was purchased by the Managing Director of plating company when just three years old having covered 12,837 miles. At which point the vehicle was completely standard and had two former keepers. He set about transforming the car to showcase the expertise and capabilities of his business and stun the show circuit. Magazine features, interviews and articles are included documenting the many class wins including 1993 RSOC National Day Champion, modified, post 1981. In his care, (with a short absence before being compelled to buy his pride and joy back), until December 2014 the vehicle was sold to a Ford aficionado who set about returning the car to standard. Now almost complete, a new owner may wish to enjoy and show the car as is, or complete the standard look fully. A number of previous MOT certificates, service book entries and invoices help verify the low mileage covered. A rare and fascinating car.
HPI Clear, MOT April 2016.