1987 Ford Sierra 4×4 2.8 Turbo

Description

• AT AUCTION – Please Click HERE
• Extensive body and mechanical renovation
• Turbo Technics
• Facelift model
• 230bhp
• Garrett AiResearch T.03 turbo
• Invoices and receipts to support

Staggering grip, a balanced chassis, an impressive turn of speed, all built around a class-leading four-wheel drive system. The Sierra XR 4×4 has it all.

The late facelift model Sierra XR 4×4 is a good looking and scarce car today. One that has had the benefit of a renowned Turbo Technics upgrade ranks up there with teeth on chicken. It won’t be long before they ascend from cult status to extremely collectable status.

History

Long before Audi came along with its Quattro, in 1982 the Chairman of Ford of Europe commissioned Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering department (SVE) to produce a 4WD Sierra. Originally, this was to be based around a 2.3 litre Ghia. This was quickly dismissed. Instead, it opted for a 2.8 litre powered car based around the XR4i. The aim was to produce a car that could be sold alongside the XR4i rather than as a replacement. This never happened as the XR4i was dropped and the XR 4×4 was born. The Second Gen of Mk II model like this one came along in the late 80s and the model ended production in 1993, with the introduction of the Mondeo.

• First registered 7 September 1987
• Only four former keepers
• Our vendor has owned this Sierra since 2019
• He has carried out a full mechanical and body renovation

Mechanicals

• 2.8 litre V6 Turbo Technics engine
• F19 turbo system production 230bhp
• Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection
• T9 Five speed manual gear box
• Four-wheel disc brakes
• ABS
• Five spoke alloys

Turbo Technics had a long history with Ford going back to 1981. Turbo Technics already had experience with the XR4i and the Capri 2.8i. A TT turbocharged XR 4×4 was the next logical step. TT offered several packages ranging from 200bhp up to about 300bhp. From the ID plate we can see that this is an F19 conversion denoting 230bhp. It incorporates many of the existing factory systems making the car not only powerful but reliable too.

The 4WD system was based around the Ferguson/FF system with 34% drive at the front and 66% at the rear. It provided conventional drive to the rear wheels, whilst drive to the front was provided by a prop shaft running to a front differential with drive shafts. SVE also decided that the suspension would be improved, giving better ride quality and sharper handling. This was done by lowering the ride height, stiffer springs, larger rear anti-roll bar and uprated shock absorbers.

Our vendor has carried out a great deal of mechanical work. He tells us he has retained all the paperwork on file. It includes but not limited to:

• A professional overhaul of the engine
• New Garret Turbo
• New pistons
• New clutch
• New fuel injection system

Outside

There are several photos in the Gallery where you’ll see the extensive work carried out to eliminate the enemy – corrosion.

• Interior and engine stripped out
• Sill, lower B-pillar and arch section cut out and replaced
• Renovation to floor section
• Full professional respray
• Colour matching bumpers and exterior mouldings

Now resplendent in Rosso red it does look a picture. Justin tells us there are some small cracks appearing in the rear spoiler where the plasticiser used in the paint has gone off. But we struggled to see them.

The later Mk II XR 4×4 came with revised front and rear lamps, fog lamps, improved glass area and larger black body mouldings. These were colour coded during the renovation and look really smart.

Inside

The Shadow Grey trim is described by our vendor as “a little saggy in places”. You’ll see that for yourself. He has chosen to leave them as is. There is a small SMART repair needed on the front seat base too, if you were minded. Other than that, it is very tidy for an 1980s Ford, not usually known for their interior durability.

It comes with a tilt and sliding sunroof which you’ll see from the Gallery is operating. Electric front windows were standard on the later models like this, along with an updated sound system and heated mirrors.

Summary

The XR 4x4s have lived in the shadow of the legendary Cosworth model. But put that in context.

The two-wheel drive Cosworth with 2.0-ltr Pinto engine pushes out 210bhp.

The four-wheel drive 2.8-ltr V6 Turbo Technics engine pushes out 230bhp.

The XR 4×4 was the genesis of the later 4×4 Cossie.

In many ways, these XR 4×4 models are historically significant. They are also now very uncommon. To find one today in this condition with the bonus of the Turbo Technics upgrade makes this very sought after. It will not be long before they move into collectable status. At the moment they are fabulous value. As collectors snap them up, and they become even more scarce, prices will only go one way. A great classic car.

Vehicle Location: Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Ford Sierra 2.8 XR 4×4? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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