1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth *Sold £32,250*

Description

• 4×4
• Red Top engine
• Stamped Service Book
• Supplied new by Sandicliffe Ford in Boston
• Good history
• Low mileage

When the four-door Cosworth first appeared in 1988, it was a fundamental change from its hatchback predecessor. This was a road going super saloon version of an all-conquering touring car rather than a wild hot hatch. Despite its more subtle lines, there was no doubting its sporting credentials.

In 1990, the fastest Sierra came with two major changes. A power boost to 220bhp and four-wheel drive. It gave the Cosworth devastating cross-country pace. Coupled with its success on the world’s rally stages, it was a major success.

Now, over three decades on, with careful ownership and subtle upgrades, this Sierra Sapphire Cosworth remains as spot-on and as potent as ever.

History

• First registered 1 August 1991
• A fresh MOT dated 6 June 2023
• Twice part of a collection
• Great condition
• Lots of paperwork, invoices and history

Our vendor, Paul, tells us;

“I’ve owned this Cosworth for approx. two years but never registered it in my name. During my ownership I sold it to a collector. It sat in his garage for 9 months unused. I bought it back and it has sat in my collection again, unused”.

Engine and mechanicals

• Stamped Service Book
• Four new Uniroyal tyres
• Serviced
• Coolant and plugs replaced
• Category One Alarm
• Tracker fitted

The iron block from Ford’s single-overhead cam, the T88 Pinto that was used in the Escort RS2000, was the foundation of the Sierra’s new engine, called the YB.

Cosworth designed an aluminium head to suit the Pinto block with two belt-driven cams operating 16 valves. Cosworth engineers added a Garret T3 turbocharger with intercooler. The result, as we all know, was a phenomenal success.

In 1990 the biggest change to the Cosworth was made. Ford altered up to 80 per cent of the engine parts increasing the power to 220bhp.

The Teves ABS brakes were upgraded and a four-wheel drive system, that spilt torque 34:66 front and rear, was introduced with an all-new gearbox.

Unlike many Cosworths this one is largely original, but it does have some subtle improvements.

• Powerflex bush kit
• Stage one tuning
• Changed boost & cooling hoses back to standard
• 3-inch s/s exhaust
• Max power upped to 283bhp at approx. 6,000rpm

Outside

• Moondust Silver
• Original shark-tooth Alloy wheels
• Factory bonnet vents
• Good overall condition
• Tilt and slide glass sunroof
• Two keys with fobs

As you’ll see from the many good, detailed images in the Gallery, this Sierra Sapphire Cosworth is in good overall condition.

Where there are minor, age related / wear and tear faults, the vendor has helpfully highlighted them. Even though he has used his finger in places to point them out we struggled to see them.

The bumpers are in first-rate condition. The front ones often suffer from stone chips, this one looks clean. The fog lights are free from any chips, as are the headlamps; again, bonus.

The bonnet, wings and door gaps are all fine and clean as you can see from the nice side-on shots. Our vendor told us that the rear bumper has been painted. He says if you look closely, it is a shade out. He also told us he thinks it has had some paint at some point, which is not surprising for a classic of this age. You’ll also note the vendor has highlighted some surface crud in the inner roll-over lip on a rear wheel-arch. It’s minor, but good that our vendor highlighted it. Fair play to him.

The exterior trims, badges, spoilers, etc are all in good condition. The original Shark tooth wheels look good and are shod with new Uniroyals all round.

Inside

The un-molested factory original feel of this Sierra Sapphire Cosworth continues inside the cockpit.

• Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
• Remote fuel filler cap
• Halogen headlamps
• Tinted glass all round
• Ford ‘Quickclear’ windscreen and washer jets
• Central locking with torch key
• Quartz digital clock
• Fascia light dimmer,
• Leather gear knob
• Stereo sound system with power amplifier
• Split folding rear seats (making the Cosworth double practical)
• Graphic information module (shows doors open, etc)
• Electric front and rear windows

Inside, the Cosworth was built to Sierra Ghia levels of equipment, with the addition of Recaro seats and a sportier three-spoke steering wheel.

Trimmed in the original Ford Raven Leather. The seats are all clean and in wear free condition. As you’d expect, the driver’s seat shows higher usage but has no tears or damage.

The dashboard is free from any cracks and all switches etc. are intact and operate as they should.

Ford do know how to build a feel-good interior and this Sierra Sapphire Cosworth is a great example of this. A combination of sporting prowess and luxury car.

Ford probably dropped the ball with ‘security’ though.

Only a very rudimentary security system, was used on the Cosworth. The engine and its huge performance meant Cossies were often the target of ratbags. Don’t worry, we’ve checked this one is clear as a bell. The answer to that problem today is a good alarm or a tracking device. Good news, this has a Thatcham CAT 1 alarm, and 2 immobilisers fitted. Job done.

You can usually tell a good classic by the detail. In the load space in the Cosworth, we find a bespoke fitted quality sound deadening foam fitted. Who does that? A careful owner is the answer.

Our view

Blip the throttle, and the engine is gruff and eager. Then get moving. When the turbocharger takes over, at around 3,000rpm, the acceleration is electrifying. Pitch the car into a corner and test the grip. The rear-biased torque split gives the Cosworth limpet like qualities. This stealthy RS Cosworth is easily good enough to see off far more expensive rivals. But it also makes a brilliant four door classic that is easy to live with. It is also probably the most useable and affordable (at the moment) super-car there is.

Nearly 20 years on, and the Sierra Sapphire Cosworth is still rapid, fun and practical.

It is a car that would not be built today. That is one of the many reasons to get one while they are still within reach. Good luck.

Please remember, our site uses anti-sniping software which ensures fairness to all bidders. So, if a bid for a lot is received in the last minute, the auction will go into a 2-minute overtime period for each subsequent bid.

Vehicle Location: Sutton in Ashfield, Notts NG17 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

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

Guide Prices?

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Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

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Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

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