SHOWROOM STAR
FROM
1987 FORD SIERRA RS500 COSWORTH
One of 52 Moonstone Blue Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth’s with just four owners.
MODEL HISTORY
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. Few cars have ever been greeted with such enthusiasm as the original Sierra RS Cosworth, perhaps only the exclusive 500 cars that were developed to become an evolution edition, unbeatable on the track. Aston Martin at Tickford were assigned with converting the 500 cars, which in 1987 were to be announced as the RS500. Engineering differences aside, largely the cars were aesthetically similar to the standard Cosworth. The main differences being the additional boot mounted spoiler, discrete badges and the revised front bumper to aid improved cooling. This included the removal of the front fog lamps as standard, but with the dealerships offering reinstatement as an optional extra.
EQUIPMENT
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, colour coded bumpers, single plane rear wing spoiler with trailing edge fence, lower tailgate mounted spoiler, tinted glass all round, tailgate wash/wipe, laminated windscreen, central locking, 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. Dealer options; Ford floor mats.
EXTERIOR
Presented in simply beautiful condition, this RS500 Cosworth has remained exactly as Ford intended with the all too common modification trend completely avoided. Finished in optional Ford Moonstone Blue (code K6), the paintwork boasts a deep polished gloss shine and superb uniform finish. All exterior trim, rubbers and glass remain free from damage, as have the all imperative RS500 badges and decals. A tiny hairline crack to the rear nearside light cluster is visible and one of the front headlamps has been replaced. The front lower splitter has remained true to shape and the original grilles in place of the fog lamps remain correct to the RS500 build specification. A very clean underside displays original manufacturer stampings on various components. The ultimate 1980’s performance touring car, very special.
INTERIOR
The interior of this very rare RS500 remains trimmed in the original Ford Roma Grey (code S2) upholstery featuring Recaro front seats and matching carpeted door trim. The fabric seats coverings are in excellent condition with only minor distortion to the driver’s seat bolster and slightly loose material commensurate with the mileage. The carpets are clean and have remained free from wear having been protected from new by genuine Ford carpet mats. All dials and gauges operate perfectly including all electric warning lamps and the door open/bulb blown warning display. The dashboard displays two small hairline cracks around the dash top speaker grille and the headlining to the rear has dropped slightly. A clean boot area houses the original uncut parcel shelf with correct rubber hangers, impossible to source. The perfectionist will note markings to the inner boot trim whereas the purist will delight at the factory boot stickers and original Dunlop D40 tyre on the spare wheel. A very presentable and unspoilt RS500 interior remaining true to the manufacturers intentions.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The original RS Cosworth powerplant warrants little introduction. Fitted with the standard 2.0 Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC) with the larger Garrett AiResearch T31/T04 turbocharger and intercooler, the motorsport pedigree of this car is unmistakable. With an impressive output of 224HP allowing the car to accelerate smoothly through 0-60 in 6.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 153mph. A stainless steel exhaust system is fitted. The engine bay is incredible in its originality and condition with panel stampings displayed and factory stickers showing age deterioration, but present and correct. The gear changes are positive and direct throughout the range, a real delight.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The factory fitted 15 X 7 inch RS Sierra Cosworth alloy wheels housed within the flared arches are in pristine unrestored condition, and are shod in matching Avon CR338 205/50 R15 tyres all round with excellent tread remaining. Diagonally split hydraulic circuits, anti-lock braking assisted 28.3cm ventilated discs up front and 27.3cm discs at the rear bring the car to a sure and steady halt.
HISTORY FILE
Supplied by Ford RS Dealers OMC Ford of Macclesfield on 17th August 1987, build number 470 of 500 has covered just 67,055 documented miles from new with only four keepers. All handbooks including the all-important RS500 Cosworth supplement remain in the history file along with previous MOT certificates. An independent report commissioned by the previous owner by renowned valuation experts Julian Shoolheifer Limited was carried out on 28th October 2014. KGF Classic Cars have taken the car to respected Mr Harvey Gibbs of Cosworth specialists, Supreme Car Services, for a full service and inspection including cambelt and tensioner and renewal of many standard components, as well as a MOT. One key fits all locks and ignition and a Clifford alarm system is fitted.
This vehicle will appeal to the discerning collector wanting a well preserved unmolested example of a now very rare car. KGF Classic Cars are proud to offer this truly special car to the market and the exceptional opportunity that it represents to the informed enthusiast who will appreciate such cars are rarely offered to the open market.
MOT August 2016, HPI Clear.
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