1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4

In January 1990, the third generation Sierra RS Cosworth was launched, this time with four-wheel drive. As early as 1987, Mike Moreton and Ford Motorsport had been talking about a four-wheel-drive Sierra RS Cosworth that could give Ford a competitive edge in the World Rally Championship, however Ford Motorsport's desire for a three-door Motorsport Special equivalent to the original Sierra RS Cosworth was not embraced. The more discreet four-door version was considered to have better marketing potential and it was therefore decided that the new car should be a natural development of the second generation, to be introduced in conjunction with the facelift scheduled for the entire Sierra line in 1990. Launched to huge acclaim with the full title of Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4, the new car was aimed at the family man who wanted practicality and performance.

This fabulous example is being offered to auction by our vendor who placed an order for this stunning RS Cosworth from Haynes of Maidstone in December 1990. He had been thinking about buying a Sapphire RS Cosworth for a while and was galvanised into action when the 'facelift' cars with the revised fascia, smoked light lenses and attractive new alloys started to become available. As it transpired, he only had to wait a few days as a 'facelift' 1991 M/Y car became available through the network. He took delivery a week later, with the only dealer extra fitted being the strut-brace offered by RS Dealers, Haynes of Maidstone, who ran a Rallye Sport Centre and are best known for supporting John Taylor’s rallying RS1800 in the 1970s.

Our vendor, the car's only owner, has undoubtedly been diligent when it came to servicing and maintenance with the service records showing ten service stamps, all by Haynes, neatly punctuating the incredibly low mileage of just 10,727. There is a stamp recording a cambelt service at 10,492 miles, only 235 miles ago but some years ago on 21st November 2022, we understand that it had a service belt change, all fluids, HT leads, Iridium plugs and a couple of fuel pipes, carried out by Smarden Classic Services. Testament to his care is that the car is in exactly the condition you would hope to own without over-detailing with product, proper garaging and never seeing any wet conditions. It's supplied with all its manuals, an original sales brochure and even the Haynes complimentary duster (unused). The spare wheel is unused and still retains the OE-fit Bridgestone tyres all round.

Finished in gleaming black with an unmarked interior and a superb engine bay, this lovely RS 4x4 is undoubtedly of collector quality and still showroom fresh with a level of originality that’s increasingly hard to find.