1989 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

How many authentic, unrestored and unmodified Cosworths exist?

Any Ford bearing an ‘RS Cosworth’ badge will spark the undivided attention of enthusiasts of a certain era, and finding a RWD 4-door Sierra in such seemingly original condition, is a rare and exciting thing indeed.

It appears this 1989 LHD Italian example is free of any modifications, accidents or corrosion. The VIN plates look original and untouched, as do the decals in the engine bay.

The underside is very different to what would be typically found on a UK car, it is very clean and dry. And there are no signs of any attempted thefts or break-ins.

In its factory Flint grey metallic jacket with Raven black leather and recently refurbished 15 inch lattice alloy wheels. With just a few age related marks and minimal signs of wear and tear, perfectly in keeping with the recorded mileage of 101,233 km (62,903 miles).

Inspected in the Williams Crawford workshop, we carried out a few maintenance fixes; a new rocker cover gasket, replacement front coil springs and a fresh battery, along with an MOT test. A thorough valet, polish and interior detailing have ensured this Cosworth looks every inch the legend it is.

It drives exactly as it should, standard boost, with a great soundtrack.

Purchased and UK registered in 2022, via its home in Austria, where it was part of a collection belonging to a retired Ford dealer. It is suggested that there were 3 Italian keepers previous to that, with the 2nd owning it from 1991 until 2016.

Unlike its UK RHD brethren, the LHD versions never carried the additional ‘Sapphire’ badge, and were known only as either 3 door or 4 door versions. They were also manufactured to save weight, with wind up rear windows and no air conditioning (although this one has had AC retro fitted at some time in its history.)

Under the bonnet you’ll find the iconic Cosworth 2 litre inline 4, with a Garrett T3 turbo charger, making 201 hp and 276 Nm torque, driving the rear wheels via the Borg Warner 5 speed manual ‘box. It’s a proven recipe for success.

Complete with original spare wheel, jack, double keys and Italian handbooks.