Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A very early production Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth with just 24,608 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Bodyside mouldings with black insert, polycarbonate bumpers, integral front air dam, heated front windscreen, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, tinted glass, homofocal headlights, headlamp wash/wipe, rear window aerial, colour coded rear spoiler, extended centre console, quartz digital clock, fascia light dimmer, graphic information module, map reading lamps, tilt and slide sunroof, central locking, front and rear electric windows, integral rear headrests, Electronic Sound System ECU2 with power amplifier. Dealer options; Security glass etching, Shurlock ED10 immobiliser system, Ford tailored carpet mats.
EXTERIOR
Launched to the UK market in January 1988, this Sapphire Cosworth was built in the first month of production, January 1988. Finished in original Ford Diamond White, (Code B3), the paint is preserved and boasts a bright shine and polished uniform finish. All factory panels are pin straight with linear gaps and even close scrutiny will struggle to discover anything other than miniscule markings. All exterior trim including the commonly misshapen front splitter is perfect and features such as Anthracite fog lamps surrounds denote an early 2WD example. The glass displays the original number and dots dated Securit etchings, and the original Carello headlamps remain fitted with other lenses showing Ford logo and ‘England’ lettering. Supplying dealer number plates, rear screen sticker and tax disc holder have been retained. Without question one of the best unrestored examples in existence.
INTERIOR
The factory standard interior of this truly special example is trimmed in the original Halley and Angora grey velour, (Code L). This trim arrangement being another denotation of the early 2WD production Sapphire Cosworths prior to the introduction of Shadow Halley/Raven velour and optional Raven Leather in February 1989. The supportive Recaro front seats are flawless with firm bolsters and tight coverings, commensurate with the very low mileage. A tiny amount of shrinkage to the driver’s door card can only just be seen. The instantly familiar driver inclined dashboard is perfect and completely free from any cracks, and the three spoke leather trimmed sports steering wheel and leather gear knob show natural veins. All functions and controls operate including the standard Sound ECU2 stereo system with power amplifier. A fantastic RS interior, the ultimate combination of sporting prowess and spacious executive luxury.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fitted with the standard 1993cc Dual Over Head Cam (DOHC) engine with the Garrett AiResearch T.03B turbocharger and intercooler, the racing pedigree of this car is truly evident with performance figures quoted of 204bhp, 150mph top speed and 0-60 in just 6.1 seconds. The engine bay will fascinate originality seekers with factory panel stampings on the inner wings, front slam panel and bonnet underside. All stickers and plates remain intact including the service stickers on the intercooler, long since lost on most examples. The tough T5 manual transmission with 7.5 limited slip differential is direct and precise, just as you would expect from the low mileage covered.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The factory fitted and unrestored 15 X 7 RS Sierra Cosworth ‘Lattice Style’ alloy wheels are remarkable with only minimal markings and one scratch to the offside front rim edge. The part numbers and raised stampings are prominent and show clear definition, a feature lost upon the usual refurbished items. Quality Dunlop SP Sport 205/50 R15 tyres with excellent tread are fitted all round, and the spare wheel is shod in the original unused Dunlop SP Sport D40 fitment. Diagonally split hydraulic brakes featuring anti-lock assistance and Teves four piston front callipers offer excellent stopping power to match the performance.
HISTORY FILE
Built at Ford’s Genk assembly plant in January 1988, the first month of Sapphire Cosworth production, this example was registered new on the 12th February 1988 by Ford Main Dealer and RS official agent, Charles King of Bedford. The first owner was a Mr Ronald Shepherd, proprietor of specialist’s RS Engineering in Buckinghamshire. An avid Ford RS enthusiast and expert, Mr Shepherd was determined to acquire a brand new Sapphire Cosworth and attended the launch party at Charles Wells Ford on the 11th February 1988 to secure his order. He even kept in the history file newspaper cuttings advertising the launch party and other articles covering the event afterwards! The new vehicle sales invoice made out to Mr Shepherd confirms the price paid of £19,300.
The history file is fantastic and includes the original Charles King Ford A5 wallet with original service book, handbooks, guides and POS literature, and despite the incredibly low mileage, the service book contains nine stamped entries. The most recent entry in November 2017 with supporting invoice is from renowned Cosworth specialist Harvey Gibbs of Supreme Car Services whereby a service and brake overhaul was carried out. There is a documented timing belt change in 2015 at 23,844 miles. Completing the comprehensive history file is every MOT certificate completed from the first in 1991 to the current in November 2017 along with service invoices and receipts. Articles of this car covered in classic car publications, original sales brochure and two Ford keys with Charles Wells fob complete the history file. Representing an incredibly well-preserved example of what is now firmly established as collectable Ford RS product, KGF Classic Cars are privileged to offer this genuine 24,608 mile example ready for the next custodian.
HPI Clear.
