1988 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth

Highlights

• Desirable two-wheel drive model
• 60,215 miles from new
• Comprehensively recommissioned in 2020 after long-term storage
• Finished in Ford Mercury Grey with black leather Recaro seats
• Accompanied by history file with invoices and a new-old-stock handbook pack
• Serviced by an RS specialist in 2026

The Appeal

The "Cossie" was the stuff of legend during the late '80s and early '90s - a blue-collar performance car that punched well above its weight. Born from a partnership between Ford and Cosworth to conquer European Group A racing, the Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth homologation special used a turbocharged 16-valve twin-cam engine to great effect, producing 204 BHP at a screaming 6,000 RPM.
The two-wheel drive Sapphire variant is particularly sought after among fast Ford fans, and values have reflected this growing demand in recent years.

This example had covered just 300 miles between 2009 and 2020 due to long-term storage, after which it was comprehensively recommissioned at a cost of over £5,500. The car visited an RS specialist earlier this year for servicing and the vendor reports it to be in good running and driving order.
It is accompanied by a V5C registration document, a history file containing invoices from the recommissioning and from major works carried out in 2003, old MOT certificates, and a new-old-stock handbook pack. The MOT runs to 30th March 2027.

Key Information

• Mileage: 60,215 miles indicated (supported by known MOT history)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT to 30th March 2027
• Technical specs: 2.0-litre turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual, RWD model
• Paperwork: V5C registration document, invoices, old MOT certificates, and new-old-stock handbook pack
• Notice to bidders: private registration not included

Service history:
2026 - vendor advises service perfromed by an RS specialist
06/2020 - Ferraro (£1,593.14 / Invoice 41596)

• Completed oil service with new oil filter, spark plugs, oil pressure sensor, rear oil seal, and 10W60 oil
• Replaced cambelt kit, brake disc, and rebuilt/bled brake calipers
• Rectified electrical wiring

05/2020 - Rosehill Garage Ltd - Tuning Lab

• Carried out dyno tuning test (296.2 HP / 290.6 Ft.lbs torque)

01/2020 - 58,100 miles - Rosehill Garage Ltd - Tuning Lab (£2,000.78 / Invoice 2238)

• Carried out recommissioning service after storage
• Replaced fuel tank, fuel hose, petrol, sump plug, oil filter, rear brake pads/hoses, near-side caliper, and brake unions
• Replaced timing belt kit, engine sensor pack, distributor cap, rotor arm, spark plugs, and steering rack gaiters
• Performed structural welding repairs

04/2006 - ESP Design Ltd (£206.21 / Invoice 53867)

• Supplied EBC front brake discs and Greenstuff pads

09/2004 - Drive-In Auto Fitting Centre / Autocentres (£129.00 / Invoice B0442)

• Repaired near-side seat fixing welds and carried out MOT test

10/2003 - Merlin Motor Services (£65.57 / Invoice 1960)

• Re-tapped oil sump and changed oil/bung to fix oil leak

09/2003 - 56,769 miles - Merlin Motor Services (£1,654.32 / Invoice 1874)

• Fitted TDC sensor, Phase 3 PowerChip, actuator, Piper vernier pulleys, turbo heatshield, battery cover, and exhaust
• Replaced off-side rear brake caliper, bled brakes, welded sills/chassis, and carried out MOT test

09/2003 - Woodford Garage Motorsport / Xtreme (£372.63 / Invoice 17269)

• Supplied Pace RS500 intercooler

08/2003 - Kays Auto Specialist (£158.00 / Invoice)

• Supplied dressed engine bay accessories and covers

08/2003 - Merlin Motor Services (£1,873.97 / Invoice 1790)

• Rebuilt cylinder head area, fitted Spec-R tanks, silicone hoses, timing belt, pulleys, spark plugs, and oil filter

07/2003 - R & K Auto Products / Rotherham Car Trimming Co (£40.00 / Invoice 1440)

• Replaced windscreen and refitted rear screen

06/2003 - R.S. Centre Ltd (£1,100.00 / Invoice 01343)

• Supplied full leather interior, lattice alloy wheels, white louvred bonnet, and trim parts

The Detail

• Over £5,500 spent on recommissioning in 2020
• Turbo rebuilt during recommissioning, new Bosch fuel pump fitted, injectors cleaned and tested, steering rack gaiters replaced, and new battery installed
• Major works carried out in 2003, with invoices on file
• Serviced by an RS specialist in 2026
• Very low miles covered since 2020 recommissioning, per MOT history
• Covered approximately 300 miles between 2009 and 2020
• Well-presented throughout in readiness for its next keeper
• Nankang tyres fitted
• OEM Ford alloy wheels, all presenting very well (full-size alloy spare also included)
• Under-bonnet modifications evident including air intake
• Clean and tidy engine bay presentation
• Smart upholstery reflecting low indicated mileage, including the OEM Recaro seats

BEFORE YOU BUY

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