1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Highlights

• Comprehensively rebuilt onto a new old stock complete Ford body shell
• Extensive mechanical renewal including fuel, brake and clutch systems
• Service history, mostly with Ford dealers, accompanies the car
• Registered in Bristol in August 1986, where the car has spent its entire life

The Appeal

Affectionately nicknamed the "Cossie", the Ford Sierra Cosworth is one of the most revered performance cars of the 1980s - a blue-collar hero car for an entire generation of petrolheads. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and unmistakable whale-tail rear spoiler made it an instant icon on both road and rally stage, and values today reflect its enduring desirability among enthusiasts.

This example was first registered in Bristol in August 1986 and covered just over 52,000 miles before being taken off the road in 1999, where it sat partially dismantled until the current owner acquired it in 2022. Upon stripping the car to a bare shell, it was found to be beyond repair, but rather than abandon the project, a new old stock complete Ford body shell was sourced, stripped, etched and painted. Every component from the original car was then checked, cleaned, painted, replaced or reconditioned as required before being fitted to the new shell. The owner, now 80 years old, is selling for someone else to enjoy the fruits of what has been a considerable restoration effort.

Key Information

• Mileage: 52,754 miles (supported by known service history)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT to 13th October 2026 (no advisories)
• Technical specs: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder, five-speed manual
• Paperwork: service history, mostly with Ford dealers, accompanies the car, including stamped service book

The Detail

• Rebuilt onto a new old stock complete Ford body shell, which was stripped, etched and painted
• All components from the original car checked, cleaned, painted, replaced or reconditioned as required
• Entire fuel system replaced, with the exception of metal pipes
• Entire brake system replaced, with the exception of metal pipes and ABS unit
• Complete clutch assembly replaced
• All engine ignition electrics replaced
• New aluminium radiator fitted
• All belts and tensioners replaced
• Wheels refurbished and new Toyo tyres fitted
• New headlining fitted
• Mk2 dash fitted; original dash included with the car
• The vendor states the engine is smooth and powerful, with paperwork indicating 270 bhp on the rolling road
• Slight propshaft vibration noted in top gear at slow speed
• The vendor notes a few exterior blemishes and states detailing would elevate it to the next level
• The vendor reports all panel gaps are good
• The vendor describes the underside as like new
• Interior described by the vendor as in overall good condition for its age
• The vendor describes the sunroof cassette as like new
• Radio is not working
• Occasional glitches with electric switches reported
• Hub caps included but no locks for them
• A couple of items noted by the vendor as non-standard

BEFORE YOU BUY

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