Description
TODAY at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 26 years) we are delighted to offer for sale this 1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire 1. 8 GLS. The car began life as an 1800 LX but never got any further than the factory in such a guise. The original owner asked his local Ford dealership to provide him with a Sapphire 1800cc but with GLS spec and thus it has been like this ever since it left the showroom.
It is in condition that can only be described as superb all round. Great panels, gaps, a stunning "like new" interior and super paintwork. It drives so well and so tightly that you could be excused for thinking you were driving a new car.
This list informs you of the a lot of the work done during the last few thousand miles of this stunning Sierra Sapphire as well as telling you exactly what the model is etc. However it is not an exhaustive list and there will doubtless be more!
She has the 5-speed box
* Sapphire 1800 LX cvh at new but a special order at dealership and given special spec with mostly GLS goodies.
* Space invader style cloth seats. Covers have been on from new until now and thus the car's interior is like brand new.
* Body work has perfect gaps.
* Zeibart treated at new.
* GLS/ Ghia door cards.
* Alloys.
* Tinted glass.
* Central locking
* Rev counter dash (Cosworth/ Ghia soft feel dash) Like new. No cracks.
* Gas suspension.
* Belt, tensioner, Serpentine belt, genuine new Ford gearbox.
* Rebuilt cylinder head, cam, cam folowers, piston rings, shells (all genuine Ford parts).
* Genuine LUK 3-piece clutch.
* Gas shockers and up-rated springs.
* Brand new steering rack and associated steering column joints.
* Replacement propshaft.
* High spec EBS discs and pads.
You are unlikely to find another example good enough to allow room for comparison. If you are interested and need further proof of my description and opinion of this Sapphire, then please do make an appointment to view. But, if I were you, I would probably make it sooner rather than later.
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 33-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
The phrase "classic car" is, in my opinion, quite often misunderstood. Several decades ago - let's say in the 70s - what we now refer to as classics were called "old bangers." There was vintage and veteran, but they were generally of the Edwardian era and reserved for events like the world famous London to Brighton run.
Now, some people make the mistake of thinking a classic car is a vehicle which has been restored to its former glory at great expense or is perhaps a rare survivor that has been locked away in a heated garage and never driven.
No. Call them whatever you wish, but they are old cars. Ancient cars. Relics, antique vehicles.
They come in all shapes and sizes and, more importantly, in all conditions. Warts and all. Some are in a state of poor repair needing time, love and money lavishing on them; others are projects. Quite a large percentage are in reasonable condition and can be driven. But, due to their age, they will need ongoing work and attention.
Panels and paint suffer along with engines, running gear and structure. Please do not compare them to your three-year-old BMW!
A 6k "classic" cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be as good as the same make and model offered at 12k. Think about it. They need to be taken on board much like family pets. Be prepared for the heartache, the problems that beat you and the cost of it all. But, most importantly, be prepared for the joy that driving a classic car brings you. If you can let that over-ride everything else, then you are the right person to buy what is now widely referred to as a classic car!
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 26 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
