Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. In 1986, the original Sierra Cosworth was a new kind of performance car - a blue-collar hero able to humble true sports cars. A couple of years later, Ford introduced the Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth, a more ‘discreet’ version, built using the four-door Sapphire bodyshell, initially with the same rear-wheel drive layout as the three-door original and then later with four-wheel drive, but even with a more restrained exterior, a plush velour interior and an executive four-door shell, the Sapphire was far from dull. The early rear-wheel drive cars benefited from 204bhp from the YBB engine (205 block), a T5 gearbox, 7" x 15" lattice alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, side skirts and Recaro seats, with 0-60mph taking 6. 1 seconds. Despite the extra power and potential for greater traction, the later 4x4 Sapphire was slower to 60mph, reaching the speed in 6. 6 seconds. Approximately 13, 140 two-wheel drive Sapphire examples were produced during 1988-1989 and all were assembled in Belgium at Ghenk powered by UK-built Ford-Cosworth engines.
On offer here is a very special car indeed. G895 SVV is one of only four two-wheel drive examples finished in Radiant Red (paint code 'P9) and we understand that it's believed to be the only one currently in a road worthy condition. A former resident of the renowned Bonkers Collection, the Sapphire has covered just 31, 754 miles at the time of cataloguing and is a highly original example.
First registered on 9th October 1989, the Sapphire boasts a full service history including the original Bill of Sale and full dealers book pack and enjoyed mechanical maintenance in March this year (including cambelt) ensuring that it's ready for its next owner. We encourage all interested parties to come to the NEC to come see the car in the metal and to go through the accompanying history file.
With the availability of a substantial number of aftermarket performance and cosmetic enhancements for these cars, it’s rare to find one with nothing added or nothing taken away, so if you are looking for an unmolested, original RS Cosworth, this is probably one of the worthiest candidates currently available, especially being one of only four examples in Radiant Red ever built. The lighter and rarer version of the Sapphire, this two-wheel drive example is one for the Ford connoisseur and is offered at an attractive price guide, offering its new owner entry into the exclusive world of RS Radiant Red ownership, one of only four and possibly the only one in daily use.
