At its introduction in 1982, the Sierra's revolutionary new shape proved a touch more divisive than Ford had anticipated and some serious marketing became a priority, so it was the obvious choice to become the platform for Ford's new competition aspirations in conjunction with Cosworth. It fitted the brief well as it was rear-wheel drive, had good aerodynamics, albeit being prone to lift at high speeds and was available as a three-door. The new body kit and rear spoiler would sort out the lift issues but, more importantly, Ford still needed to build 5,000 units for homologation, somewhat worrying when the company's initial approach to the dealer network came back with an estimate that suggested they could sell around 1,500 units! The eventual sales record is, of course, history. Ford went on to sell 5,545 three-door cars including the RS500, of which only 500 were built, and the Cosworth engine also found its way into nearly 30,000 Ford Sierra Saloons (Cosworth three-door, Sapphire 2wd, and 4wd).

This cherished example has covered just 18,787 miles, corroborated by older MOTs and service stamps in the dealer service record and remains in truly remarkable original condition. Finished in Ford Motorsport Diamond White the dealer certificate shows that it was originally registered to the Ford Motor Co. of Brentwood by RS Dealer, Gates Ford of Essex.

The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file which contains a concise owner timeline showing that it was sold to its first private owner who kept it until March 1994 and the file also contains a copy of the advert he placed when it was time to sell the car. The second private owner (effectively it’s third keeper) changed the registration to D151 ENV and kept the RS until 2016 at which point it was purchased by our vendor who changed the registration back to its original recognisable Ford registration D436 SVW and the car has been cosseted and cared for in his private collection ever since.

Pleasingly correct and immaculately presented, this four-owner RS Cosworth comes with all the correct documentation, an impressive history file and the kudos of its FoMoCo heritage. Here at Silverstone Auctions we are privileged to have been asked to sell a number of these ever popular performance saloons cars and feel that given this car’s history, low mileage and fabulous condition, D436 SVW is very sensibly guided.