Ex-press Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4×4 is up for auction

An intriguing example of the final chapter in the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth story is currently listed for auction. 

Offered by Iconic Auctioneers as part of its June Online Timed Auction series, the 1990 Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4×4 is now open for bids. 

It represents a more subtle – and more practical – side to the classic Sierra RS Cosworth. However, it still offers the turbocharged power that made this name legendary.

The practical RS Cosworth

Ford gave the four-door Sapphire the Cosworth treatment in 1988, following a facelift for the Sierra range. Initially, the Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth came in rear-wheel-drive only, but a further update in 1990 introduced the four-wheel-drive version.

The 4×4 also brought a boost in power for the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder Cosworth engine. Close to 80 percent of its internal parts were upgraded, increasing output to 220hp, with 214lb ft of torque.

Converting the Sapphire RS Cosworth to four-wheel drive did bring an extra 100kg to the party, though. As a result, even with the extra 4×4 traction, the 0-60mph sprint took 6.6 seconds – half a second slower than the rear-driven model.

An ex-press demonstrator

The Moonstone Blue car listed for auction was originally used by Ford as a press demonstrator. First registered in March 1990, it appeared in promotional material and was driven by journalists for road tests.

Owned by the vendor since 1995, the Sapphire 4×4 has been kept garaged and treated to regular maintenance. This latter includes frequent oil changes, along with a recent major service that saw the cambelt and water pump replaced.

With an advisory-free MOT, the Sapphire now has just over 78,000 miles recorded on its odometer. A full history file, including press cuttings from its previous life, will be included in the sale.

Bidding now open

More than 12,000 examples of the Sapphire 4×4 were produced between 1990 and 1992, making this one of the best-selling RS Cosworth models. However, the passage of time has made it much rarer.

This example was previously listed for sale at the Iconic Auctioneers Supercar Fest sale, but failed to find a buyer. It now has a new lower guide price of between £28,500 and £30,500, which should generate more interest in the online auction. 

Bids can be placed now, with the auction open until Thursday 27 June 2024 at 7pm GMT.