Lot details
Registration No: H95 LVW
Chassis No: WFOFXXGBBFLY26594
Mot Expiry: Feb 2008

Successor to the extravagantly bewinged 1986 Sierra RS Cosworth, the February 1988 launched Sapphire RS Cosworth was a much more discreet yet equally effective road burner. With the new four door saloon bodystyle the sum total of the distinguishing external modifications were a body colour front grille, rocker panel extensions, front and rear spoilers and lattice style alloy wheels. However, underneath the skin it was transformed with a 204 bhp 1993cc turbocharged engine, front / rear disc brakes and completely reworked suspension. Hailed as a drivers' car 'par excellence' by the motoring press, the Sapphire Cosworth outperformed the original BMW M3 at far less cost and was an instant success. Available in Diamond White, Crystal Blue or Mercury Grey standard equipment included Recaro front seats, ABS and heated front screen. Improving on such a car was difficult, yet Ford engineers managed it in February 1990 by adding a rear-biased (34:66) permanent 4wd system, uprated 16 valve 220 bhp engine and enlarged air-to-air intercooler. Even more controllable as well as faster, the Cosworth 4x4 seemed set for greater sales success. However the huge hike in insurance premiums that affected all performance cars in the early 1990s following an explosion in car crime slowed sales to a trickle and the model was discontinued like all Sierras in March 1993.

Due to the model's popularity with the 'light fingered' brigade and a reputation as a getaway car surpassed only by the Jaguar Mark II, surviving Sapphire Cosworths are rare and highly prized. The 1990 4x4 in grey with black leather interior offered here has covered only 22,941 miles, a figure warranted by the vendor to be correct. We are told that this example was bought new by King Hussein I of Jordan and being one of his collection of cars (garaged alongside his Bentley and Ferrari we are told!) was "notably treasured" and "used sparingly". A satellite navigation system has been fitted but the original radio/cassette player retained. Described by the vendor as having "excellent" engine, "very good" paintwork, bodywork & interior, "good" chassis and wheels/tyres and with "no known problems regarding the electrics and transmission" this example is offered with MOT until February 2008 and tax until January 2008.