Registration No: G744 CGL
Chassis No: WF0FXXGBBFKC71802
MOT: 28th April 2020
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. Initially 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 Cosworth’s are rare and highly prized.
Finished in special order Magenta with Raven leather upholstery, this particular example shows some 32,000 recorded miles to its odometer (a figure partially substantiated by the old MOT certificates on file). A rare, rear-wheel drive model that has recently been repainted in its original livery, ‘G744 CGL’ is described by the vendor as ‘very good’ with regard to its engine, five-speed manual gearbox, bodywork, paintwork and electrical equipment. While he rates the interior trim as ‘very good / excellent’. Starting readily upon a recent, pre-lockdown photography visit, the Sapphire appeared to our eyes to be sharp outside, inside and underneath. As prices of well-maintained ‘Fast Fords’ are increasing rapidly, this is certainly worth consideration by any long-term investor or collector. With competition pedigree and 'sleeper' appearance, these cars are still highly desirable among enthusiasts.
Vendor Condition Ratings:
Body: 'Very Good'
Engine: 'Very Good'
Electrical Equipment: 'Very Good'
Paintwork: 'Very Good'
Transmission or Gearbox: 'Very Good'
Interior Trim: 'Very Good / Excellent'