Ford Sierra

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , If the RS Cosworth was an 'homologation special', the RS500 was an evolution special. Once Ford had built the requisite 5,000 RS Cosworths, 'Group A' rules allowed an upgraded ‘evolution’ model to be launched. This allowed changes focused on improving the RS500s racing potential, provided Ford sold 10% of the original number as road cars, hence the 500. All RS500s had modified bodywork and the cachet of being hand-assembled. Indeed, during the model's 30th Anniversary year in 2017, the RS500 was named the 'Ultimate Cosworth' by one of the UK's largest one-make car shows.The car presented here is chassis 224/500, a 1987 RS500 Cosworth that has benefited from a meticulous, no expense spared restoration to a superb standard. Having passed through several owners over the years, it was acquired in 2020 by the Ford technician who personally undertook its comprehensive rebuild. The car was later purchased by our nostalgic vendor, who financed the remainder of the project, finishing the restoration and bringing the car to the exceptional condition it presents in today.Mechanically, the Sierra is in outstanding order. It is fitted with a brand new, correct specification Ford YBD RS500 engine, sourced from renowned Fast Ford specialists, Tremona Garage, in Southampton, which has covered just 600 miles since installation. Supporting components have been renewed or upgraded to OEM+ standard, including a stainless steel exhaust, coil-over suspension, new intercooler, fuel lines, hoses, belts and brakes with the majority of parts supplied by respected Cosworth expert Graham Goode Motors of Leicester. The engine bay is outstanding with every nut, bolt and surface refurbished to a very high standard, reflecting the car’s careful assembly and attention to detail. An additional pre-sale preparation and inspection will be undertaken in October 2025 by Tolman Motorsport to provide further reassurance of the car’s integrity and readiness for its next custodian.The exterior presents superbly, the gleaming black paintwork and body panels in excellent condition with no visible blemishes. The car benefits from multiple coats of paint as part of the restoration, ensuring a deep, consistent finish throughout. The distinctive RS500 aerodynamic additions remain sharp and correctly fitted, while the wheels and trim  all present in excellent order.Inside, the cabin is well presented and remains largely original, with the vendor describing the headlining as very good. The Recaro seats show light wear and minor sagging, as to be expected from a near 40 year old car, but remain authentic and comfortable. The left-hand door inner glass trim is currently being sourced, while the right-hand corner of the dashboard top has some minor delamination, both minor and neither detracting from the car’s otherwise impressive presentation.The Sierra’s odometer reads an unwarranted 31,370 miles, although this figure is largely academic as the car has covered comfortably less than 1,000 miles since completion, especially given the scope of the restoration and replacement of key mechanical components.Underneath, the car is exceptional, restored to a standard rarely seen, with every surface, bracket and fixing treated, refinished, or renewed as required. The result is a car that looks, drives, and feels every inch the ‘Ultimate Cosworth’ it was intended to be, complemented by the Cherished Registration Number, 500 RSK, which does form part of the sale and will remain with the car.Never shown or exhibited since its rebuild, this RS500 invariably draws admiration wherever it goes. A car that combines the purity of the original RS500 design with the reliability and precision of a fully refreshed drivetrain, 224 represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most significant performance Fords of its era, restored with care, expertise and reverence for its heritage.