1989 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

A vehicle is only original once, an expression that is often misused. However, not in this case as we are delighted to be offering for sale a 1989 Sierra RS Cosworth that has travelled just 5,256 miles. Yes, you read that right! It also has only one recorded owner.

The car was owned by a firm of Essex undertakers for the first two years of its life. Well, it is black after all, though we suspect it was one of the director’s personal vehicles.

It was then sold to a respected racing driver and car collector who put the car into storage, not wanting to spoil its condition or add much to the mileage. He used the car sparingly, whilst maintaining it in his own garage. As he was also a motor trader, he chose not to register it in his name.

Our seller acquired the car earlier this year and has since once again MoTed, the car, the mileage having increased by one whole mile since 2009.

Now’s your chance to own what is quite probably the lowest mileage and most original Sierra RS Cosworth in existence. Find a better one, we challenge you!

The black paint positively sparkles. It’s a colour that shows any imperfections only too readily and we really cannot find any. Ok, well there are some marks on the lower chin spoiler… We know the car has been properly stored by a knowledgeable owner and this has clearly paid dividends.

The colour suits the RS Cosworth rather well, with just the subtle boot spoiler and badging to indicate that this is something special. A car that in its day meant you could slink about under the radar, at least until you put your foot down and left everyone trailing in your wake!

The Cossie sits on its original 15-inch lattice alloy wheels, unmarked of course. Dunlop D40 tyres are fitted all round, all with plenty of tread. We believe they are the original tyres, so they will want changing if the car is to be pressed back into regular use on the roads.

The interior has Ford’s grey vinyl trim, paired with a velour-like cloth to the front Recaro seats and comfortable rear bench. There is next to no wear on the material as one would expect.

The manual tilt and slide sunroof works as it should and as far as we have been able to test, all the interior equipment and electricals function correctly, including the original Ford radio/cassette player.

The grey carpets have the correct protective over mats front and rear and are in mighty fine condition.

Spoiling the interior just a smidgen is the vinyl covering to the door bin on the driver’s door. Ford build quality a let down here, but a simple fix we would imagine.

The capacious boot seems unlikely to have seen much if any luggage and the spare wheel and tyre are like new and sit in a well under the floor.

We always include plenty of photographs of a car’s undersides and that is most certainly the case here. Not prepared for sale, just lovely and original with absolutely nothing to hide.

The engine bay is just a delight, as only a low mileage, cherished motor can be.

The car starts on the button, and we are told drives well. It should be borne in mind that the car has covered next to no miles in many years, so a few minor issues are always a possibility. Is it too good to use? Maybe, though it would be a shame if it remained hidden from the public eye any longer.

The original book pack comes with the car, containing the instruction manual, warranty details and the all-important service book. Just the one lovely stamp at 1,050 miles recorded in September 1989, some three months after delivery.

MoT certificates are few and far between, the car quite clearly spending long periods in safe storage. The first in 1993 records the mileage at 3,043 and a couple of years later this had increased to 4,355. Fast forward to 2009 and 5,230 was displayed on the odometer.

The car has a current MoT certificate issued in May of this year, with no advisories of course.

Just last month our seller had the car thoroughly inspected by his local garage. An oil and filter change were carried out along with a few other minor bits and pieces. The invoice is in our photo gallery.

We carried out an RAC Vehicle History Check and this confirmed that this is a genuine, unmolested original car with just one recorded owner.

Don’t be fooled by its sober, saloon car looks. This Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth is wolf in disguise with performance aplenty to excite the enthusiastic driver. When the turbo kicks in around 3,000rpm, prepare to be pushed back in your seat. It’s both thrilling and addictive stuff.

Prices for all fast Fords have been rising steadily over the past few years and this is surely the best on offer today.

Low miles, just one recorded keeper and almost showroom condition, this may be a car for the concours enthusiast to get his teeth into. We would just drive it and have fun, revelling in all the admiring glances that this stunning car will attract along the way.

We know interest in this car will be unprecedented and yes, it really is as good in the metal as in the pictures. Come and see for yourself.

And now the burning question. How much will it sell for? We confidently predict £45,000 to £55,000 is likely to be achieved.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.