Lot 384: 1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 Saloon

Finished most attractively in RS Moonstone Blue, ‘J410 NJO’ was purchased new by its present owner from Ford agents Hartford Motors, of Banbury in September 1991. Eager to exploit the 4x4’s exceptional grip, he initiated an extensive programme of performance upgrades, commencing in 1992 with an engine conversion to RS500 competition specification by Collins Engineering, a set-up that liberated 400bhp-plus and 350lb/ft of torque, good enough for a 0-60mph time of 4 seconds and a top speed of 170mph!
In December 1997 (at 90,711 miles) the engine was replaced with a newly rebuilt unit, fettled and fitted by respected Leicester-based Cosworth specialists Graham Goode Engineering. Detonation - a problem with the original motor - has been addressed by installing a GGR/Aquamist water injection system, while other worthwhile modifications include a GGR/AP Racing four-pot front disc kit, strut brace, Rouse Sport front splitter, Koni adjustable dampers and lowered suspension. The transmission comprises a standard five-speed 4x4 gearbox, shot-peened and reconditioned by Gordon Spooner Engineering, complemented by a heavy-duty clutch complete with GGR competition extractor and quick-shift. The TSW Imola 17” alloy wheels were refurbished and fitted with new tyres in June 2004. Equipped with factory-fitted air conditioning, the Recaro Cosworth black leather interior is virtually standard apart from a Momo steering wheel, 10-position boost controller and dummy ‘panic’ button(!), while in-car entertainment is looked after by a Kenwood remote CD auto-changer.
The vehicle is offered with complete service history from new, the second of two fully-stamped service books indicating a speedometer change circa 1999 at approximately 99,000 miles. The most recent entry (February 2004) records the mileage total at that time as 16,318. Also included in the sale are GGR invoices, running-in notes and service schedule, Collins Engineering invoices, Fast Ford magazine article featuring this car, current road fund licence, MoT to February 2006 and Swansea V5.