One to Buy: 27,000 mile 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500
Back in the 1980s and early 90s, the FIA’s Evolution rule allowed manufacturers to create small runs of further enhanced cars that had already been homologated into either Group A or B.
Whereas 5000 examples of a base model had to be built within a twelve month timespan to gain initial entry into Group A, Evolution variants only had to meet a 500 unit requirement. The first Evolution model could be produced as soon as Group A homologation had been approved and subsequent Evolutions could be created every twelve months thereafter so long as another 500 cars were produced each time.
Having gained Group A homologation for the Sierra RS Cosworth on January 1st 1987, Ford went on to manufacture their 500 Evolution variants between the following March and July.
Known as the Sierra Cosworth RS500, these Evolution specials were made exclusively in right-hand drive for the UK market and came with a host of upgrades that focused on more power, improved cooling and extra downforce.
Today, the RS500 is widely regarded as one of the most desirable Fords of its era and currently on offer at the Classic Motor Hub showroom in Bibury, Oxfordshire, is a particularly fine example with a very low mileage.
Number 39 of the 500 built, Classic Motor Hub’s car was first registered on October 26th 1987. Interestingly, included in the car’s history file is letter from Ford Motor Company that states the original order was for for a Moonstone Blue example but, because most of the bodyshells had already been painted Black, it was delivered in that colour instead (one of 394 completed as such).
Having resided in the care of just four custodians since new, during which time it has covered a mere 27,000 miles, number 39 must surely rank among the best RS500s in existence. It is being offered fresh from a major refresh and currently rides on a set of handsome OZ Racing alloy wheels with the originals included as part of the sale.
Reprinted below is Classic Motor Hub’s description:
27,000 miles from new
Only 3 former keepers
Number 39 of 500 built
Current single ownership for over 20 years
Recent service – no expense spared by Ford RS specialists Tremona Garage
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth perfectly embodies the heady era of 1980s turbocharged power, and the limited-edition RS500 model has become the most coveted of all.
This particular RS500 is being offered from the long-term ownership of an enthusiast who bought it in May 1996. It is build number ‘039-500’ and was first registered on 26 October 1987. A 2023 letter from Ford Motor Company states that the original intention was for the car to be finished in Moonstone, but because ‘the shells were already painted black’, it was delivered in that colour instead, and has remained so ever since.
Service records show that the RS500 had covered just over 25,000 miles by 1999, and since then it has been used only sparingly. In 2023, the car emerged from eight years in dry storage and was treated to an extensive recommissioning process by Ford RS specialist Tremona Garage.
The work included removing and cleaning out the fuel tank, replacing fuel lines, flushing the cooling and braking systems, and renewing all drive belts – including the cambelt and tensioner.
The driver’s seat was given a new diaphragm, a new battery was fitted – complete with period decals – the offside-rear wheelarch liner was replaced, and new tyres were fitted all round. It comes with its original RS500 wheels, which have been refurbished, plus a set of OZ alloys.
This superbly presented car has still covered only 27,000 miles and is being offered for sale not only with a full set of handbooks and a stamped service book, but also a raft of invoices going back to the mid-1990s.
Even at a distance of almost 40 years, the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth remains instantly recognisable, and it’s little wonder that it’s attracted such a strong following in recent years. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an extremely collectable, highly original, low-mileage example of this performance icon.
