1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4×4 |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4×4

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Mileage~96,695
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0L
LocationEpsom

AUCTION CLOSED

1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4×4

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Under the Sapphire’s low-key lines lurks potent sports car pedigree making this a real super saloon.

Never has such a humble platform provided such a radical transformation. The third and final incarnation of the Sierra Cossie first saw the light of day in 1990, and its discreet 4 door body shell may lack the impact of the original, but Ford's ongoing development had allowed the Sapphire to become something of an all-rounder without losing its edge or even gaining any weight. Its reputation has never been in doubt, aided by its motorsport ability, Ford's reputation for mechanical durability, along with the prestigious Cosworth power has enabled the car to cause something of a stir amongst the dedicated legions of Ford followers. With around 12,250 of the 4x4 version produced over a two-year period, this is the ultimate evolution of the Sierra Cosworth and its place in Ford's history can only make it become an appreciating asset in years to come.

Now hard to find without any form of modifications, this car comes to market from the original owner, who has kept this 1991 car as close to stock as possible. Finished in black with the optional black leather interior, it has a very impressive provenance with evidence of regular attention to maintenance and servicing. In addition, this car has had a charmed life and has lived all of its life in a garage. With the added kudos of being relatively under the radar, thanks to its lack of classic car event presence, this has to be a unique opportunity to own a very original and solid single-owner example of the Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Nicolas the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I've kept on top of everything and have gone to great lengths to ensure it looks as good as it did when new.

Nicolas has owned this car from new, and has gone way above and beyond to ensure that the car has been looked after, its overall condition is a tribute to his fastidious attention to the car. It saw regular use until 5 years ago, but he has still made sure everything is fluid and in good order.

He jokingly mentioned that he rarely allowed his kids in the car when they were young, which may well attest to the interiors excellent condition! The realisation that the car has seen even less use since lockdown means that he has taken the decision to let go of the car. Nicolas will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Nicolas

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A tribute to its owner, the exterior presentation really has to be seen to be believed.

Wheels and Tyres

The RS alloy wheels, which sets the precedence of the originality of the car, are in excellent shape, with no wear noted.

The car is fitted with Starfire tyres, which are all over 10 years old but have plenty of tread on them, nothing flagged on the recent MOT.

Bodywork

The floor pan and general structure look solid throughout, with the owner confirming that the car has never seen any form of welding. The inner wings are solid, with a sheen of age noted on some of the exposed suspension and underside components. The body has a coherent panel fit, all flush with even door shut lines and only the off-side front corner of the bumper shows a slight misalignment. There is no discernible corrosion observed on the panels, arches, door wells or engine bay. There are no signs of significant panel damage and all doors open and close without issues.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The glossy black paint is said to be all original, and due to the car's lifelong garage storage, the lustre is pleasingly intact with no significant swirls or marks. There are a handful of minor age-related signs of paint wear and the odd mark, but certainly, nothing that distracts.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The bumpers are intact and well-mounted with no marks, the trim is in good shape, with very little in terms of age. The glass is intact, with mild marks noted on the driver's side glass. The lights and lens are tidy. All of the glass and door seals appear to be intact.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The leather seats elevate the humble origins of the car, this example has been kept in the best possible condition.

Seats and Carpets

The leather Recaro seats are well presented, with typical age-related creases, but generally free from rips or untreatable marks.

The carpets and mats are clean with wear noted in the driver's footwell and light staining on the passenger side. All were bone dry. The boot carpet is intact, with minor signs of age noted on the plastics.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console are in excellent condition, with no observations of wear or age. The switchgear is neatly presented, with the dials clearly legible. All of the functions work, although the fuel gauge has a minor malfunction but still reads correctly. The owner has replaced the head unit and front door card speakers but it comes with the original items.

The headlining is intact and free of marks, but, typical to this era the material around both front door card pockets will need attention, Nicolas choosing not to have these replaced in order to preserve originality and allow a new owner the choice to renew.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The leather wrapped steering has mild marks of age, but still in keeping with the overall positive condition of the cabin. The gear lever and its gaitor are well presented.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Regular mechanical attention means that the Cosworth's YB engine performance still impresses.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start did not pose any issues, a new battery ensures it fires up straight away. The dashboard warning lights remained off as the car idled. The exhaust happens to be its original unit and shows signs of its age. The car runs well on tick-over, with no misfiring or undulations.

The red-top YB Cosworth engine presentation could be a rewarding project for someone looking to apply some elbow grease but it's clear to see that the hoses and ancillaries are in good shape. The car also appears to be free of fluid leaks. The gearbox operates without issues, engaging gears with ease. Watch the video to see and hear the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes and suspension have seen regular attention, with new springs fitted around 2,000 miles ago.

The car brakes evenly, with no pulling to one side, and the ride remained compliant with no noticeable knocks or thuds.

The Drive

The practicality of this four-box family car may threaten to overwhelm the true character of the Cosworth, with its civilised and quiet smooth progress along the roads but with a 2-litre turbocharged 220 bhp power plant fed to all four wheels, there is no doubt its potential. The turbocharger cuts in at around 3,000rpm, and it becomes evident that the car's grip and poise have been retained thanks to its regular upkeep and maintenance.

The car wasn’t fully opened up to demonstrate its ability, partly due to the owner's mechanical sympathy and he admitted that he rarely pushes the car these days, but the brisk acceleration and composed manner suggest that it hasn’t lost any of its spark. No reported issues in terms of oil pressure or engine temperature and no unwanted mechanical noises were heard during the test drive.

Electrics and Other

Nicolas has kept the car close to factory since buying it new, and asides from the stereo and speakers, it is exactly as you would be expected it to be from the dealer.

He has a stack of RS Owners Club magazines, as well as its original issue rear number plate with its issuing dealer logo, which allows an authentic replica to be remade. It also comes with a Ford indoor car cover.

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History and Paperwork

A 1 owner car, not modified and presented in remarkable condition considering the mileage it's covered, this car is worth a proper look if you're in the market for a Sierra Cosworth.

Ordered new from Ford main dealer Grays of Guildford in February 1991, Nicolas carefully used the car regularly during its first 10 years, then slackened off the mileage thereafter, but always ensured it had an MOT and received regular servicing. The car has the usual expected maintenance bills which cover sundry items and service parts over that period, with the most recent work carried out including a new radiator, head gasket & skim, water pump and cam belt kit at the same time as its last service, just 6,000 miles ago. Its use has been cut down even more over the last 10 years, having only covered less than 1000 miles in the last 5, but was MOT'd in February 2023 with no advisories.

It comes with an impressive array of history, with invoices and receipts from both Ford dealers and independents. Nicolas has also retained its original sales brochure, road tax discs as well as its original issue owner wallet, which includes Ford service stamps up to 58,000 miles, after which his local garage took over the servicing.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
09-02-2023	MOT	96,664
10-10-2019	MOT	96,533
05-10-2018	MOT	96,314
09-10-2017	MOT	95,388
05-10-2016	MOT	95,069
12-10-2015	MOT	94,785
07-10-2014	MOT	93,911
06-09-2013	MOT	91,774
30-03-2013	Service	90,390
09-10-2012	MOT	89,052
09-10-2012	Service	89,050
30-09-2011	MOT	84,201
17-12-2010	Service	80,349
01-10-2010	MOT	79,723
01-10-2010	Service	79,723
13-10-2009	Service	75,329
13-10-2009	MOT	75,328
02-10-2008	Service	71,632
02-10-2008	MOT	71,632
16-10-2007	Service	68,759
16-10-2007	MOT	68,759
03-10-2006	Service	66,592
03-10-2006	MOT	66,592
06-10-2005	Service	65,609
06-10-2005	MOT	65,609
08-10-2004	Service	65,040
08-10-2004	MOT	65,034
08-03-1999	Service	58,023
15-02-1999	MOT	57,627
20-07-1998	Service	55,234
23-03-1998	Service	53,329
12-02-1998	MOT	52,928
13-02-1997	MOT	47,352
04-02-1997	Service	47,114
17-07-1996	Service	43,476
08-02-1996	MOT	40,541
24-07-1995	Service	36,452
10-02-1995	MOT	33,282
31-10-1994	Service	30,648
11-02-1994	MOT	24,748
21-01-1994	Service	24,209
09-02-1993	Service	17,239
11-05-1992	Service	12,102
01-09-1991	Service	6,211
05-04-1991	Service	1,500