WHAT FORD FRIENDS ARE FOR

Since the Ford Sierra Appreciation Club became the largest Sierra club on Facebook it has been growing in popularity. It takes a lot of time to run a club of 6000 members, but every now and again something happens that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

In June 2016 one of the founding members sold everything to buy the Holy Grail of Sierras — not a Cosworth but a GLSi Sapphire in black. This car with has become one of the most sought-after models, so when one came for sale Barry Chambers jumped at the chance to own it.

Doing all the checks online, HPI, insurance database and police check showed it was clear of any nasty surprises and so he purchased it and for a few weeks all was well. The renovation and personalisation began in earnest, but little did he know that in August he would be called home to find it was being taken by the Police. It had been reported stolen back in 2014 and it had to go back to his rightful owner. Barry, understandably devastated, knew he would have to fight through the courts to get his money back, which could take months. This meant in the meantime a lower income family would be deprived of a vital lifeline.

Because of this the group decided to secretly intervene. Backed by Classic and Retro Ford Parts, Fine Shine Valeting, DS Autos, Waterside Turbo Centre and A&C Autos set about building a car that would put a smile back on Barry’s face.

Members Bob Oval, Jamie Graham, Craig Hunter, Richie Moore, Ady Starkie, Richard Pearson, Tony Aston, Garry Shaw, Lee Storey, Ste Pilling, Barry Fullen and Joe Clarke thrashed for seven days to turn a wreck to a car worthy of any place in a show. All this made was possible by a constant stream of small donations and parts from FSAC and Ford Meet members from across the UK — not mention a large amount of tea from Kim Metcalfe.

Hiding the car in Tony Aston’s workshop we surprised Barry on a Sunday morning surrounded by all the people who had made it possible. Bob Oval Ford Sierra Appreciation Club