Ford Sierra XR4i
ENGINE 2792cc/V6/OHV POWER 148bhp@5700rpm TORQUE 160lb ft@3800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 129mph 0-60MPH 7.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 27-38mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, five-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 52,600 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
What a blast! This standard-spec XR4i bursts instantly to life and gives a very assured drive, with punchy delivery throughout the rev range and an unobtrusive exhaust note. Handling precision is excellent, with rough road surfaces revealing no slack in the running gear. Both clutch and brake pedals are responsive and the handbrake’s good, too. Negatives? First gear is slightly stiff when cold and the engine doesn’t appear to come fully up to operating temperature – though it’s unclear whether this issue relates to the gauge or the cooling system. Professional wheel balancing should manage to address a very minor wobble discernible at around 60mph.
BODYWORK CHECK
The body has had a highquality respray and remains in extremely good condition, with absolutely no dings or corrosion apparent. The car is under sealed (though we didn’t probe underneath to scrutinise fully), its paint is almost mint, and the glass and lights are all in excellent condition. There’s a small graze at the nearside corner of the tailgate, but the tyres are new, matching 195/60s, and the 14-inch wheels are smart, despite containing a few small chips. The automatically retracting aerial works, but is a little noisy. The headlamps are different brands, but only a concours judge or Sierra aficionado will notice.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This feels satisfyingly authentic, thanks to the Ford-branded mats and four-deck Sanyo cassette player, with its curious manual toggle for balance/ fade (though not all the speakers are working). Spec also includes a manual sunroof, electric windows and mirrors, though the latter only work on the driver’s side. There’s no evidence of mould or water leaks, and all upholstery and trim is in excellent condition. The driver’s seat has a small nick in the top section, but no bolster wear. The boot floor is free from rust and contains a good spare on a matching pepperpot alloy wheel.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is clean and rust-free. There are no leaks and all the fluids are clean. A new battery, plus recent cables and hoses, and freshly-painted bracketry around the alternator and inlet manifold indicate a high level of care. The comprehensive history file contains contact information for all eight previous owners, the original logbook stamped to 52,000 miles, and stacks of receipts including one for a £600 stainless exhaust fitted last year.
THE CCW VIEW
The history file contains a glowing inspection report from the XR Owners’ Club (dated October 2017), giving it a value of £13,995. It’s spent much of the last 15 years in dry storage, but is ready for action.
PROS Original throughout, excellent paint CONS Some interior electrical niggles
BUY IT FROM The Car Cave, Butterfield Industrial Estate, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland EH19 3JQ. 01875 820527, carcavescotland.co.uk