1989 Ford Sapphire Cosworth £49,995
Pitched at strong money but in incredible condition, this Japanese-market Ford is worth a look, reckons JJ Vollans
The Ford Sierra Cosworth isn’t a rare car, despite what the internet or owners might want to preach. The later Sapphire Cosworth is also not as desirable as early three-door model, but it remains every inch the rocketship. This particular Cossie stands well above the masses and despite its minuscule mileage, it drives better than any we can remember sampling. Best of both worlds then, an investment opportunity you needn’t fear driving.
Originally shipped out to Japan, this car spent its first 16 years being used sparingly and cared for meticulously. It was then shipped to Canada, and was imported to the UK in 2012 with just 22k miles on the clock. That explains why it’s such an exceptional example, driving like a three-year old example must have back in the early Nineties. The engine is the usual hushed affair until the boost floodgates are opened, plus the transmission has a crisp change that we’ve rarely experienced in a Ford from this era. Braking performance is strong and easy to regulate and the clutch is light and free from judders.
The Cosworth’s iconic Moonstone shade highlights every crease and intake on the bodywork, and you’d need to be a concours judge to find fault with this car’s paint and finish; even then, your clipboard would barely show a cross. The paint is in remarkable order throughout. Even the exposed areas, such as the front splitter and backs of the mirrors, look in superb condition. If we were being exceptionally picky we’d direct you towards the fit of the rear bumper, but this certainly isn’t bad, merely less than perfect. Four new tyres were added to the refurbished wheels in 2019 and both still look in as-new condition.
As a Japan-bound, rhd car, this Cosworth was highly specified from the off. Leather seats, air-con and a sunroof are just a few of the goodies that still function as Ford intended – the re-gassed air-con blows ice-cold. A Ford cassette deck is backed up with a fader unit and it also all works correctly. The cabin is remarkably free of the usual creaks and groans that most plastic-fantastic Fords from this era emit at even the slightest change of road camber. We’d be surprised if the dash had ever been removed.
Glancing over this remarkable Ford’s recent service history, it’s evident why it feels so healthy from behind the wheel. Big bills from 2019 show brake work – above and beyond the usual discs and pads – with the servo replaced. In fact, since its last owner took custody in 2016, the car’s been pampered with annual services documenting less than 500 miles covered. An engine timing belt swap was also carried out in 2019, a good job out of the way. The under-bonnet area reflects the impeccable care this Ford has received, especially since entering the UK in 2012. If you’re looking for a Cosworth that’s original right down to its clips, clamps and stickers, then you could do a lot worse than this one.