‘It has every option apart from air conditioning’
1983 Ford Sierra XR4I Peter Rymill
You’ve owned your Sierra for a long time, haven’t you?
'Since 1985! Like many, I wasn’t that keen on the Sierra when it came out but I warmed to the design when I saw the XR4I. I liked the spoilers and cladding – it just looked the part. Back in August 1985, I had an Avenger GT that I'd owned for 17 years but the kids were getting older and bigger, so it made sense to trade it in. I was tipped off about this two-year-old XR4I at a dealer and, despite the temptation of a 2.8-litre Granada, I went for the newer design, knowing that I tend to keep cars for a long time. I certainly did that – it’s still with me today!'
What was it that attracted you to this car?
'Initially, it was the fact that it was an ex-company car, formerly owned by a City of London bank. It cost them a total of £10,429 as it had every option box ticked, from electric windows to power steering, sunroof, tinted glass, rear seat belts and a fancy ESRT 32PS radio. The only thing they didn’t specify was air con. Since then, I've just never felt the need to replace it, although it hasn’t been a daily driver for some years. I ended up in a job in London which means that it only has 56,000 miles on the clock!'
Has it had regular use, though?
Absolutely. For every one of those years I’ve owned it, the car has been taxed and MOT'D throughout. I’ve driven it anywhere from Scotland to Cornwall on holidays, sometimes towing a caravan. It has been garaged, so has never needed welding or any kind of bodywork restoration. I did hit a deer in 1990, so the car was fitted with a new bonnet. These days, it's fairly pampered as we only use it at weekends and the odd road trip, but I’m not afraid to take it out in the rain.
Also, it has since been used by Corgi as a template for one of its iconic models – and now on the cover of
Practical Classics!'
What’s it like to own a Sierra these days?
'You could drive one every day without too much worry. However, it’s not like owning an MGB or Mini where you can buy parts off the shelf. Over the years I’ve built up a pile of spares for myself. Being a member of the XR Owner's Club is essential. They provide loads of support and have access to specialists around the UK. Whatever car you own, there’s somebody you can contact! I joined in 1993 for information and spares and then started going to shows.'
‘I hit a deer in 1990, so it was fitted with a new bonnet’