BUYING GUIDE: Sierra Cosworth

A classic from the o , the three-door launched the Cosworth road car legend. Here’s what you need to know if one’s on your wishlist.

What you need to know if you’re in search of one.

Ford’s reputation for transforming its family-themed models into performance icons was already well established by the mid1980s, but it well and truly knocked the ball out of the park with the July 1986 launch of the most outlandish RS yet — the Sierra RS Cosworth.

Based on the rather uninspiring three-door Sierra, the new RS was arguably the ultimate hot hatch but, like the vast majority of its Rallye Sport brethren, it wasn’t conceived to drive up showroom footfall. Instead, it was a by product of Ford’s desire to obliterate its rivals in motorsport, this time in Group A touring car racing.

Of course, beating the heavy hitters that ruled the class would require something a little special under the bonnet and Ford opted for nothing less than a 16-valve version of its venerable Pinto with a Garrett TO3B turbocharger slapped on the side for good measure.

Developed by Cosworth and Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) department, the YB motor pushed out 204 bhp and gave the Sierra near 150 mph performance. What’s more, thanks to the advanced Weber-Marelli engine management, the Sierra was incredibly tractable.

A plush interior with all the toys added to the refined feel, but if drivers ever forgot the Cossie’s true intent they only needed to glance in the rear view mirror at its signature whaletail rear spoiler. Complementing the Sierra’s Phoenix-produced bodykit, 7x15 inch Rial alloys and bonnet vents, the massive wing wasn’t just for show either — Ford claiming that it provided 40 lbs of downforce at a licence-losing 124 mph. Completing the Cosworth’s distinctive looks was a choice of three shades — Moonstone Blue, Factory Black and Diamond White.

At a little under 16 grand the Sierra RS Cosworth scorched out of showrooms and demand quickly outstripped supply, with the 5000 needed for Group A homologation rapidly exceeded. Nothing could match its bang for buck and while it’s no longer the performance bargain, it’s now more sought after than ever. The later four-door Sapphire versions are more accessible and easier to live with, but for many Sierra RS Cosworth fans, it would seem that three really is the magic number.

“FORD KNOCKED THE BALL OUT OF THE PARK WITH THE RS COSWORTH”