1990 Ford Sierra Cosworth Rouse Sport 304-R with upgrades

Highlights

• Desirable Rouse Sport 304-R model

• Number 29 of 78

• Well-presented example

• Performance upgrades

• Seven-year ownership

Overview

A true gem for collectors! A 1990 Ford Sierra Cosworth Rouse Sport 304-R, as you probably know, is a highly coveted and rare special edition. Developed by racing legend Andy Rouse's company, Rouse Sport, it's based on the Sapphire Cosworth 2WD but boasts significant upgrades. 

The changes include an engine tune boosting power to 260bhp, a unique body kit, subtle Rouse branding, enhanced suspension, and distinctive 16-inch multi-spoke wheels. Production was planned for 100 examples built, but only 78 were produced, making this iconic Sapphire even more of an incredibly exclusive Cosworth. This road-going tribute to Rouse's touring car victories perfectly blends motorsport heritage with understated style, making it a prized collector's item. 

In short, form an orderly queue for this one. It's sure to draw collectors and enthusiasts alike from afar, and rightly so. The 29th out of the run of 78, this car has a nice history portfolio with invoices dating back several years, and some performance improvements have been added over the years, which can be seen in the Mechanical section of the listing. This has increased power from the already upgraded Rouse Sport 260bhp and should make this the consummate modern classic performance car.

History and Documentation

• Registered 20th November 1990

• Number 29 of just 78 produced

• V5C is present and in the owner’s name

• In current ownership for seven years

• A comprehensive collection of invoices dating back several years

• Owner’s manual

• The car had damage which resulted in the insurance company declaring it a Cat N in 1994, though it was successfully inspected following repairs

• Laserline 213 Cat 1 alarm installed in 2020

• Current MOT valid until 2nd July 2026

Interior

• Leather Rouse Sport Recaro Wingback seats

• The front seats are in good condition, with just a small amount of colour wear to the driver’s bolster in keeping with the age and mileage

• The rear seat is in good condition

• All four door cards are in good condition, though the leather panels on the rear doors have distorted slightly, lifting away from the panel

• Rouse Sport badged steering wheel is in good condition

• The instruments are working correctly, with no warning lights

• Lockwood gauge faces have been fitted (common in the ’90s, if you’re of the vintage to remember)

• The odometer shows a reading of 86,100 miles

• Two additional auxiliary gauges have been installed to monitor boost and oil pressure

• All of the switchgear is in good condition, with no signs of excessive wear

• The original Ford head unit is in place

• Front and rear electric windows

• The carpets throughout are in good order, with few signs of age

• The boot floor is in good condition, and there is a Team Dynamics spare wheel present

Exterior

• Presented in Diamond White

• The car has had some paintwork in the past, but presents well

• Rouse Sport body kit fits well and is in good condition

• The headlights have damage-free lenses, and there is a small amount of discolouration to the lenses

• Front fog lights are in good order

• Tinted rear light lenses are in good condition

• The vendor tells us he has never opened the sunroof, so this wasn’t tested on our visit

• 17-inch five-spoke wheels are generally in good order, do have a few minor age-related marks, but could easily be refurbished

• The tyres are different brands but have a good amount of tread remaining

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre 16-valve Blue Top Cosworth

• Produces, as standard, approximately 260bhp and 300 lb-ft

• Improvements made include the following:

• DB10 camshafts

• T34 stage 3 hybrid turbo

• Group A head gasket

• Collins Performance stage 3 chip and board

• 3-bar map sensor

• Grey 403 injectors

• Two-stage boost switch

• Pipercross air filter

• Aftermarket dump valve

• Aluminium header tank

• Mongoose stainless steel exhaust

• The car fires up as you would expect and runs with no issues reported

• Five-speed gearbox

• New AP clutch fitted in 2018

• The gears are easily selected, and the car pulls extremely well through the range

• Front strut brace

• Koni adjustable dampers and springs

• Polybushed

• No knocks or bangs are said to be coming from the suspension

• Replacement Bosch battery with one year of warranty remaining

• Drilled and grooved discs with Mintex pads on the front and Ferodo pads at the rear bring the Cosworth to a stop in a straight line

Summary

The limited edition Rouse Sport Sapphire Cosworth is a super rare evolution of the Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth, developed by racing legend Andy Rouse. Built in small numbers in 1990, this example is number 29 and features numerous further upgrades to the engine and suspension.

With the popularity of fast Fords, you’ll need to get your bidding fingers ready. An upgraded Sapphire Cosworth in this condition will undoubtedly get the attention it deserves. Good luck!

To arrange a viewing, click the ‘Book Viewing’ button located under the ‘Place Bid’ button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to ‘Contact Seller’ for further enquiries. This seller is located in Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent.