Ford Sierra XR4x4i 2.9i: Spotted
Ford has announced the end of Focus RS production, so what other used four-wheel drive Fords can you buy to get your kicks in?
As mentioned in a previous Spotted featuring a Vauxhall Cavalier (where a few people suggested they'd rather spend the money on a Ford - so here it is), the Sierra was a controversial car at launch. By the time this facelifted version came out, however, the looks had been toned down and the buying public had accepted the more streamlined styling required for better fuel economy and a higher top-speed.
With the two Garratt T2 turbos turned up to 15psi of boost, the Minker could deliver 325hp and 345lb ft torque, leading to headlines like: 'The Sierra that's quicker than a Countach' since it could do 0-60mph in 4.8 sec, a tenth faster than the Italian supercar.
The major thing to look for is rust. Fords of this era do that rather well, so get it up in the air and poke around all the suspension and jacking points for holes. An MOT check on this car has mentioned rust in the past, which is absent from the current one, hopefully meaning that it's been repaired since the last inspection. It also mentions that the underside of the car is 'heavily undersealed' which chould be fantastic for protecting the metal. Or it could be hiding something; you'd need to have a look to find out.
The rest of the car looks to be in great condition, even the seats look to have worn their 80,000 miles well bar the hole in the middle of the cushion. There's even the luxury of electric windows all-round and a heated front windscreen. For less than £4k, this Sierra looks to be something of a bargain.
SPECIFICATION - 1992 FORD SIERRA XR4x4i 2.9i
Engine: 2,933cc, six-cylinder, N/A
Transmission: five-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 147@5,700rpm
Torque (lb ft): 172@3,000rpm
MPG: 30.4
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1992
Recorded mileage: 80,000 miles
Price new: £18,560
Yours for: £3,995
See the full ad here.
The handling is very good (but his has updated suspension & brakes) but definitely a fast cruiser than Cosworth, I've not driven it in a while but it put a smile on my face.
Earlier cars had the 14" alloys I think you are referring to (below?), then they went to a 5-spoke before this type
Never understood why some cars have alloys that look like wheel trims.
Basic engine, easy to work on.
Comedy soft suspension as stock but with some tuned springs these cars became a hoot to drive.
If I remember correctly they were a 70%-30% rear to front drive split and they had a rear mechanical LSD.
Which made them great for the likes of winter driving, driving off road, a bit of rallying etc.
I remember going to a track day many years ago, I took my Caterham at the time and a work colleague took his 4x4 2.9 Sierra.
It was a wet rainy day (typical summer time), but his car turned out to be much more fun than mine !
I'd still love another one for some reason...I suppose it's the rose tints though.
I did like "the seats are fine, other than the hole" in the article. That made me chuckle...
Could these be the last non-scene-taxed semi-interesting Ford?
Basic engine, easy to work on.
Comedy soft suspension as stock but with some tuned springs these cars became a hoot to drive.
If I remember correctly they were a 70%-30% rear to front drive split and they had a rear mechanical LSD.
Which made them great for the likes of winter driving, driving off road, a bit of rallying etc.
I remember going to a track day many years ago, I took my Caterham at the time and a work colleague took his 4x4 2.9 Sierra.
It was a wet rainy day (typical summer time), but his car turned out to be much more fun than mine !
34/66 split front to rear power
You can get them rerated though and they're very progressive
I always wanted a twin turbo conversion though to make full use of the 4wd.
Brilliant car. Power delivery was rear biased so it could drift. It was comparatively quick, handled nicely, was well equipped and the V6 sounded good.
The great thing about cars like this was they could be had for the price of a far inferior BMW 318. Kinda sad that a current Ford equivalent or modern version of a Carlton 3000 GSI would never find themselves held in as high esteem.
Every time a bread and butter brand dares to introduce a specced up fast example the PH forum collectively sucks air through their teeth and state "would never pay that for a Ford/Vauxhall/Citroen/Skoda etc etc..
Given the choice of equipment and toys galore, a V6 as opposed to a 4, 30% more power, sophisticated damping and diffs or a BMW/Mercedes/Audi badge the badge has it.
Of an evening,
And that immobiliser was called The immobiliser
As fitted to lots of cars it was the first electronic immobiliser then there was the other type that all the cosworth s ended up with think it was called a Vecta immobiliser
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