Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth | Spotted

Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth | Spotted

Sunday 5th January 2020

Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth | Spotted

Car number one is back on sale for a significant price cut - although it's still £120k



We're well accustomed to stratospheric prices being applied to Ford Sierra Cosworths these days. Obviously the model is the Group A homologation version of Cossie's superb racing car, one that took Steve Soper, Andy Rouse and Tim Harvey to glory and was produced for the road fewer times that even Porsche's Carrera 2.7 RS. It's worth considerably more than the sum of its parts because of that, although even in parts alone this remains an ultra-special machine. It's eighties touring car racing at its finest, only with numberplates and road tax.

By contrast, the 'regular' three-door Cossie is slightly less evocative. For starters, its turbocharged 2.0-litre uses a smaller turbocharger and intercooler to produce 204hp, 20hp less than the RS500. It didn't get the thicker walled engine block, uprated fuel pump or enhanced oil cooling system for track work, either. And it was built in 5,545 units, more than 10 times that of the homologation variant. The regular car was also a fair chunk cheaper to buy back in 1986, costing £15,950, four-grand less than the RS500, which equates to more than £11k in today's money.


Still, that's barely harmed the appeal of the standard Cossie. Before the days of Imprezas and Evos this was a pioneering working man's supercar, with a somewhat attainable price and motorsport prowess pumping through its panels thanks to that racing bodyshell. Its Pinto motor might barely have hot hatch power in today's world, but in its day it was a serious proposition - a 6.5 second 0-60mph time shaming Porsche's 944 S and rear-wheel drive giving it proper hairy chested credentials. Little wonder the Sierra and following Escort Cossie proved to be so popular with thieves wanting a getaway car...

Like all hot old Fords (and pretty much anything else enthusiast-worthy these days), three-door Sierra Cosworths have seen a big boost in values in the past few years. The number of registered examples on Britain's roads reflects a hike in demand, too. How Many Left suggests the figure had been consistently falling until 2017, when just 499 were registered. In 2018 that rocketed back up to 768.

Even so, it's the RS500 that stands strong as the most exotic offering from the breed. It holds the closest ties to those glorious racing years with actual motorsport engineering built into its frame, such as a Group A extended rear semi-trailing arm beam with extra mounting points and brake cooling vents. It's those sorts of nerdy details that ensure the RS500's holy grail status in the lineage - and appropriately elevated asking prices in the classifieds. £90k buys you the cheapest one currently advertised on PH.


Initially, the immaculate condition of the aforementioned 'entry' RS500 left us stumped at the £120k asking price of today's Spotted. With the same 1987 build year and 44,330 miles on the clock it's practically identical in age and use. T he answer for that stratospheric value lies in this particular car's history. It shouldn't exist at all, as the only surviving example of four pre-production prototype RS500s. It was apparently sold to ensure Ford achieved the FIA's 500-car production run requirement in time, and remains unique thanks to a stronger pre-production engine block and the inclusion of an authenticity report by RS500 expert Paul Linfoot.

Clearly £120k is bloody expensive for an old Sierra. But this is officially RS500 number 001. And, more significantly, that price is £80k less than it sold for in 2016. Bargain.


FORD SIERRA RS500 COSWORTH

Engine: 1,993cc, 4-cyl turbocharged
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 227@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 204@4,500rpm
MPG: 25
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1987
Recorded mileage: 44,330 miles
Price new: 19,950
Yours for: £120,000

See the original advert here


 

Author
Discussion

cerb4.5lee

Original Poster:

30,189 posts

179 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
I will always remember sitting next to my Dad on a test drive in the normal 3dr Cosworth wishing he would buy it(he didn't!). With hindsight now it would certainly have been a great decision. Not to mention the RS500 version. cloud9

They are worth a fortune now for sure. cool

bloomen

6,854 posts

158 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
Wasn't this one reshelled or pranged multiple times?

njw1

2,054 posts

110 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
Shove all your 'exotica' in your bum, that's a proper car right there. What's tonights winning euro numbers again....?

A1VDY

3,575 posts

126 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
A very cheaply made and poor quality car. I had several sierras at the time, 1.8 cvh, 2.0 pinto, 2.3 diesel and a 4x4 cosworth.
This one will be no exception. Ridiculous price for a quick version of a car made for the masses especially one with baggy seats..

LaurasOtherHalf

21,429 posts

195 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
A1VDY said:
A very cheaply made and poor quality car. I had several sierras at the time, 1.8 cvh, 2.0 pinto, 2.3 diesel and a 4x4 cosworth.
This one will be no exception. Ridiculous price for a quick version of a car made for the masses especially one with baggy seats..
Davide Cironi disagrees;

https://youtu.be/fOTwJCkJdQQ

I keep looking at this regular one in the classifieds https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/... wishing I had a spare £40k!

Weekendrebuild

1,004 posts

62 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
Grew up with all of these and Escos cars , my dad has about 6 , at one time 2 rs500 and more sapphires than I can remember , there really not that good an I don’t think they’ve aged well Eva . That said people love ford crap.

s m

23,164 posts

202 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
LaurasOtherHalf said:
A1VDY said:
A very cheaply made and poor quality car. I had several sierras at the time, 1.8 cvh, 2.0 pinto, 2.3 diesel and a 4x4 cosworth.
This one will be no exception. Ridiculous price for a quick version of a car made for the masses especially one with baggy seats..
Davide Cironi disagrees;

https://youtu.be/fOTwJCkJdQQ

I keep looking at this regular one in the classifieds https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/... wishing I had a spare £40k!
Yes I was watching the Davide Cironi vid where he just recently got to drive the Mercedes 190 Evolution 2

https://youtu.be/bSs1iYxJtPo

He really didn’t like the 190 Evolution to drive much and said the M3 or RS were the ones to have if you like driving.

People will pay for a badge though as a low mileage Mercedes like this has gone for £300K

At least you can buy cheaper similar versions of these cars though if you are wanting a weekend toy

big_rob_sydney

3,394 posts

193 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
s m said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
A1VDY said:
A very cheaply made and poor quality car. I had several sierras at the time, 1.8 cvh, 2.0 pinto, 2.3 diesel and a 4x4 cosworth.
This one will be no exception. Ridiculous price for a quick version of a car made for the masses especially one with baggy seats..
Davide Cironi disagrees;

https://youtu.be/fOTwJCkJdQQ

I keep looking at this regular one in the classifieds https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/... wishing I had a spare £40k!
Yes I was watching the Davide Cironi vid where he just recently got to drive the Mercedes 190 Evolution 2

https://youtu.be/bSs1iYxJtPo

He really didn’t like the 190 Evolution to drive much and said the M3 or RS were the ones to have if you like driving.

People will pay for a badge though as a low mileage Mercedes like this has gone for £300K

At least you can buy cheaper similar versions of these cars though if you are wanting a weekend toy
I think it gets to a point where it's not even about the specific cars themselves, but more because they're rare. Supply and demand. They're also often the top car in the range at that time. You can see similar inflation across many brands / models.

s m

23,164 posts

202 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
big_rob_sydney said:
s m said:
LaurasOtherHalf said:
A1VDY said:
A very cheaply made and poor quality car. I had several sierras at the time, 1.8 cvh, 2.0 pinto, 2.3 diesel and a 4x4 cosworth.
This one will be no exception. Ridiculous price for a quick version of a car made for the masses especially one with baggy seats..
Davide Cironi disagrees;

https://youtu.be/fOTwJCkJdQQ

I keep looking at this regular one in the classifieds https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/... wishing I had a spare £40k!
Yes I was watching the Davide Cironi vid where he just recently got to drive the Mercedes 190 Evolution 2

https://youtu.be/bSs1iYxJtPo

He really didn’t like the 190 Evolution to drive much and said the M3 or RS were the ones to have if you like driving.

People will pay for a badge though as a low mileage Mercedes like this has gone for £300K

At least you can buy cheaper similar versions of these cars though if you are wanting a weekend toy
I think it gets to a point where it's not even about the specific cars themselves, but more because they're rare. Supply and demand. They're also often the top car in the range at that time. You can see similar inflation across many brands / models.
Very true - many old Ferraris/Porsches/Lamborghinis etc
Quantifiably ‘crap’ by modern sports car standards to drive - worth millions as rarity and iconic status appeal to investors/rich enthusiasts

J4CKO

41,287 posts

199 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
I dont think those who buy stuff like this compare its performance, handling, rust proofing etc with say a new Golf for value.

I guess the buyers of these dont use them ever day and perhaps have another car (or 10)

I am sometimes skeptical about old Ford prices but then that perhaps as I cant afford one but for all those guys that want one, nothing else will do and I can, with the 2 door Sierra Cosworth see the appeal.

As a kid in the eighties it was as exciting to see one as any Porsche or Ferrari, every time rallying was on there they were, same with touring cars and they even took the fight to the Aussies round Mount Panorama where the V8 reigned supreme.

You didnt see them all the time, at least not the 2 doors, it was generally something well heeled middle aged blokes tended to buy. I cant see these going as mental as special edition Porsches do though, mainly as the target market is a bit more working class lad done well in a lot of cases rather than global super rich buying the Porsches like Pokemons to stick away and appreciate.

The RS500 has everything the standard one had but has a cherry on top and there probably arent many cars that will get as positive reaction from the public, even kids know what they are as they pop up in every car game nowadays.

Moonstone blue for me but white is the sort of signature colour for the 2 door Sierra Cosworth.


wab172uk

2,005 posts

226 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
J4CKO said:
I dont think those who buy stuff like this compare its performance, handling, rust proofing etc with say a new Golf for value.

I guess the buyers of these dont use them ever day and perhaps have another car (or 10)

I am sometimes skeptical about old Ford prices but then that perhaps as I cant afford one but for all those guys that want one, nothing else will do and I can, with the 2 door Sierra Cosworth see the appeal.

As a kid in the eighties it was as exciting to see one as any Porsche or Ferrari, every time rallying was on there they were, same with touring cars and they even took the fight to the Aussies round Mount Panorama where the V8 reigned supreme.

You didnt see them all the time, at least not the 2 doors, it was generally something well heeled middle aged blokes tended to buy. I cant see these going as mental as special edition Porsches do though, mainly as the target market is a bit more working class lad done well in a lot of cases rather than global super rich buying the Porsches like Pokemons to stick away and appreciate.

The RS500 has everything the standard one had but has a cherry on top and there probably arent many cars that will get as positive reaction from the public, even kids know what they are as they pop up in every car game nowadays.

Moonstone blue for me but white is the sort of signature colour for the 2 door Sierra Cosworth.
^^^ Agree with all of that.

I doubt this car will ever be driven again. The price is too high to be bought by an enthusiast. Unless a very rich one?

It'll no doubt be bought and tucked away hoping to see it's value grow. Pretty much like the chap who bought it in 2016 for £200,000. Only the value hasn't quite gone the way he'd thought.

Seams bonkers to sell it for £80k less than what you bought it for. Maybe he's ran out of money, by buying cars way above there true market value?

s m

23,164 posts

202 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
J4CKO said:
You didnt see them all the time, at least not the 2 doors, it was generally something well heeled middle aged blokes tended to buy. I cant see these going as mental as special edition Porsches do though, mainly as the target market is a bit more working class lad done well in a lot of cases rather than global super rich buying the Porsches like Pokemons to stick away and appreciate.
What I noticed is that the top prices generally achieved for the lowest mileage Sierra RS500s, BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolutions and Mercedes 190 Evolution 2s roughly mirror the price disparity when new
Sierra the cheapest at £120,000 ish
BMW from £120,000 -> £180,000
Mercedes £150,000 -> £300,000

sideways man

1,307 posts

136 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
s m said:
BMW from £120,000...

Hells teeth! I remember when these were £7k for a reasonable one!
Thought I’d have one later on, and got a Sunbeam Lotus for £4K instead.

Ah, the good old days when great cars were affordablelaugh

Agent57

1,631 posts

153 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
Aspiration Normally Aspirated?

For this price I'd expect them to include the turbo. smile

Also they don't give any description in the ad.

s m

23,164 posts

202 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
sideways man said:
s m said:
BMW from £120,000...

Hells teeth! I remember when these were £7k for a reasonable one!
Thought I’d have one later on, and got a Sunbeam Lotus for £4K instead.

Ah, the good old days when great cars were affordablelaugh
A Sport Evo?

I can certainly remember the vanilla ones at 4K/5k but can’t recall seeing a Sport Evo at 7

They were around 38k new

bloomen

6,854 posts

158 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
s m said:
A Sport Evo?

I can certainly remember the vanilla ones at 4K/5k but can’t recall seeing a Sport Evo at 7

They were around 38k new
You could have them in Europe for those sorts of figures.

sideways man

1,307 posts

136 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
s m said:
A Sport Evo?

I can certainly remember the vanilla ones at 4K/5k but can’t recall seeing a Sport Evo at 7

They were around 38k new
Apologies. Thought you meant the ‘normal ‘ model.

Leins

9,418 posts

147 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
s m said:
A Sport Evo?

I can certainly remember the vanilla ones at 4K/5k but can’t recall seeing a Sport Evo at 7

They were around 38k new
My claim to shame is ignoring a 50k-miler full-history UK Sport Evo being sold through BMW AUC in 2000 for £14.5k, and instead buying a new 316i Compact! banghead

s m

23,164 posts

202 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
Leins said:
My claim to shame is ignoring a 50k-miler full-history UK Sport Evo being sold through BMW AUC in 2000 for £14.5k, and instead buying a new 316i Compact! banghead
Just console yourself Leins in the knowledge that the experts on here will tell you they were all rubbish ... wink

PAUL500

2,627 posts

245 months

Sunday 5th January 2020
quotequote all
It is a well known car that has done the rounds for many years.

Regardless of its life and back story, it is the only one that can correctly wear the number plate E112 VEV and was the first of the run of 500. All the other VEV pre production cars still exist as well so not sure why the claim this one is the last left?

Now the one to still find is that last one, number 500, many rumours, many claims, but still yet to officially resurface the last I heard.

There is at least one delivery miles, unregistered one as well, in white.