1988 Ford Sierra

The Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth was in production from 1988 until 1992, and is now considered an iconic sports saloon. It is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports saloon that seats four people with ample luggage space – or, from 1990, a front-engine, four-wheel-drive car.

The Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth was primarily conceived to use up surplus engines – a situation stemming from the original Cosworth YB supply deal, which called for 15,000 engines as a minimum run. For the original Sierra Cosworth, only 5,000 were required for homologation purposes. This left Ford with a 10,000 engine over-supply, and so it decided to create a softer, more road-friendly, more discreet Cosworth in order to use the engines it had agreed to purchase.

Despite this, its improved drag coefficient meant it was actually slightly quicker. The discreet, softer Sapphire was deemed a more appropriate recipient of the 4WD transmission in 1990 than any three-door motorsport star, purely by dint of its market potential. By 1990 the cylinder heads had been mildly tweaked too, meaning that the 4WDs produced a mighty 217bhp.

The 4x4 system had primarily been developed for rallying; a role which the later Escort Cosworth continued. The Escort was no Escort underneath however – it was an Escort style body on the running gear of the old Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4WD. So while the car may officially have been dropped at the end of 1992, its underpinnings lived on.

Both Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworths use the Cosworth YB: based on the Pinto, with twin overhead camshafts and a Garrett T3 turbocharger. This engine produced 204bhp – and with refinements midway through 2WD production, power rose to 217bhp. Both featured limited-slip differentials. Rear-wheel-drive cars retained the Borg Warner T5, 4WD cars used the Ferguson MT75.

It’s not unlike an earlier Cosworth to drive, with a good interior, sharp steering, and great seats that hold you in place. The ride’s softer though, so your 200bhp feels more usable more of the time than in the harder, more focused original. With better access, it’s more viable as a daily driver though – so you can enjoy the Cosworth kick far more often.

The Cosworth YB found in the Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth is a strong engine, and parts are still relatively easy to source through specialists such as Burton Power. Much of the trim and most of the panels are shared with standard Sierra Sapphires, and the rest of the Sierra range. Trim can also be sourced, as many Sapphires have been written off and stripped.

The Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth is no different to any other Sierra – and that means it can rust. Spoilers and skirts can affect this adversely too, by trapping water against the panels. Sills and valances are even more at risk than on a normal Sierra, while door bottoms and boot floors are other worrisome areas. The Cosworth specific panels such as the bonnet, bumpers and skirts might be difficult to source if damaged, so check their condition thoroughly.

Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworths are most desirable in 4WD form, though there is little difference in value between 2WD and 4WD versions. It’s infinitely more important to buy on condition; as a performance car many Cosworths will have been crashed, stolen, or worse – and the cars which are good, original, unmodified and have a flawless history are the most valuable.

For similar thrills, check out the later Escort Cosworth. Alternatives include the Audi S4, Subaru Impreza WRX or SAAB 9000 Turbo. For a quick naturally aspirated saloon take a look at BMW’s E34 540i.