The Sapphire RS Cosworth was the best super sedan 4 decades ago
We were surprised and very sad to see these pictures (shared by a reader) on a ‘once upon a time’ best in class sports sedan rotting away outside a workshop in Klang Valley.
This is a rare and very limited Ford Sapphire RS Cosworth that was built for just one reason, to be part of European touring racing and win. From its debut in July 1986, the RS Cosworth was a joint venture between Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) and vehicle tuner ‘Cosworth’.
To start, just 5,000 units were built to meet motorsports Group A homologation requirements. The Ford 1993cc got itself a Garrett TO3B turbocharger which produced 204bhp initially, and soon after in 1988 the RS version for 220bhp which is this car in the pictures.
Sapphire Cosworth 4×4 history
In January 1988 the Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4-door was introduced with rear-wheel drive powered by a 204bhp YBB engine mated to a T5 gearbox riding on 7x15in lattice alloy wheels’ front and rear spoilers and discreet side skirts and front Recaro seats.
Then in January 1990 the Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4×4 launched, based closely on the previous Sapphire Cosworth but with stronger cylinder block, revised head, bigger intercooler and with 220bhp ready.
Later in August 1991, there was a face-lifted 4×4 with shark-tooth alloy wheels, a modernised dashboard, electric sunroof and a catalytic converter in use.
By December 1992 this fun loving Sapphire Cosworth production ended and the last batch of cars received a single-colour rear spoiler without painted black lip.
In total, about 12,250 units were produced in Genk, Belgium and not UK. A handful probably made its way to Malaysia as personal imported cars or some AP holders might have brought in one or two units.
Checking And Confirming Its Identity
Inspect the chassis number. you will find it on the VIN plate (riveted to the bonnet slam panel) and stamped into the floor beneath a carpet flap beside the driver’s seat.
It should match the digits on the V5 log book, reading WFOFXXGBBF followed by two letters (for the build date) and five numbers, which reflect the engine number. Remember, a 4×4 Cosworth should have a cylinder block with large ‘200’ casting numbers on the crankcase.
Other digits on the VIN plate should read N5 for engine code, B (right-hand drive) for drive, 8 for trans, U for axle, and BFGC4 in the type box.
To Buy And Restore Or Not
This is a car that should be restored to its former glory as prices even in England are high. Recent UK only sales have seen anywhere between £5,000 to a high £15,000 (RM26,855 to RM80,500) and parts are easy to source from England. For us, this car should be bought, restored and enjoyed on our roads.
