987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth — Exceptional Original Example
Registration: E320 FLP
Chassis No: WF0EXXGBBEGG38626
Engine No: GG38626
Odometer: 17,244 miles from new
Key Facts..
Genuine Tickford-built RS500 Cosworth homologation model
17th RS500 produced from the Aston Martin Tickford conversion programme
Two drivers from new
Just 17,244 genuine miles
Off the road and carefully stored for approximately 30 years
Retains original factory paintwork, interior, exhaust and dealer number plates
Comprehensive history file including service records and Ford warranty documentation
Provenance..
The Sierra RS Cosworth programme represented Ford’s determined return to international circuit racing dominance during the 1980s.
Following the success of rival manufacturers in touring car competition, Ford renewed its partnership with Cosworth to develop a homologation special capable of competing under FIA Group A regulations. Production commenced in June 1986 at Ford’s Genk plant in Belgium, where over 5,000 examples were assembled to satisfy homologation requirements.
Based upon the three-door Sierra bodyshell, the RS Cosworth combined Ford’s proven Pinto engine block with forged internals and a Cosworth-developed twin cam, sixteen-valve cylinder head fed by a Garrett turbocharger. Even in standard road-going form the car delivered exceptional performance, quickly establishing itself as a dominant force on circuits worldwide.
To maintain competitiveness, Ford exploited FIA evolution rules requiring a further production run of 500 upgraded road cars — resulting in the RS500 Cosworth.
Conversion work was entrusted to Aston Martin’s Tickford subsidiary in Bedworth, where completed Sierra Cosworths were transformed into the ultimate homologation specification.
Chassis WF0EXXGBBEGG38626 represents the 17th RS500 produced within this limited programme therefore an early car.
Specification..
Factory RS500 Cosworth homologation specification including:
Cosworth YB turbocharged engine
Revised inlet manifold and larger turbocharger
Secondary fuel injector system (inactive in road trim for homologation purposes)
Enhanced aerodynamic package including:
Rear wing Gurney flap
Additional boot spoiler
Revised front bumper with increased airflow
Permanent rear-wheel drive configuration
Five-speed manual transmission
Original exhaust system retained
Original interior including factory head unit
Original Dagenham Motors Uxbridge dealer number plates
Finished in factory black — the colour specified for the majority of RS500 production.
History..
First registered on 18 September 1987, E320 FLP was supplied new by Dagenham Motors, Uxbridge, to its first owner, a London-based insurance salesman.
Following only a brief period of ownership, the car was sold later in 1987 to its current keeper at a purchase price of £22,000 — a considerable sum at the time and equivalent to over £77,000 today.
Initially registered to the owner’s business in Hungerford, the vehicle was later transferred into personal ownership in July 2003.
Like many enthusiasts of the era, the owner had watched RS500 Cosworths dominating touring car racing on BBC television broadcasts throughout the late 1980s — a clear example of Ford’s famous “Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday” philosophy.
The car remained in regular road use until 1994, after which it entered long-term storage where it has remained largely untouched for approximately three decades.
Maintenance & Documentation..
The accompanying history file includes extensive period documentation such as:
Original service book and owner’s manuals
Ford service inspection reports from 1988, 1989 and 1991
Ford Extra Cover warranty agreement commencing September 1988
Doves of Andover Ford servicing records
Peter Stirland Ford servicing records
Specialist servicing invoices through to 2015
The service book contains eight recorded stamps including early running-in services at 1,500 and 6,000 miles.
The most recent recorded service took place in 2015 when the car was removed from storage and transported by trailer to Cotswold Prestige Cars.
An inspection report conducted by a Paul Linfoot Racing, RS500 specialist is available.
Originality..
E320 FLP represents an exceptionally preserved example retaining numerous original features rarely seen today, including:
Original factory paintwork
Original interior and radio head unit
Original supplying dealer number plates
Matching Dunlop Sport D40 tyres, believed to date from late 1986 production ( Still on original wheels which are in storage )
In 1991 an attempted theft caused minor marks to the passenger door frame and sunroof area. The owner elected not to repair these before the car entered storage, leaving them today as part of the car’s documented history.
Current Condition..
Presented in remarkably original condition following long-term storage.
Key features include:
100% genuine mileage confirmed by ownership history
Original finishes and components throughout
Extensive documentation archive
Specialist RS500 inspection report available
The car has not been used on the road since 1994 and survives today as an authentic period time capsule.
Summary..
One of the most original surviving RS500 Cosworths.
With just two drivers from new, continuous stewardship since 1987 and only 17,244 miles recorded, E320 FLP represents an unusually untouched example of Ford’s ultimate Group A homologation special.
Preserved rather than restored, it stands as an authentic snapshot of the era that defined touring car racing during the late 1980s.
