The first Ford Sierra RS500 continuation car, built in the UK by CNC Motorsport, has been finished and is now with its very fortunate owner.
It marks almost three years since the Gloucestershire-based company announced plans to build three ‘new’ RS500s. The project was officially sanctioned by touring car legend Andy Rouse.
All three cars will be built to Andy Rouse Engineering specification and eligible for use in historic saloon car racing. It leaves two cars still to be assembled, with the second already entering the build process.
The first completed CNC Motorsport RS500 features a 2.0-litre Cosworth YB engine producing an incredible 575hp. Built by Harvey Gibbs, it should ensure the reborn Sierra is just as dominant on-track as its predecessors.
A five-speed Getrag manual gearbox sends the Cosworth’s power to the rear wheels via a 10-inch viscous differential.
With access to the original Andy Rouse Engineering technical drawings, the three continuation cars will closely match the period racers.
CNC Motorsport has machined numerous bespoke parts, including suspension uprights, wheel hubs, brake calipers and the protective roll cage.
Work on the RS500 was undertaken by Alan Strachan, an Andy Rouse Engineering employee between 1989 and 1996, along with his son, Andrew.
“This project has enabled us to build a reliable, period-correct car that will be competitive in historic motorsport for the fraction of the cost of an original,” said Alan Strachan.
“These are to be enjoyed, raced hard and fair and without the concerns of taking a valuable, period car on the track. The fans love to see these flame-spitting RS500s on the limit and they open the door to take part in a huge array of events across Europe.”
CNC Motorsport is now focused on completing the second RS500 continuation car, using a Motorsport-specification body shell. A donor shell has now been sourced for the third and final car, too.
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