The upcoming Race Retro collectors’ car sale, organised by Iconic Auctioneers, will feature two examples of the limited production Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth.
A true homologation special, developed to help the Sierra dominate touring car racing in the 1980s, the rare RS500 models are likely to attract lots of attention.
Along with the Cosworth twins, the DJH Ford Collection also includes a bench-tested Ford YBD RS500 engine: perfect for use as a spare, or simply as a piece of automotive art.
Ahead of the auction later this month, let’s take a closer look at this dream duo before they come up for sale.
1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth #266
The first of the two RS500 Cosworths up for auction has been owned by the vendor since 1990, with only one other previous keeper recorded on its logbook.
Such was the commitment to originality, the supplying Ford dealership was used for servicing the car until 2014.
Like all RS500s, this Sierra Cosworth benefits from modified bodywork, including an extra spoiler for the tailgate and a deeper front splitter. Ford removed the usual fog lights, but supplied them in a box in the boot.
The upgraded 2.0-litre YBD engine in the RS500 boasts a larger Garrett T04 turbocharger, a host of new internals and a remapped ECU. This results in an output of 224hp, compared to the regular Cosworth’s 201hp.
A proven life well lived
More than 60,000 miles have been recorded on its odometer since this RS500 left the factory, proving it has been used as Ford intended.
During three decades of ownership, the vendor has accumulated a vast amount of paperwork to record the maintenance work undertaken. This is accompanied by magazine features, period photos and appraisals from RS ownership groups.
Such provenance will only add to the appeal of E500 JOR, which comes with a pre-auction estimate of between £75,000 and £85,000.
1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth #406
The second RS500 from the DJH Ford Collection comes in Moonstone Blue, said to be the rarest colour option for the special Sierra Cosworth.
From a total production run of 500 vehicles converted to RS500 specification by Tickford, just 52 were supplied with this paintwork.
Purchased by the vendor in 2021, it was a homage to his regular Sierra RS Cosworth, part-exchanged to buy the black example. Having been subject to a complete bare-shell rebuild by a previous owner, the bodywork was in near-concours condition.
True blue collar hero
Some £25,000 has been spent on a mechanical overhaul of the Moonstone Blue RS500, including a full engine rebuild as part of the fully documented work. Around 1,000 miles have been added to the odometer since then, making for a total mileage of 54,230.
Given the extensive work undertaken, plus car’s the rare colour, it comes with a higher pre-auction estimate of £85,000 to £100,000.
With Ford RS models having achieved record-breaking prices in recent years, the Race Retro show has the potential to grab headlines with this pairing.
The Iconic Auctioneers sale is being held at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on Saturday 24 February 2024. Alongside the Fords will be an ex-Richard Burns Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V, plus a host of other desirable classics and racing cars.
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