When Ford teamed up with Cosworth Engineering to breathe life onto its humdrum Sierra, few knew it would be the birth of a motoring legend. Through circuit racing and supercar-humbling on-road ability, the 1985 Sierra RS Cosworth quickly became a household name. A practical four-seater boasting 204bhp from its two-liter turbocharged power plant, the RS Cosworth's massive performance was equaled only by an extroverted rear wing designed for high-speed stability . While motorsport machines scooped innumerable victories and increasingly powerful engines, in 1987 Ford homologated a yet-more-spectacular Sierra - the 224bhp RS500. It instantly became a desirable collector's piece. The restrained four-door Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth of 1988 was Ford's vision of a 150mph executive express; two years later, its four-wheel-drive successor returned the firm to rallying. By 1992, Ford had squeezed the 4x4's running gear into a shorter Escort body, complete with 227bhp engine and ever-more-aggressive aerodynamic aids. The limited-edition Monte Carlo came in 1994, followed by the final RS Cosworth - a revised Escort with smaller turbocharger and user-friendly appeal. Production ceased in 1996. Today, each model has a loyal following among motorsport fans and fast Fords enthusiasts. And as the cars become increasingly sought-after, so too does the pursuit of perfection. This book examines RS Cosworth authenticity, outlining standard specifications alongside in-depth color photography of outstanding examples of the breed. From body panels and trim to turbochargers and tires; from interior fabrics and paint schemes to shock absorbers and stickers, Ford's factory-original fitments are covered in comprehensive detail.
Buying fast Fords has been an addiction for Dan Williamson since getting an Escort Mk1 at the age of just 15. His subsequent career as a motoring journalist started in 1997, covering new cars, classics and performance machines for magazines including Fast Ford, Classic Ford and many others. Dan is the author of several books about sporty Fords, with a lifelong passion for everything with a Blue Oval badge: his collection includes Fords from the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, 2000s and ’10s, including an up-rated Focus ST.
Simon Clay is a freelance photographer specializing in cars, people, and architecture. He trained at Bournemouth & Poole College of Art, and from 1990 to 1996 was employed full-time as the photographer for England's National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
