Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth prototype to go under the hammer
A rare example of the classic racing icon is set to change hands at auction this year.
1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth chassis #003, one of only four prototypes, is scheduled to go under the hammer in February.
The car is expected to sell for between £60,000 and 70,000 ($115,000 - $135,000).
Originally owned by the Ford Motor Company, chassis #003 (also known as D114 VEV) was used in the development of the RS500’s turbocharger and intercooler system.
In the late 1980s, the car’s engine was replaced with an Eggenberger Motorsport-built unit taken from chassis #010, an early road-going model Ford had given to racing driver Steve Soper for testing.
Chassis #003 has a verified 69,000 miles on the clock, ratified by the RS500 registrar with all inspections and paperwork to match. The development model has also recently received an overhaul by Cosworth specialist Graham Goode Motors.
This is not the first time #003 has changed hands. The car was sold by Ford to a private buyer in 1989 and changed ownership again in 1993, 1995 and 2012.
Part of #003’s history includes suffering front offside damage during its development period with Ford, however auctioneer Silverstone Auctions claims the prototype was “repaired, in period, to the highest of standards”.
The Sierra RS500 Cosworth made a name for itself in Australia by competing in the Australian Touring Car Championship and securing victories in the 1988 and 1989 Bathurst 1000.
Its most infamous race win, however, came at the 1987 Bathurst 1000 when the Texaco-liveried Sierras that placed first and second were disqualified for technical breaches, subsequently handing Peter Brock first place and his record ninth Bathurst 1000 victory.
Although never sold by Ford Australia, a limited number of Sierra RS500 Cosworths made their way to Australia through private importation.
Gordon Douglas of Australian RS Cosworth specialist workshop and dealership, Chalker, believes that of the 500 Sierra RS500s ever built, roughly 25 reside in Australia.
The sought-after #003 chassis is set to go under the hammer at the Race Retro 2020 International Historic Motorsport Show in Stoneleigh Park, England on February 22.
Images sourced from Silverstone Auctions' listing page.
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