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.
