Estimated Price: £150,000 - £200,000

The RS500 occupies a significant place in Ford performance history. Developed by Tickford for homologation purposes, the model introduced a series of revisions over the standard Sierra RS Cosworth, including an enlarged Garrett turbocharger, additional fuel injectors and numerous aerodynamic and mechanical changes intended to support Ford’s motorsport ambitions. The result was a car that proved formidable in Touring Car competition throughout Europe and Australasia, whilst also establishing itself as one of the defining road cars of the late 1980s.

First registered new on 17th September 1987, chassis #GG38798 was acquired for the BonkeRS Collection in 2008 after being identified as the most original RS500 the Collection’s custodians had encountered. At the point of acquisition, its condition and preservation were considered exceptional, with the car displaying a remarkable level of factory originality throughout. Following its purchase, the Collection’s in-house mechanic undertook a detailed inspection and preparation programme, going through the car comprehensively from end to end in readiness for concours participation and exhibition use. The RS500 subsequently remained within the BonkeRS Collection until 2014, during which time it formed part of one of the best regarded collections of Performance Fords assembled in recent years.

The car’s reputation for originality has since led to its inclusion in the authoritative reference work, Factory Original Ford RS Cosworths by Dan Williamson, a publication widely regarded as one of the definitive studies of the marque and model lineage. Featured as a benchmark example, this RS500 is recognised for retaining the characteristics and finishes associated with factory specification, qualities that are increasingly difficult to find amongst surviving examples. Its inclusion within such a publication further underlines its status amongst collectors and marque specialists alike.

Importantly, the car is believed to have never been repainted, a claim supported by its consistent presentation and the preservation visible throughout the bodywork and associated finishes. The Diamond White paintwork is understood to remain original, complemented by equally well preserved trim, interior surfaces and ancillary details. The condition and integrity of the car reflects careful long-term ownership and considered maintenance rather than restoration or cosmetic intervention.

The interior presents with the understated and purposeful character synonymous with the RS500. The Recaro seats, switchgear, instruments and trim materials all display the light patina expected of a carefully used and sparingly driven example, while maintaining the appearance and specification associated with low mileage cars. The engine bay continues the same theme, retaining factory-style finishes and original presentation details that are often lost during refurbishment work or modification.

Mechanically, the car has benefitted from regular maintenance throughout its enthusiast ownership. The accompanying history file documents ongoing care and preservation, ensuring that the RS500 has remained in sound running order whilst avoiding the excessive restoration often seen with highly collectable examples. As values and interest in the model have grown, originality has increasingly become the defining characteristic separating exceptional cars from the merely good, and this example appears to have been preserved with that philosophy firmly in mind.

The Sierra RS500 Cosworth has evolved from a highly capable homologation special into one of the most sought-after performance Fords of its era. Its motorsport success, limited production numbers and unmistakable styling have ensured lasting appeal amongst collectors worldwide, however, as surviving cars have passed through restoration programmes, modification or competition use, genuinely original examples with low mileage have become increasingly scarce.

Combining known history, low ownership mileage, documented provenance and exceptional originality, E84 CDB represents an increasingly rare opportunity to acquire a 'reference quality' RS500. Its time within the BonkeRS Collection, inclusion within the Dan Williamson publication and believed unrestored condition place it amongst a small number of highly regarded surviving examples. For collectors seeking an RS500 defined by preservation rather than restoration, this Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth warrants close inspection.