First ever Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 heads to auction

The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS is a legendary car for fast Ford fans, but the RS500 is on another level of rarity entirely.

Only 500 were ever built, with conversions of ‘regular’ Sierra Cossies having been undertaken by, what was at the time, Aston Martin Tickford.

But one of those 500 units wasn’t built by Tickford. It was the first, a prototype, and it was built by Ford. This is that car.

The one-of-one Ford-built RS500 is expected to fetch somewhere between £90,000 and £120,000 (up to AUD$216,000) when it heads to auction on May 19 in the UK.

Its odometer appears to show 42,379 miles in the auction images, which translates to 68,188km.

The RS500’s Garrett-turbocharged 2.0-litre four was good for 167kW/277Nm in its prime, hitting 97km/h (60mph) in 6.1 seconds. Impressive numbers for a rear-drive four-pot in the 1980s.

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Differences between this model and the standard RS Cossie – aside from the engine – also include extra aero in the form of a splitter and boot lid lip, as well as larger cooling ducts for the brakes and intercooler.

Overseeing the sale is auction house Silverstone, which is based about 45km from the race circuit of the same name.

Managing director of Silverstone Auctions Nick Whale says the first RS500 heading to auction is likely a once-in-a-lifetime event.

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“It’s chassis number one, the first Sierra Cosworth RS500 ever built,” he says.

“This car is truly a one-off, and for any serious Ford collector, this must be the car to have - the one that started it all.”

"Recently we have seen a growing interest in fast Fords, and the prices have risen to record-busting levels.

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“I can't recall there ever being a Ford prototype coming to auction, and I can't see this happening again.

“This is a very special and rare RS500 that presents very well and is a car that can be driven, enjoyed and is a great addition to any collection."

If you’re looking for a (likely more affordable) Ford Sierra, our friends at Unique Cars sometimes have one or two in their online classifieds.