Footnotes

• The sight of rival manufacturers reaping the rewards of a successful circuit racing programme prompted Ford to renew its alliance with engine builder Cosworth to create the eponymous Sierra, assembly of the minimum 5,000 units required for Group A homologation commencing in June 1986 at the company's Genk plant in Belgium. Based on the three-door Sierra bodyshell, the RS Cosworth combined the standard 1,993cc Pinto engine's cylinder block with a Cosworth-developed, twin-camshaft, 16-valve cylinder head fed by a Garrett turbocharger, the latter being deemed necessary to achieve a competitive power output for racing, which in time would amount to over 500bhp! Even in standard road trim the Sierra RS Cosworth produced a staggering 204bhp.
  
  Only three colour schemes were available for the Sierra RS Cosworth: Diamond White, Moonstone Blue, and Black. The unique exception is this car, which was finished in Rosso Red, it is believed at the behest of the Duke of Bedfordshire to whom it was on long-term loan as part of Ford's Press Fleet. 'D506 RVW' was issued as a 1:43 die-cast model by Corgi Toys, a boxed example of which is included in the sale.
  
  The car remained registered to the Ford Motor Company until 13th December 1988 when it was sold to Vince Woodman, the famous touring car racer, who enjoyed most of his successes at the wheel of various Ford Escorts and Capris. His company, VMW Motors, was a Ford main dealer and RS agent for the Southwest of England, and despite always having the pick of the latest Ford range, Vince kept this Sierra RS Cosworth for nearly 30 years. The car was also registered as 'VMW 2' during his ownership.
  
  The Sierra was enthusiastically enjoyed throughout Vince Woodman's ownership and remains in superb original condition, having been kept in secure storage for the last few years. The current owner bought the car from Vince's wife. Described by the private vendor as in very good condition throughout, this unique Sierra RS Cosworth comes with two folders containing its service history, numerous bills, a quantity of expired MoTs, spare keys, and original and subsequent V5 and V5C registration documents. Sat on a set of factory correct Dunlop D 40 tyres.
  
  The Sierra RS Cosworth has always been a coveted car. Today they are much sought after by discerning collectors, especially when presented in original, unmolested condition and with excellent provenance like this stunning and unique example, which ticks all the boxes.