Chassis number one has been confirmed to be genuine by marque expert Paul Linfoot, which makes it one of four pre-production models. Number one was also the only car built by Ford itself, with production of the other 499 handed off to engineering and tuning company Tickford.
This car was the original test vehicle, used by Ford to fine-tune the vehicle’s specialist components and ensure that final sign-off was done in a timely fashion. Due to the demanding nature of these tests, the car had to be re-shelled before sale.
The Sierra reached its first owner in March 1987, and went through five more custodians over two decades. In October 2007, it was exported to Norway, but returned to the UK in February 2018 when it was sold to its current owner.
Silverstone Auctions notes that the car presents in excellent condition, with all parts unique to the RS500 ‘present and correct’. That includes the front bumper, lower splitters and rear spoilers, plus pinstripe paint detailing and commemorative badges.
The top of the dashboard, prone to cracking in sunlight, has been replaced, while the car’s exhaust has been switched out for a stainless steel Magnex system.
‘It’s chassis number one, the first Sierra Cosworth RS500 ever built! 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,’ said Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions.
The car will be sold with a comprehensive history file including early MOTs and tax discs, plus a report by Paul Linfoot. Silverstone Auctions predicts a £90,000 – £120,000 sale price when it goes under the hammer on 19 May.
