Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500 (1987)
The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth (1987) was a razor-sharp expression of motorsport ambition—conceived not as a road car with racing potential, but as a race car homologated for the road. Here's how its concept and intent unfolded:
🏁 Purpose-Built for Dominance
Homologation Special: The RS500 was created to homologate the Sierra Cosworth for Group A touring car racing, where manufacturers had to build 500 road-going versions of their race cars.
Track-First Philosophy: Unlike the standard Sierra RS Cosworth, which balanced road manners with performance, the RS500 was unapologetically engineered for circuit supremacy.
🔧 Engineering Enhancements
Upgraded Engine: Still based on the 2.0L Cosworth YB turbocharged inline-four, but with:A larger Garrett T04 turbocharger
Thicker-walled cylinder block
Additional fuel injectors (unused in road trim but ready for race tuning)
Revised intercooler and oil system
Output: Officially 224 bhp, but race versions easily exceeded 500 bhp.
Aerodynamic Tweaks: A deeper front splitter and larger rear wing improved high-speed stability—crucial for touring car circuits.
🎯 Strategic Intent
Win at All Costs: Ford and Cosworth aimed to dominate Group A racing, particularly in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and DTM.
Limited Production: Only 500 units were built by Tickford in the UK, making it a true homologation special.
Brand Halo: It reinforced Ford’s performance credentials and gave the Sierra nameplate a motorsport pedigree that transcended its family-car roots.
🏆 Legacy & Impact
Touring Car Legend: The RS500 became one of the most successful Group A touring cars ever, winning championships across Europe and Australia.
Collector Icon: Its rarity, motorsport success, and aggressive styling have made it one of the most coveted fast Fords of all time.
Spiritual Benchmark: It set the tone for future RS models—purposeful, potent, and proudly unfiltered.
The RS500 wasn’t just a faster Sierra—it was Ford’s declaration of war on the racetrack, wrapped in a road-legal shell. *****
Overview: The **Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 (1987)** was a landmark model for Ford, designed to dominate **Group A touring car racing** while reinforcing Ford’s reputation for high-performance road cars.
**Key Significance**
- **Motorsport Dominance:** The RS500 was an **evolution model** of the Sierra RS Cosworth, built to **compete in Group A racing**. It became a **touring car legend**, winning championships across Europe.
- **Engineering Enhancements:** Compared to the standard RS Cosworth, the RS500 featured a **larger turbocharger, additional fuel injectors, and improved aerodynamics**, making it a formidable race car.
- **Limited Production:** Only **500 units** were built, making it one of the most exclusive Ford performance models.
- **Legacy & Collector Appeal:** The RS500 cemented Ford’s **motorsport heritage**, influencing later models like the **Escort RS Cosworth**.
Its **racing pedigree, rarity, and performance upgrades** make it one of the most sought-after classic Fords today. You can explore more details on its history [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Sierra_RS_Cosworth).
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COMMON FAULTS
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500, while a legendary performance car, does have some common faults that owners and enthusiasts should be aware of:
1. **Engine Meltdown Due to Fuel Pump Wiring**: Over time, the high current circuit can degrade, leading to lower voltage at the fuel pump, which can cause engine failure.
2. **Misfires**: These can be caused by issues with the rotor arm, distributor cap, leads, and spark plugs. Upgrading to a wasted-spark system can help.
3. **Wiring Issues**: Heat and age can degrade engine bay wiring, leading to intermittent signals to the ECU and potential engine failure.
4. **Piston Slap**: This can occur when starting from cold and indicates the need for a compression test².
5. **Turbocharger Problems**: Air leaks and poor maintenance can shorten the life of the turbo².
6. **Old Alarms**: Poorly installed or old alarms can cause various electrical issues.
Regular and meticulous maintenance is key to keeping these cars running smoothly.
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Generations
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was a single, special edition model produced in 1987. It was an evolution of the standard Sierra RS Cosworth, created to meet Group A racing homologation requirements. Only 500 units of the RS500 were made, all of which were right-hand drive and sold exclusively in the UK.
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Body Style
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 adopted a **3-door hatchback** body style. This design was chosen to meet the Group A racing homologation requirements and to enhance the car's aerodynamic performance.
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Trim Level
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was produced in a single trim level. This special edition was created specifically to meet Group A racing homologation requirements, and all 500 units were built to the same high-performance specifications.
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Production Total: The **Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500** had a production total of **500 units** in 1987 - Motor Car History](https://www.motor-car.net/ford-eu/item/11083-sierra-rs-cosworth).
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Price New: The **new price** for the **Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500** in 1987 was approximately **£19,950**. To understand what £19,950 in 1987 equates to in 2025, we can use an inflation calculator. According to the Bank of England's inflation calculator, £19,950 in 1987 would be approximately **£48,000** in 2025 due to inflation over the years.
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Main Rivals (Price): In 1987, the main rivals of the **Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500** included the **BMW M3** and the **Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16**. Here are their approximate new car prices: -
**BMW M3**: Around **£20,000** -
**Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16**: Around **£18,000**
These cars were popular choices in the high-performance segment, offering a mix of luxury and power.
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Engines
The Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was equipped with a specially modified version of the Cosworth YBD engine. Here are the key details:
- **Engine Type**: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four
- **Turbocharger**: Upgraded to a larger Garrett T04 turbocharger
- **Intercooler**: Larger air-to-air intercooler
- **Fuel System**: Additional set of four fuel injectors and an extra fuel rail
- **Power Output**: Approximately 224 horsepower in road trim¹²³
These modifications were designed to enhance performance and reliability, making the RS500 a formidable competitor in Group A racing.
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Performance
The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth was a high-performance version of the Sierra, designed to dominate Group A racing. Here are some key performance figures for the RS500 Cosworth:
- **Engine**: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
- **Power**: 224 hp
- **Torque**: 203 lb-ft
- **Transmission**: 5-speed manual with a limited-slip differential
- **0-60 mph**: 6 seconds
- **Top Speed**: 153 mph
The RS500 was known for its lightweight design, weighing around 2,660 lbs, which contributed to its impressive acceleration and top speed³. In race trim, the power could be increased significantly, making it a formidable competitor on the track.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **500 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500** cars still on the road in the UK.
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Spares
Finding spares for a Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth can be a bit of a hunt, but there are several specialized suppliers in the UK and Ireland that can help:
1. **RS Cosworth Breakers**: Located in Waterlooville, Portsmouth, they stock a wide range of new and used parts for all RS Cosworth models.
2. **PJ Motorsport**: Based in Wolverhampton, they specialize in parts, tuning, and engine builds for Sierra/Escort Cosworth and other Ford RS cars.
3. **Graham Goode Racing**: With over 35 years of experience, they offer performance and original equipment replacement parts for the Ford RS Cosworth range.
4. **Old Classic Car**: This site lists Sierra RS Cosworth RS500 parts and memorabilia being sold in the UK and internationally.
These suppliers should have what you need to keep your RS500 in top shape.
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Specialist
**Northern Ireland Ford Cosworth Specialists**
Here are a few specialists in Northern Ireland who can help with Ford Cosworth vehicles:
1. **McKinstry Motorsport**: Located in Banbridge, they have experience working on Cosworth engines and can likely assist with your needs.
2. **Steven Gault**: Known for his expertise with Ford engines, he might be able to help if he's taking on new customers.
3. **AI Autosport**: They have built and worked on Cosworth engines and come highly recommended by many enthusiasts.
These specialists should be able to provide the expertise and parts you need for your Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth.
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Racing
The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth was highly successful in racing. It dominated touring car racing in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Some of its notable achievements include:
- **British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)**: The RS500 went undefeated for three years between 1988 and 1990.
- **Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC)**: It won titles in 1988 and 1989.
- **Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM)**: It secured the championship in 1988.
- **Other Championships**: The RS500 also achieved success in the Japanese Touring Car Championship, New Zealand Touring Car Championship, and the AMSCAR Series.
The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth has a rich and impressive racing history. Here are some highlights:
1. **British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)**: The RS500 was a dominant force in the BTCC, winning the championship in 1988 and 1989. It was driven by notable racers like Andy Rouse and Steve Soper¹.
2. **World Touring Car Championship (WTCC)**: The RS500 made its debut in the 1987 WTCC at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Although it didn't finish the race, it showed its potential by qualifying in the top positions.
3. **Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC)**: The RS500 was also successful in Australia, winning the championship in 1988 and 1989. It was driven by legends like Dick Johnson and Peter Brock.
4. **Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM)**: In Germany, the RS500 secured the DTM championship in 1988, showcasing its versatility and performance across different racing series.
5. **Other Championships**: The RS500 also achieved success in the Japanese Touring Car Championship, New Zealand Touring Car Championship, and the AMSCAR Series.
The RS500's combination of power, handling, and reliability made it a formidable competitor on the track, earning it a legendary status in motorsport history.