By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
Once the aspiring company car for ambitious young sales reps the Ford Sierra base models are attracting growing buyer interest.
According to the website ‘How many left’ only around 30 ‘early registered’ 1.6L models remain in the UK – something of a shock when you consider 1.3 million Sierras were sold between 1982 and 1993.
The fact is many eighties Sierras were driven to the end of their lives and then disposed of.
The fleet-sized rear-wheel drive Sierra was Ford’s bold replacement for the much loved but outdated Cortina.
Price was a big attraction with the 1.6L available for £5,071 in 1983 and the smaller-engined ‘entry-level’ 1.3L model costing £4,783.
When it was launched it took buyers a while to adjust to its ‘jelly mould’ design but its more aerodynamic styling added to its performance. It gave the car a drag co-efficient of 0.35, a significant step forward from the Cortina at 0.45.
By the mid-80s the Sierra would account for up to 4% of all new car sales in Europe.
Midway into its life Ford added a saloon version – the Sapphire – redesigned the Sierra’s nose and upgraded the dashboard and drivetrains. Also new to the range was a 1.8 litre engine.
Ford added sporty variants such as the XR4i (from 1983), RS Cosworth (from 1986) and the later RS500 models with two-litre sized engines.
Whilst prices for these ‘Fast Fords’ are going through the roof, prices for smaller-engined Sierras are climbing too and could prove a great future investment. Good condition, low mileage GL and Ghia models are selling for over £7,000, compared to a similar XR4i which can go for double the price.
It may have made a stuttering start, but it seems the time is now for this classic Ford?