We’re celebrating 40 years of the legendary Ford Sierra RS Cosworth at Classic Ford Show this May 11. Don’t miss out, secure your ticket today!
Few cars capture the raw spirit of Ford performance quite like the Sierra RS Cosworth. When it launched in 1985, it was a game-changer; blisteringly fast, aerodynamically striking, and designed with one goal in mind: total domination on the race track. Now, in 2025, we celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Classic Ford Show with a very special display, brought to life with the help of the Cosworth Drivers Club.
This exclusive showcase will be dedicated solely to the legendary three-door Sierra RS Cosworth, the car that started it all. Meanwhile, the CDC stand will feature a full range of Cosworth-powered Fords, ensuring that every flavour of this turbocharged legacy is represented.
The Birth of a Legend
The Sierra RS Cosworth wasn’t just another fast Ford, it was a homologation special, built to meet Group A racing requirements. But its journey from a wild idea to a showroom sensation wasn’t easy.
Back in 1983, Ford was struggling in touring car racing. At the British Grand Prix, the brand watched in horror as the Capris were humiliated by Rover Vitesses. Something had to change. Enter Stuart Turner, head of Ford Motorsport, who, over a pub lunch, floated a radical idea:
“If we could put a turbocharged Cosworth engine into a Sierra, Rover wouldn’t win another race,” he famously quipped.
This wasn’t just a pipe dream, though. Cosworth had already developed a 16-valve twin-cam version of Ford’s Pinto engine, originally for private sales. But what if Ford built a whole car around it?
The result was the Sierra RS Cosworth, boasting a 204bhp turbocharged YB engine, Borg-Warner T5 gearbox, and an eye-catching “whale-tail” spoiler for high-speed stability. But that was just the tip of the iceberg, as it laid the foundations for an evolution model to follow.
Officially launched in 1985, full-scale production started in 1986, with 5542 units built in Genk, Belgium. In 1987, 500 of these cars were transformed into the legendary RS500, an evolution model built to dominate the racetrack. It did just that, conquering touring car championships worldwide (until, one by one, it was effectively banned to give rivals a chance of winning) and cementing its place in motoring history.
40 Years of the Sierra RS Cosworth
The Sierra RS Cosworth isn’t just a fast Ford, it’s an icon of performance motoring. It redefined what a family saloon could be, proving that practicality and fire-breathing speed weren’t mutually exclusive. It set new standards in aerodynamics, turbo technology, and race engineering.
Even today, it’s a dream car for enthusiasts, with values skyrocketing as collectors scramble to own a piece of Blue Oval history. The fact that most of these cars survived years of street racing, modifications, and theft risks only adds to their legend.
At the Classic Ford Show 2025, we’ll be celebrating this legendary machine in all its glory. Whether you’re an owner, a lifelong fan, or just discovering the magic of the Cossie, this is your chance to get up close to history.
What’s on at Classic Ford Show?
Get ready to rev your engines for the Classic Ford Show 2025, roaring into the South of England Showground on May 11th! This year’s event celebrates 40 years of the Sierra Cosworth with a jaw-dropping display of 40 iconic Cossies, from 3-door legends to rare RS500s.
Don’t miss The Great Unveiling, where freshly finished, never-before-seen builds make their debut. The Classic Ford Top 50 showcases the UK’s finest Fords, while the Classic Ford ICONS area features hand-picked showstoppers.
Explore the bustling trade village, enjoy thrilling BMX stunt demos, and meet special guests like Steve Saxty and Jamie Brothwell. With club displays, awards, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s a must-attend for every Ford enthusiast!
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