Me and My Winger

1 July 2015 Redazione Your Cars

“Cossies were famous in the late eighties because of the enormous wing placed on the tailgate. It was designed in 1983, but entered the market only in 1986, when Ford presented the version with a Cosworth engine with dual overhead cam and four-valve.
The rear wing was applied to ensure vehicle stability at very high speeds, while the air intake between the headlights were there in order to provide large amounts of air to the intercooler.
In the official configuration the original engine developed up to 350 hp, and also participated in the World Rally Championship, driven by Didier Auriol, with whom it won the Tour de Corse in 1988 and by Carlos Sainz in his first appearances as a pilot.
The Ford Sierra Cosworth 3-door was produced in only 5,000 units (including 500 RS500) and you could only choose between three colors: white, black and moon dust.
The 2-liter turbo engine developed a maximum output of 204 horsepower and was able to push speed at about 240 kph accelerating from 0-100 kph in 6 seconds.
Today I am the happy owner of one of these specimens, which I managed to find in excellent condition, after sacrifices and a long research. There are only very few original models, as many have been set up for track, rally, hill climbs, and as many were destroyed or demolished over the years.
At the wheel, it is extremely fulfilling, torque is good too, although at low speeds the big turbocharger is not quick as you push the throttle, braking is effective and also grip is good, unless you do not ask too much gas while cornering … otherwise incredible oversteer is commonplace. Rear-wheel drive, combined with an old generation turbo engine, it gives you plenty of thrill and fun, but only experienced drivers can take full advantage of the entire potential of this Cossie.
This extraordinary car that populated the desires of fans around the world, still attracts attention of people and gives driving sensations that more modern sports cars aren’t able to do.
Now, however, the Sierra Cosworth, as other “girls her age” (Lancia Delta HF Integrale, Renault 5 Maxi Turbo, Audi Quattro) is proudly displayed at various rallies for classic and sports models, organized in Italy and through Europe”.

Fulvio