A FAST Ford that was dubbed a "supercar killer" thanks to its race car handling is now available at a bargain price.
The model was "designed and built to win races" but became an all-time great road car after gaining a cult following.
Back in the 1980s, Ford began working on a car to enter into Group A races, the category that includes rallying and touring car events.
At the time, FIA regulations demanded that 5,000 roadgoing examples of a car be made before it was allowed to enter.
To this end, the American brand created what EVO named "the most iconic fast Ford ever" - the Sierra Cosworth.
Celebs who love flying planes - from Victoria's Secret models to Carol Vorderman
Affectionately known as the "Cossie", the model almost never made it onto UK roads.
The story goes that dealership feedback during development suggested that only 1,500 would sell, leaving it well short of the required threshold.
However, Ford pushed ahead, eventually making 5445 units, all of which would go on to sell.
According to How Rare Is My Car, only 2,672 left in the UK based on DVLA data.
Original Cosworth RS500s, which are from a special batch tuned by Aston Martin in 1987, have sold for over £50,000.
Other versions, though, can be found for bargain prices online.
For example, the second-generation model, the Cosworth Sapphire, is often much cheaper than its predecessor.
One listing on Car & Classic offered a 1989 Sapphire with just 52,405 miles on it at £8,100.
That's about £1,000 less than the price of a VW Golf GTI of around the same age with similar mileage.
And with a top speed of 150mph, it matches the pace of the iconic Ferrari 208 GTS of the same era, which regularly sells for over £60,000.
Stunning one-of-six classic Ford Escort Mexico set to fetch a fortune
The listing reads: "Affectionately dubbed the ‘Cossie’ by fast Ford enthusiasts, the Sierra RS Cosworth earned a reputation for its ludicrous attainable performance - a real supercar killer in its day.
"This 1989 example would even give today’s supercars a run for their money thanks to a 450 horsepower engine.
"Whether you're a collector or simply a driving enthusiast, this Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth is a unique find that’s sure to put a smile on your face."
