1986 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth

One of only 500 built, this homologation built RS500 is now available on uniquecarsales.com.au. Designed to qualify Ford for international group A touring car competition, these are now highly prised among collectors. Although the Ford Sierra was never officially sold in Australia, most will recognise these from their glory days dominating motorsport in the late 1980s, including significant Bathurst 1000 victories in 1988 and 1989 (among so many other international events). As a private import to Australia, this would be one of a tiny group brought over from the UK.

It's not cheap though. At $80,000 (AUD), there are a lot of other cars you could purchase, and we've seen a few offered overseas at lower prices of course. Having said that, there are not so many low production touring cars that have the global motorsport record of the RS500, and these cars represent the last of the Group A touring car formula which was broadly abandoned around the world in the early 1990s. As a result, we don't think prices are going south any time soon. You could buy an R32 GTR at a much lower price, but it would never have the same level of exclusivity as the RS500. To come close, you'd have to be looking at a BMW E30 M3 homologation special - and they have prices to match and exceed this.

With this particular example, the owner notes that they purchased this car brand new in January 1987, in Sheffield, UK. They are the only owner of the vehicle since, and have made sure maintenance and preservation are top priorities. The car is described as immaculate, and interestingly the seller confirms that a new high-strength engine block was fitted some years ago (but stamped with the original number), and engine components (Pistons, conrods, cams) have been upgraded to heavy duty items.

If you've got an RS500, we'd love to get yours on the Register. Follow us on Facebook for more interesting cars found for sale around the world, or sign up to our weekly newsletter to have the best picks of the week sent directly to your inbox.