One-Of-One Ford Sierra RS Cosworth Built For A Duke Heads To Auction

We’ve seen our fair share of imported Ford Sierra RS Cosworth models hit the auction block in the U.S. recently, which is good news for fans of homologated Blue Oval models, in general. These legendary cars have true reach, after all, far beyond places like the UK, where the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth has been a legend from the day it debuted decades ago. The particular Sierra RS Cosworth is also set to be auctioned off soon, and it’s still located in the UK. However, it’s also an incredibly special example of that already-special machine.

This Ford Sierra RS Cosworth will cross the block at Iconic Auctioneers’ upcoming sale in Sywell, North Northamptonshire, England this weekend, and it’s actually a true one-of-one as the only example to ever leave the factory finished in Rosso Red – notable, given the fact that these cars were only available in Diamond White, black, and Moonstone Blue. Turns out, to get anything else, one only has to be the Duke of Bedford, who apparently convinced Ford’s Special Vehicle Engineering (SVE) team to paint his Sierra RS Cosworth a different sort of hue.

This Sierra RS Cosworth was added to Ford’s own press fleet, but it also wound up landing in the possession of the Duke as a long-term loaner following this request, after which it remained with The Blue Oval until 1988. It was then that famous touring car racer Vince Woodman purchased the car, and he subsequently held onto it for the next 30 years. The seller purchased it around five years ago, and has since spent a few thousand dollars giving it a bit of a refresh and a repaint, leaving in nice-looking condition.

With nearly 98k miles on the clock, this Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is certainly no low-mile gem, but it is indeed notable given its unique finish and ownership history, if nothing else. It remains to be seen if this very special model can reach its auction estimate of £70,000-£90,000 ($93,029-$119,609 USD), however.