Fast Fords head to auction

A treasure trove of high-performance Blue Oval history

‘Fast Ford’. Two words guaranteed to send a shiver of anticipation through the bones of anyone who spent their formative driving years hooning around in a souped-up Fiesta or Capri.

If that sounds like you, then the forthcoming Classic Car Auctions (CCA) sale at the Birmingham NEC will be a dream come true – because it’ll feature 21 Fast Fords.

What’s more, all of the cars, which include Escorts, Sierras, Fiestas and Capris, are truly affordable; none of this £1million nonsense here.

Here’s a flick through the catalogue to whet your appetite before the sale on 24-25 March.

1988 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth

Estimate: £25,000 - £30,000

A legend even among these Fast Ford legends, the Sapphire had its genesis in the Sierra Cosworth touring car, but ended up living longer in the memories of those lucky enough to drive it.

Although a 4WD version arrived in 1990, it was originally a rear-wheel-drive model, as it is here. Either way, it was fast: a top speed of 150mph and 0-60 in 6.1 seconds saw to that.

This superb example has covered a little more than 36,000 miles and has an extensive history and stamped service book.

1983 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection

Estimate: £6,000 - £8,000

The 2.8i injected (pun intended) new life back into the Capri range, with its 2.8-litre V6 engine boosting power to 160bhp and giving it a top speed of 130mph. It was even named Coupé of the Year at the 1984 What Car? Awards.

This 1983 model will come with a fresh MoT prior to auction and has around 99,000 miles on the clock.

1990 Ford Fiesta RS Turbo

Estimate: £12,000 - £15,000

You don't see many of these on the roads these days, most likely because so many were written off by over-eager youngsters back in the '90s. That just makes them all the more desirable.

This early model is in tip-top condition, and has benefitted from a service and MoT prior to going on sale.

1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Estimate: £20,000 - £25,000

Born from Ford's desire to succeed in touring cars, the homologated Cossie was, back in the '80s, the very definition of high-performance driving for those not rich enough to actually own a supercar.

This example has been extensively restored, professionally converted to 4WD and has had an £11,000 engine rebuild. It looks like quite the bargain at this price...

1980 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom

Estimate £22,000 - £26,000

This 2.0L Escort RS2000 Custom is a relatively rare beast, distinguishable by its 'droop snoot' front and highly distinctive trim. This one has a quirky Cordoba Beige finish, plus Chocolate Fishnet Recaros inside.

This model is supplied with its original 4-speed gearbox plus a few sympathetic modifications, and comes with a partial history plus original handbook and documents.

1987 Ford Capri 280 'Brooklands' Turbo Technics

Estimate: £22,000 - £26,000

Incredibly rare, this Brooklands Capri is one of only around 100 to have an undergone a semi-official Turbo-Technics conversion. Although entirely original, it's had plenty of recent work to keep it in excellent condition, and has only 40,000 miles on the clock.

1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Estimate: £45,000 - £55,000

This Sierra RS Cosworth may be the most expensive car in the auction, but it’s also arguably the most desirable, having been the subject of a £28,000 professional restoration.

The work included a full engine rebuild, new clutch, brakes and discs and these fetching Motorsport wheels and tyres. Overall it is, according to the vendor, “In Concours condition".

1980 Ford Escort MKII 1600 Sport

Estimate: £8,000 - £12,000

Introduced in 1975, the 1600 Sport was a slightly souped-up version of the MKII Escort complete with distinctive styling and branding. It’s a relatively rare sight these days, and much in demand.

This model has been recently restored, with the interior retrimmed and several new body parts added.

1980 Ford Escort MKII Huntsman Estate

Estimate: £6,000 - £8,000

Now this really is a rare beast. Only 350 'Huntsman' Escorts were made, with the name coming from the 'Huntsman Red' colour they were sprayed. In truth, they were simply MKII Escorts with a special trim and a load of extras fitted, but that doesn't make them any less desirable today.

This particular example is one of only a handful remaining – there may be as few as four in the world – and is regularly displayed at classic car shows. A true bit of history.

1966 Ford Cortina GT MK1

Estimate: £12,000 - £16,000

Does this qualify as a Fast Ford? Well it certainly did back in its day, so much so that a Lotus-engined version enjoyed massive competition success towards the end of the '60s.

This example has been restored to its full glory over the past 15 years and has benefitted from more than £14,000 of work. What's more, it has only 41,000 miles on the clock. Lovely.

1983 Ford Fiesta XR2 MK1

Estimate: £12,000 - £16,000

A classic from the moment it first hit the road, the Fiesta XR2 was fast, fun and fine to look at; exactly as a hot hatch should be.

This 1.6L ’83 model is original, unmodified and in excellent condition.

1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series II

Estimate: £13,000 - £15,000

Although the first-gen RS Turbo Escorts were a blast to drive, they weren’t much fun for the passengers. The Series II sorted that out, without losing the performance that had made it an ’80s boy racer favourite.

This 1989 car was fully resprayed five years ago and has an MoT until January 2019.

1984 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection Special

Estimate: £11,000 - £13,000

If the original Injection saved the Capri line from an early death, the Special variant saw it let down its hair and live a little.

A new five-speed gearbox, limited slip differential and seven-spoke RS wheels were all added, while the 160bhp and speedy 0-60mph time remained.

This model recently underwent a bare-shell rebuild, and has new brakes, exhausts, tyres and windscreen.

1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Custom

Estimate: £24,000 - £28,000

Another RS 2000 Custom, this one has just 34,700 miles on the clock and has been extensively restored to an extremely high standard. The Triple Black finish is the icing on a particularly tasty-looking Fast Ford cake.

1987 Ford Capri 280 Brooklands

Estimate: £16,000 - £20,000

The Brooklands model was the Capri's swansong – but what a song it was. Only 1083 were made, all finished in this delightful Brooklands metallic green.

The model on auction boasts Recaro front seats, period radio cassette player and a new set of stainless exhausts.

1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo Series II

Estimate: £16,000 - £18,000

Another nice looking second-gen Turbo, this one has a mere 32,000 miles on the clock and has seen minimal recent usage. Although it's been subject to some minor modifications, all original parts come with the car – including its original stereo with '80s-tastic graphic equaliser.

1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Estimate: £45,000 - £50,000

One superb Sierra RS Cosworth would be impressive enough, but this auction features two of the beasts.

This entirely original model – complete with period tyres – has done a mere 26,000 miles, and is finished in Solid Black with a smart grey cloth Recaro interior. The asking price reflects its quality.

1987 Ford Capri 2.8 Injection Special

Estimate: £9,000 - £11,000

A later-model 28i with 88,000 miles behind it, this vehicle has been sympathetically restored and has had a full mechanical overhaul by a top Capri specialist. A fresh MoT is a bonus, as is the fetching Rosso Red finish with grey half-leather interior.

1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

Estimate: £30,000 - £35,000

Another highly sought-after Cossie, this one has benefitted from a full re-spray in its original Moonstone Blue finish and comes with a custom plate. The original alloy have also been refurbished, and are fitted with new tyres.

1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth

Estimate: £15,000 - £18,000

This Sapphire Cossie's certainly had some time put into it: the current owner's recently completed a five-year restoration project including full 2WD conversion, engine rebuild, the addition of an AP racing clutch and work on the brakes and suspension. The fact that it has a full MoT is hardly surprising after all that.

1984 Ford Fiesta XR2

Estimate: £6,000 - £8,000

It's hard not to love that Sunburst Red finish with Light Grey trim. A fresh MoT prior to auction is a further bonus for this hot hatch.