The Sierra RS Cosworth programme began in the mid 1980s when Stuart Turner, then director of motorsport at Ford Great Britain paid a visit to Cosworth Engineering to discuss the Formula 1 engine programme. While walking through the engineering shop, he spotted a 2 litre Ford Pinto block with a different cylinder head. On asking Keith Duckworth what it was, he was told the head was a 16 valve unit they had developed for the Pinto destined for low-volume production for the tuning market. It was suggested that the unit be combined with a turbocharger and be fitted to the Sierra, so Ford could beat the all-conquering Rover SD1 Vitesses in Gp.A touring car racing. Back in 1985, the project was finished and the engine produced 204 hp. The Sierra RS Cosworth was first produced in 1986 as an homologation special for rallying. 5000 examples was required to get a car homologated for group A. It was not particularly successful, mostly due to the lack of four wheel drive; no wins in group A rallying But it did have a certain amount of success in touring car championships.
Almost ten years back, when still getting used to the premium models, I had the chance to buy this Sierra RS Cosworth model, made by AutoArt, becoming my third model made by them. Released in the Millennium collection, the model belongs to the „Golden period” of Autoart, when opening the styrofoam box, every single model reveled amazing details and craftsmanship for a fair price. My model came in the Moonstone blue, how is caled on the real car, a perfect paint job with a glossy, deep and well applied layer. Overall, the model is amazing in its every single detail, it has accurate dimesions, the right stance and minimal gaps, an opening tool being necessary when you are to operate the mobile parts. This model has an entire amount of details: the lights were exemplary made, even the light bulb being visible, real meshes over the grills, cut trough air vents, amazing single piece logos with legible inscription.
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The wheels represent an accurate replica of the BBS counterparts, perfectly chromed, featuring thin spokes and a customized lug nut. For the tires, they used soft rubber and the result is very realistic and are keeping an original profile,but no marks on their side wall. All the brake system was replicated and beautiful detailed with a metallic coat for all the four disks. I still remember my reaction when I first saw the RHD cockpit of this model, an incredible prove of detailing and finishing. Comparing it now, with very actual models the result is the same. Everything is at the highest level, I think they replicated all the possible switches from the real car and marked them individually, from the door panels to the dash board were the instrumentation is legible. The nicest part of the interior are the seats, true replica of the Recaro racing „shell” design, covered with a textured material to replicate the alcantara and fabric materials. All the interior is carpeted and the seat belts are textile made and has metallic photo etched buckles.
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The engine was replicated in the same general note of good detailing, under the bonnet the manufacturer making use of his best skills. A lot of single moulded pieces as containers,the battery sourounded by cables and hoses create all together the engine ensamble. The engine's block was painted in red and detailed with technical datas, just next to the turbo system put in evidence well. Autoart made an awesome job here. The rear lid including the massive spoiler is opening on two fine struts and using two attached rubber bands, lifts up the trunk cover. Everything here is carpeted and looks really good.
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Hide to direct sight, but containing interesting details, underneath are visible parts of the engine, gear box, the exhaust system with a chromed tailpipe, the differential and the suspension having thin metallic springs, but non functional unfortunately. Reviewing this model after almost ten years from its purchase, is equally exciting as the moment when I saw it for the first time. The model is fabulous, includes a lot of details and keeps a great image of a car, which I love in real life. In fact this is one of a few models exposed in my cabinet. I still miss the old Millennium models and their details and I highly recommend this one, to all the car enthusiasts or lovers of fine details.
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