The Group A Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 was the dominant force in Touring Car racing in the late Eighties, winning series all over the world. In 1987 the quickest Cossie was crowned World Touring Car Champion, in 1988 it won in Australia and Germany’s DTM, then took the title in Great Britain in 1990.
As the name suggests just 500 were made to comply with Group A homologation rules, but now three more brand-new continuation Cosworths are being added to the list thanks to CNC Motorsport.
Modeled on the 1988 car campaigned and engineered by Andy Rouse in the British Touring Car Championship the cars are built from 909 Motorsport shells, just like the original race cars were. To ensure the new-build racers are period-correct the CNC cars are being assembled by Alan Strachan who worked as a mechanic on the Team Labatts Sierra RS500. Andy Rouse has been a consultant on the project which has become a family affair, with Strachan’s son Andrew on wrenching duty.
Central to the authenticity is a two-litre 16-valve Cosworth YB engine built by Harvey Gibbs. Fitted with a Garret T3 turbocharger it makes 575bhp that sends drive to the rear wheels via a five-speed Getrag transmission and 10-inch viscous differential.
Rouse’s unique roll cage and fuel cell design have been recreated and CNC have done all the fabrication from bodywork to uprights, rear arms, hubs, brake calipers and wheel centers.
“This project has enabled us to build a reliable, period correct car that will be competitive in historic motorsport for the fraction of the cost of an original,” says Alan Strachan. “These are to be enjoyed, raced hard and fair and without the concerns of taking a valuable, period car on track. The fans love to see these flame-spitting RS500s on the limit and they open the door to take part in a huge array of events across Europe.”
The first car is now ready to be delivered to its new owner, the second is under way, while the third build slot is still available for a well-heeled enthusiastic to relive those Touring Car glory days.
