The Sierra was Ford’s first production car of the 1980s, based on aerodynamic experiments with the Ford Probe III. The Sierra had a fantastic drag coefficient of 0.34 at the time. That’s probably why the car looked like it came from another world on the road. In Czechoslovakia, the Ford Sierra was a “premium” car and owning it meant a true symbol of success. Sierra immediately became an object of interest among Czechoslovak money changers, greengrocers and butchers at the time. But even despite the really high price, she was not available.
Bribes were also given for used cars
Bribes were paid for the Sierra, and used cars were often sold for much more than they were worth as new. Attractive aerodynamic body shape, dashboard turned towards the driver and in the Cosworth version 204 horses under the hood. This was indeed a great attraction for mobile Czechoslovak citizens.
Used more expensive than new
But Sierra wasn’t even available in Tuzex. Therefore, used cars were often sold within a single day and, what’s more, often even more expensive than they cost as new. That was the time then. Who could afford it, and Ford Escort seemed small to him, he longed for Sierra. There were few bazaars then, many were sold directly on the street or in newspaper advertisements. And the customers kept pouring in. After all, how the used car market worked in the then socialist Czechoslovakia, you can listen to it in the 30 Minutes of Life Podcast, viz. above
The Cosworth version was the “Rocket”
European production of the car was provided by factories in Germany, Belgium and Great Britain. The Sierra was produced as a three-door and five-door liftback or wagon, with 1.3 L, 1.6 L, 1.8 L engine options. The XR4i version was a three-door liftback with a 2.8i V6 engine. Later, a five-door XR4×4 version with the same engine was added. In 1986, the three-door Sierra RS Cosworth liftback appeared with a 204-horsepower 2.0i DOHC 16V Turbo engine. That was really a “rocket” for that time.
Rust was the problem
Last time I wrote here about how problematic the quality was with the Italian car Lancia Beta. It mainly concerned low-quality anti-corrosion protection, which probably caused the Lancias to rust already in the factory. However, even the Sierra was not immune to rust, and some original owners said that their car rusted after only six or seven years.
Great space and driving comfort
On the other hand, everyone praised the passive safety, spaciousness and driving comfort. Abroad, therefore, Sierras were also used as cars in taxi companies, and it was often possible to meet them as police vehicles.
Sierra as an investment?
Even today, the Ford Sierra is an interesting car. And dear ones too. You can buy the first generation in the Cosworth version for around 30,000 euros, but you will still have to invest a few more “money” in such a car. Ordinary versions can then be found for prices around a thousand euros. It could also be an interesting investment for a hobbyist and a skilled car mechanic.
2024-03-14 06:20:20
#Cars #Tuzex #Ford #Sierra #cost #thousand #vouchers #Butchers #greengrocers #money #changers #wanted #Seznam #Médium
