Ford Sierra is one of the world's first cars with rounded design shapes.

By the end of the 70s, the European department of Ford fully realized that the history of the Ford Cortina was coming to an end and it was time to think about its successor. The creation of a prototype of a new car was entrusted to a creative team led by Uwe Bansen. Patrick Le Quement also played an important role in this process. The project budget was a record for the entire history of the European division of Ford - 1,2 million dollars. But, perhaps, the game was worth the candle.


The result of the group's work was more than impressive. It seems that the designers were able to set the automotive fashion for many years to come. The resulting experimental "Project Toni" had improved aerodynamics, unusual outlines and a hatchback body. Further work was carried out on the creation of the Ford Probe III concept car, which can be called a launching pad for the creation of the Sierra model.

Revolutionary design dispels naysayers' fears

They decided to present the pre-production car at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show. He drew close attention to himself there, however, leaving an ambiguous impression. With an aerodynamic index of just 0,37, which was more than cool for that time, the Ford Probe III also had futuristic shapes. To skeptics, it seemed that an overly streamlined hatchback could turn away or puzzle rather than attract a buyer.



Fortunately, the creators had a different opinion. The company's management also expressed concerns, but gave the green light, trusting the experience of the design team. They also did not want the huge funds allocated for development to be spent in vain. Therefore, the next year, the future serial Sierra was seen at the Paris Motor Show. The aerodynamics of the body could be improved, bringing it to 0,34. To achieve these results, the silhouette of the car was made to look like a small plane.



Although it seemed that an unusual design could alert a potential buyer who would end up with something more familiar, time has shown different results. For example, the following year, the model became the second "European car of the year" in the well-known competition, only surpassed by the German Audi 100. Subsequently, the popularity of the Ford Sierra competed with this model. And also with Volvo 760 and Honda Accord. The neighborhood with such popular cars at that time clearly speaks in favor of the fact that the project was still a success.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Ford Sierra

The first advantage of the novelty was the low price. The second is an unthinkable number of modifications. To meet the needs of the most demanding customer, a wide range of engine configurations and body designs were offered. Immediately, a modification with a combi body joined the hatchback. A year later, a station wagon and a 3-door liftback appeared. There were several types of model configurations:

✅ Base - basic, without any additional features
✅ L - with radio and manual transmission
✅ GL - used automatic transmission and naturally aspirated engine
✅ Ghia - with luxurious trim

The latter option was considered premium and included an on-board fuel computer and a comfortable function - heated front seats. Power windows and an auto-search cassette player were also available. There was also a version of the Laser car, which had a central lock and inertial seat belts.

Varieties of power units and sports models

Surprisingly, a car with such a modern design and a set of options, in terms of motor functions, was a typical classic - a rear-wheel drive model (over time, all-wheel drive modifications appeared). But the variety of power units was very wide - from gasoline (with a working volume of 1,3 - 2,3 liters) to diesel (with a volume of 2,3 liters) engines.



Moreover, the first option at first represented only carburetor, and then injection modifications (with a power run of 60 - 115 hp). The power of diesel engines was 67 liters. With. Under the hood, the Ford Sierra had one of the varieties of engines: a 4-cylinder Pinto or V6 Cologne. Each of them has shown in practice the ease of maintenance, durability and endurance.

The regulations of the International Automobile Federation implied that a sports car could only be created on the basis of an existing production model. The management of the corporation decided that Ford Sierra is the best suited for this role. Therefore, since 1983, for two years, such a car has been developed.

The first step was to create a powerful engine. This task was entrusted to Cosworth. A year later, a turbocharged YBD appeared with a lightweight but reinforced cylinder block. As a result, at the premiere show in 1985, the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth prototype with a 204-horsepower engine showed a speed of 244 km / h, with acceleration to “hundreds” in 6,1 seconds. The future production of sports cars was transferred to Belgium (to a factory in the city of Genk). Subsequently, almost 5000 Sierra RS were produced there, intended for participation in Group A races.



The sports car turned out to be quite successful, which allowed it to climb to the second step of the podium during touring car racing a few years later. And in 1992, the factory team took 3rd place in the World Rally Championship.

Ford Sierra restylings carried out in different years

The second generation of the car saw the light in 1987. Updates affected, first of all, the front of the body. The pattern of the radiator grille, the shape of the block of headlights and rear brake lights were changed. Also, to improve visibility, the area of ​​the windshield was increased. A 4-door sedan and a pickup appeared in the lineup.

When finalizing, they also took into account the problems of the previous generation of the car. Strengthening the side members and the front of the car helped to avoid deformation of the front end as a result of operating the car on bad roads. The tightness of the passenger compartment has also been improved to prevent water from entering the car due to a loose fit of the rubber seals.



The next restyling model survived in 1990. He was not indigenous, but rather cosmetic in nature. The turn signals are now clear instead of orange, and the brake lights have a new body. The interior design of the cabin has also changed: a more embossed steering wheel and an updated dashboard shape have appeared.

Advantages, disadvantages of the model and its history in Russia

In addition to the excellent drag coefficient already mentioned and the extensive choice of equipment options, the Ford Sierra had other positive aspects. These include comfortable rear-view mirrors, a spacious interior and a panel with an optimal set of functions. But the shortcomings, to a greater extent, concerned only early modifications. In addition to the weak front end, these include the rapid susceptibility of the body to corrosion processes. True, in the updated versions, these problems have been eliminated.

The production of the car ended in 1994. For all the time, more than 2,7 million copies of the Ford Sierra of various modifications have been manufactured. If we touch separately on the geography of sales, then the largest markets were Germany and the UK. Under the Merkur brand, the car was also offered in North America. On the factory assembly line, it was replaced by a more modern Mondeo.



But in Russia, he became widely known only in the 90s. Of course, most often these were used cars, but they can be found on our roads today. Their affordable price and good layout attract fans of modern “stuffed” tuning. You can buy a used car without major alterations at popular sites for 50-100 thousand rubles. At the same time, modified copies will "pull" from 200 thousand and above.