Former Top Gear 'cheap car challenge' Sierra Cosworth sold
Top Gear's televisual heyday — referred to by some as 'old Top Gear', 'real Top Gear', or 'wait, this is a car show?' had mixed reviews from the dyed-in-the-wool automotive audience.
Some loved it, while others critiqued whether it really added anything to world motoring media, save for an engulfed caravan or three.
Personally, I most enjoyed the cheap car challenges. Especially when they resulted in the hosts forging real-life relationships with their chosen bargain-bin steeds on wheels. Yes, all of that could've been something of an act, but I always elected to take it on face value and enjoy it for what it was. Don't try and tell me that Hammond's connection with 'Oliver' wasn't real; I simply won't listen.
But, what happens to all those old cars? Well, in this particular case, someone bought one.
The 1989 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth that Jeremy Clarkson larked about with in the team of three's sports sedan challenge (depicted in the fancy moving pictures box above) recently popped up for sale at a UK auction house called Classic Car Auctions. This was the blue oval that faced off, then ultimately defeated, Richard Hammond's BMW E36 M3 and James May's Mercedes-Benz 190E.
“Famously driven by Jeremy Clarkson during one of their notable challenges, this Cosworth was bathed in glory, and performed (rarely for a Top Gear challenge) as it should,” says the auction's description.
“Presented today with 82,000 miles and what appears to be the original stainless steel exhaust, the car has a box full of history and a fresh MoT issued with no advisories until March 2017. Sensibly guided, this Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a model that is now gaining momentum in the collectors market.”
The Sierra has since sold for £14,180, or almost NZD30,000. Not a terrible price, for a car packing ample pedigree itself even without its 15 surplus minutes of fame on the silver screen.