Estimated Price: £42,000 - £52,000

Commissioned by Ford and Cosworth and developed by the legendary Touring Car ace, Andy Rouse, and his race engineering team, the Sierra Sapphire Rouse Sport 304-R represented the ultimate evolution of the road-going Sapphire Cosworth. Produced in strictly limited numbers and offered in both two-wheel drive and 4x4 form, the model combined motorsport pedigree with discreet executive styling, creating one of the most exclusive performance Fords of the early 1990s.

The remarkably original example offered here is a 1991 Sierra Sapphire Rouse Sport 304-R 4x4 and was supplied new to Dr Roger Melhuish, respected team doctor and close friend of Andy Rouse throughout the BTCC era. Significantly, Dr Melhuish remains the car’s first and only recorded keeper from new, a level of provenance seldom encountered with such highly prized modern classics.

Although Ford and Rouse originally intended to produce 100 four-wheel drive and 100 two-wheel drive examples, it is widely believed that substantially fewer were ultimately completed, with estimates suggesting as few as 78 cars left the factory. Dr Melhuish was afforded the rare privilege of selecting his own build number, choosing number 88 in recognition of his favoured lucky number.

Finished in Diamond White, this highly collectable 304-R is believed to be one of only two surviving Diamond White 4x4 examples currently registered in the UK, elevating its desirability still further amongst serious collectors of low-production, high-performance Fords.

Following Dr Melhuish’s sad passing in February 2022, his family honoured his wishes that the car should be fully recommissioned and returned to the road to be enjoyed exactly as intended. Consequently, the Ford has benefitted from a comprehensive mechanical overhaul including an engine rebuild, chassis repairs where required and a thorough refurbishment of the running gear, all completed with careful attention to original specification. Please note that the engine will require running in as minimal mileage has been covered since completion of the refurbishment.

Importantly, the decision was taken to preserve the car’s wonderfully authentic appearance. Whilst the bodywork displays a light patina and some age-related blemishes in places, it remains fundamentally untouched, preserving an extraordinary degree of originality rarely found today. Prospective bidders may choose to cosmetically restore the exterior or simply preserve what is arguably one of the most honest and original surviving Rouse Sport Cosworths in existence.

Costing approximately £4,500 more than a standard Sapphire Cosworth when new — a substantial premium in period — the Rouse Sport 304-R has become one of the most elusive and sought-after derivatives of the Sierra Cosworth lineage. Combining single ownership, exceptional originality, ultra-low production numbers and direct links to Andy Rouse himself, this outstanding example represents a compelling opportunity for the discerning collector.

We welcome and encourage your inspection to fully appreciate the rarity, provenance and originality of this exceptional performance Ford.