Is a pristine £25k XR4i a smart buy given the three-door Sierras' changing fortunes, asks JJ
Cost New £9,170 Price £24,995
Ford Sierra XR4i
Year: 1984
Mileage: 24,000
On sale at: Sherwood Restorations
Sherwoodrestorations.co.uk
Specifications
Engine: 2792cc, 6-cyl, SOHC
Transmission: RWD, 5-speed manual
Power: 150bhp@5700rpm
Torque: 160lb-ft@3800rpm
Weight: 1205kg
Performance
0-60mph: 7.8sec
Top speed: 130mph
Economy: 24mpg
Choose your Ford Sierra XR4i
1982: First Sierras delivered to customers. Reception is lukewarm with the styling blamed for putting off customers. Fleet buyers rumoured to want the more conservative Cortina back.
1983: Sales aren’t meeting expectations so a performance ‘halo’ model is devised. Originally to be fitted with a 2.3-litre version of the Cologne V6, the new XR4i doesn’t have the torque to fulfil its sporting role and gets the Granada’s 2.8-litre unit instead.
1985: Many XR4i's options are made standard, while its design is toned down to appeal to a wider group of buyers. After just 18,000 sales, the XR4i is replaced by the less flamboyant XR4x4.