Only 155 Miles From New! This Ford Sierra Sapphire GLS Is A Time Capsule!

[@T66ORA]

Ex Ford Sales manager here in the 90s. Top of the range Sapphires, went either Luxury or Sporty. Luxury, the short lived 2000E, then Ghia, the GLX. Sporty went Cosworth 4x4 Then the GLS, so second most sportiest in the Sapphire range. You correct about it being a 92 mdl yr, but that doesn't tell the whole story, that particular example was registered on 31 July 1992, why?? Wait another day and it would have been a K plate. You need to check the Chassis number to find the build date. My guess would be it had been hanging around 9 months or so and was adopted stock. Bluestone refers to the seat trim and colour. Dashes don't normally crack on later models Window etching done at PDi. Gear knob doesn't look OEM, that one is leather possibly out of Ghia? Performance c 120 mph 0-60 around 9.0 secs 125bhp Would love to see that full invoice, as it mentions the Granada advertising scheme, which I'm aware of, but don't know what it had to do with a Sapphire GLS

[@odin5188]

I'm sure the Ghia was the highest Ghia X (of course apart from the cosworth) My dad had the hatchback in 92 and my friend had the GLS, the Ghia had more options in it

[@toratora-zf6pk]

@@odin5188 They never made a Ghia X in the Sapphire line up . As mentioned we did a 2000E for a couple of years.

[@Guybadicle]

The 2000e was a nice car back in the day , pretty rare back then

[@kevinsharp-kn7rm]

I had one of these back in the day. It was scary to drive in the snow but I loved it. Very dependable . Surprisingly quick. The engine has an interesting story as it was only used for a short time as a filler between the cvh engine and the Zetec that came soon after. Great Car❤

[@GeorgeTurnbull-z9l]

Excellent post.

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

What an incredible car and an amazing find. I'm genuinely more excited seeing this than a low mileage, Ferrari.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

Same because its unexpected

[@matthewgodwin3050]

What a fabulous car. My uncle had a few Sierras brand new as company cars (he was a sales rep), and this is exactly how I remember them. I love that this car still exists. It would kill me not being able to drive it though.

[@allanfoster5418]

Truly well said 👏

[@philiprowney]

It is very pretty.

[@OcT4g3n]

Sorry, but the traffic light air freshener was a proper blast from the past. I remember my old man having them in his cars.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I had one...now I feel old....😭

[@nygelmiller5293]

DON'T even MENTION the traffic light air fresheners to ME! I worked in a car accessory shop at the time, and we had a rack of them on the counter. Personally I couldn't stand the smell. One day, my astonished boss caught me sniffing them, 2 at a time! "I thought you said you didn't like them!" he said. I replied that I had a cold that wouldn't go away, and the fragrance was the only thing that was helping me BREATHE. The boss recognised that it WASN'T just a cold, but a VIRUS, and I had to go to the doctor for antibiotics!

[@OcT4g3n]

@@nygelmiller5293 😂

[@SR-kv1ic]

I think I can still smell it when I see one lol

[@jeffreymonks8507]

Think they were called feu orange. I didn't like the smell.

[@whoeverthis.itaintme.9873]

This is incredible, never imagined an old car on just 155 miles, well-done.

[@meirionwilliams-w1p]

And you've parked her in a muddy field 😢

[@DrivenPlus]

I thought that but Nathan said it gets parked in fields for shows 👍

[@meirionwilliams-w1p]

Makes me cringe especially with a car like that. She needs to be in a proper sierra lovers hands

[@DrivenPlus]

Don’t worry, she’s certainly in the right hands! She’s now being stored in a climatised environment

[@joshisclasss]

@@meirionwilliams-w1pget a grip

[@meirionwilliams-w1p]

@@joshisclasss no you

[@Paul_Allaker8450]

My dad had a number of Sierras, this video has brought back fond memories.

[@michaeledwards427]

Brilliant car, id sooner have this than a cosworth, as since it's rarer it makes a nice change. In 1991 my late father ordered a brand new metallic black 2.0 XR4x4 hatchback from Hartfords Ford in Banbury. Before it was delivered i brought from the same dealer a white 1989 1.8LX hatchback. We loved them both. My car, being white really did look like a police car. When i first visited my then girlfriend's (now my wife 28 years in!!) house her late sister saw my car parked outside and rushed into the house worried that something had happened as there was a police car parked outside! Absolutely brilliant fun in the snow. One of my favourite cars I've had over the years.

[@humblewreckage2581]

Cracking content. This is a calculation of the car's retail price in 1992 to today's price value. £13,017.35 in 1992 is worth £33,761.64 today

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks! And that’s some inflation…

[@Tyrell-d1y]

More like 38k mate

[@adrianm296]

@@Tyrell-d1y Well of course, you’re literally 12 days later than the original comment 😂

[@humblewreckage2581]

@@Tyrell-d1y Mine was to the nearest £1 on the day. Inflation from 1992 to 2024 Cumulative price change 159.36% Average inflation rate 3.02% Converted amount £13,017.35 base £33,761.64 Price difference £13,017.35 base £20,744.29 CPI in 1992 546.400 CPI in 2024 1,417.136 Inflation in 1992 3.74% Inflation in 2024 3.90% £13,017.35 in 1992 £33,761.64 in 2024

[@Tyrell-d1y]

@@humblewreckage2581 still an expensive car in the day

[@arthurdardalis]

Absolute time capsule, love it, get in touch with Ford Heritage, I’m certain they would gladly place it in their museum.

[@OwainPreece-ie6bb]

Brilliant, reminded me of being 7 in 1990 when my Uncle got a brand new Sierra 4x4 Ghia Estate, In white with the 2.9 litre engine. He brought it over my parents house and I spent ages looking at it. Great cars

[@darthwiizius]

Those things were pretty hot for estate cars back then. I'd like one of those today, I bet they cost a pretty penny.

[@chipyliyp]

I didn’t think they got alloys as standard, I used to read through the Ford brochures of this era as a kid and though the GLS only had solid wheels with covers, what an exciting youth I must have spent

[@dylanparry5712]

I had exact same model, J549PBH 2.0 GLS in red. My first Sierra, my first rear wheel drive. Lovely car. Put 190K on it without any issues. Then went for the XR4x4 2.9V6 in Smokestone. J355SMJ.

[@DrivenPlus]

Nice!

[@clivet3252]

I always liked the Sapphire. Even though the Sierra was a modern shape for the time I always felt they looked a bit old fashioned, but the saloon was a lot more sleek. I think being launched 5 years later with the facelift made it seem more exclusive, too, along with it being used for the Cosworth.

[@dylanparry5712]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ3Ofaavepaih7ssi=izAPjDDieZN9ORGA. The gentleman driving here, Keith Parry mobile mechanic (bloody good👍🏻) serviced them, and fitted a full set of SPAX adjustable’s and springs on the XR for me, lowered by 40mm. It gripped like shit on a blanket afterwards. 🤣🤣

[@richarddinning6901]

I forget my full registration but my car was a k reg same spec as this same colour and Same engine. I love it but the backend used to go out by me very dangerous did you find that.

[@Sennaf11994]

After I passed my driving test in 1987 my first car was a Metro which I had for a year. Then I got a white Sierra Sapphire 2.0 LX and loved it. In it’s day it was a bit of a head turner.From there I went onto a Range Rover and out of the three the Sapphire was the one I should have kept. Skipping forward 35 years my daily drive is a 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider 2.2 Ltd edition. This 155 mile Sapphire is beautiful!

[@martinfrater3087]

Same first two as me, didn’t pass my test until 1999. I had a 1.8 in blue wasn’t in great condition, I paid £400 for it and it lasted for 9 months before the cambelt went.

[@br164]

Born in 1991, this was my favourite car as a young child of 4/5 years old

[@FourIntoOne]

I worked at a Ford dealership as a technician back in the day and used to work on these when they were new. Much prefer working on this age of car than anything now

[@019208237]

I love these. My step dad had the estate version in exactly the same colour and same wheels. This is definitely the best colour for them. IMO😉

[@escapetheratracenow9883]

I bought a brand new Sierra GT in March 1992. J392 LVL, went like proverbial off a stick. Loved it!

[@markevans2280]

That’s a lie, they didn’t do a GT

[@escapetheratracenow9883]

@@markevans2280 would you like me to email you the pictures I have, or Google Ford's line up from March 1992 until the launch of the Mondeo in June/July 1993. I traded my Sierra GT in for a Mondeo Si and drove it out if Hooley's of Worksop at midnight on July 31st, L56 TTL. Or you can just keep calling me a liar... 🤔

[@chriscross8398]

@@markevans2280They did. Limited numbers but they certainly produced them. They have got a better suspension,LSD,thicker axels,sports seats,rear disc brakes,ABS and a few other tweaks.

[@justincase6645]

What a find!!! When you started it , i remember the sound of a Ford from back in the day , beautiful!

[@hermanmunster3358]

Beautiful! I had a 2.0i Ghia back in 1999, and driving it was like riding on a magic carpet. So effortless to drive, and so comfortable. Ford got do much right with this car, except Rust Proofing. Mine was 10 year old when I bought it, but already had slight bubbling on the rear arches. I own a 16 year old Volvo now, and there's no bubbling or rust anywhere on it, except maybe surface rust on the underside. But nothing to be concerned about.

[@NiallOBrien1966]

My first car was a 1990 Sierra Sapphire 2.0 DOHC. Just a GL not the GLS with fuel injection but did I love that car. Thank you for bringing those happy memories back!

[@AndrewSaks-p3r]

That’s quite fabulous! My father had a brand new 1990 Sierra 1.8 LX 4 sp automatic. I was 16 at the time and it was a fabulous car. A year later , I had my own first car but also occasionally drove it. I used to wax polish it. This model was very popular at that time. My father is now 86 years old and drives a 2022 Volvo XC60 T8.

[@frankfortfcgoc]

My first Car.....Loved it, was 15 years old when i got it in 2003 man i miss it...feel like crying

[@sunilphalakdhari3869]

WOW!!! Absolutely stunning. Keep it just like that...

[@formatique_arschloch]

My first car was a similar Sierra, 25 years ago. It was pretty nice. Plenty of power with that 2.0 DOCH. Very tail happy here in Finnish winters. Fun when intentional, not so fun when unexpected. But a great car to learn car handling in icy conditions. Also very warm even when colder than -25C.

[@stanleyfamUK]

Great car I want it for my collection! I had the GLS in black, back in 92, mine was J705 NFL, exactly the same spec. Fantastic car, quick enough for the time, comfortable and looked amazing, just like Nathan’s , when polished.

[@ScottRENFREW]

I had a white one of these around 1990/91. It was a great car. Those stereos with the green back lighting and soft buttons. This is great to see she is a beauty 😍.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

We have a ' 89 Tasman Blue Sierra Ghia estate with the same engine , bought off eBay 17 years ago with 27k miles. It's now in retirement with 58k miles and I thought hat was mint .... but !.

[@nygelmiller5293]

WOW you have an ESTATE version!

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

@@nygelmiller5293 Yes, top spec.headlamp/wipe/wash , original stereo/graphic equaliser , roof bars , rear wipe/wash , RS optional wheels .The orignal and only owner was a marine engineer and filled every body orifice from new with preservative oil which I top up annually .Still 100% rust free underneath/on top.Drives like new and a truly quiet and wonderfully comfortable' old school ' car , often get comments on it , and only £2015 17 years ago on eBay !.Now in semi-retirement , used on high days .

[@reds005]

Beautiful looking car. The styling cues brings back memories of my Dad’s Granada. Great days

[@elgordo1148]

WOW! Im definitely a gotta drive the cars kinda guy, but i just couldn't with this. Who would ever have thought a Sierra Saphire GLS could hold so much prestige as this beauty does. Magnificent thing.

[@danpavett8604]

Don’t know though imagine going out and buying a brand new car and coming home with a sierra then enjoying owning and driving it for the next ten years. I think I would drive it

[@sapienproductions]

Looks like it came off the stand at the Earls Court motorfair. Impressive, glad it is being preserved.

[@nathanheads9802]

my grandad had a bright red one and drove it like he stole it. he keep it immaculate. had the loudest lights on chime I ever heard. nice to see one still and like new.

[@petedrake1]

I remember my dad buying that exact spec car in 1992, brand new. Id love to own that one!

[@iDayno]

What a find! Thanks both for sharing :)

[@elta6241]

My father had a GLS company Sierra for a while. It was an exciting time.

[@garymillerlcs]

Wow! What an amazing find. It’s not just a wonderful example of the Sapphire, but of cars generally of that time period, as they were in showroom condition. Hope it keeps that way for decades to come. I’m a bit confused why it’s in the middle of a muddy field though! Well done for helping to preserve it and let others see it. Great video.

[@DrivenPlus]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@leotoczyski-ve1wj]

I had a j plate 2.0 litre red glx. Probably same spec and engine. It went well and drove excellent. Mine was used and abused but it was a really good car for the short time I had it. The gls on tge video looks amazing and takes me back to when cars were cars

[@John-q5w1u]

Best find ever ❤

[@capB1535]

I recently purchased an unregistered 1982 Triumph T140 TSX motorcycle with six miles on the speedo. I've registered it with the DVLA and have put an hundred miles on the clock so far.

[@ptaylor5014]

WOW! that Sierra is just stunning and as NEW, is Nathan a time traveler? like he pops back in time and buys new cars then brings them to current day lol.

[@honda4185]

I've seen him driving an Delorean!

[@paulg9483]

I owned one of these, great car, enjoy showing it .👍👍

[@nicknak5257]

My dad had this car in red as a company car back in the day. He let me drive it around an aerodrome when I was 12 so it's also the first car I ever drove. Great memories of these and the old vauxhall cavalier sri and glsi

[@buckrogers2828]

I had one was a 1.8GLX which engine was Toast! I stripped it all out and turned into a 2 litre Pinto poly bushed throughout Lightened and balanced flywheel polished and ported head with cam modded FI.Janspeed manifold and sportex exhaust.Came with dark green injectors! and went like a scolded cat! and handled and braked properly as had springs and Sachs shocks which later changed to GAZ with Cossie discs up front and discs on rear with Mintex pads.

[@rob1134]

Great cars back in the day. Sierra's always looked good and felt a solid / safe car. Fond memories of taking the cylinder head off on the dohc engine due to the cam chains breaking and causing damage to various internal parts. Straight forward enough job and enjoyable to do.

[@ynothump2566]

Holy shit.... Jimmy Nail has a tear in his eye 💙

[@Adrian-kl2ql]

😂😂

[@TonyBanks21]

Lovely car-Takes me right back !!

[@kevinthornley7659]

Used to have one in white. Cracking car.

[@RaphaelDawkinsCombatRadio]

I still miss mine, it was a lovely drive quite powerful too.

[@d.c.Jones70]

I had a gold five door one of these with rubber rear spoiler,absolutely great car and moved along quite well.

[@richardfarr1966]

I had a H reg hatch GLS. Great car kept it for around 5 years. No power steering so heavy at low speed and parking

[@andrezejobuch4527]

As a detailer, I would love to give it the full multi stage paint correction work to it. What an amazing find. That's a rare classic my friend 😊😊😊😊

[@mattbaker3797]

My Dad had an identical G plate Saphire as his company car back in the day. He had it for 3 years and I was allowed to drive it with L plates on which him sat next to me to practice before I took my test. That car was the first car I drove solo having passed my test. My Dad was driving my first car back from where we bought it and I was let loose with the Sierra for the first time with no one sat next to me which was very nerve wracking.

[@Airwolf106]

What a find wow.

[@118scale]

Used to deliver these when I was 17 Lovely motor!!

[@DrivenPlus]

Very cool!

[@kevinlawes591]

Museum piece no other use for it ! Stunning though 😍

[@Bengina3]

Wow what a minter! My dad had a non saff sierra 2.3DL a Proppa tractor but great memories of the school run in her 💨

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Absolutely stunning car Reminds me as a little boy seeing these parked up everywhere. Great video

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks 👍

[@themanmaschine]

My dad had a brand new Sierra estate in 1989, I remember that new Sierra smell!

[@petersmith7126]

I'd a 1.8 Sapphire GL with spoiler on the back like this and it was a beautiful car to drive ..

[@Welsh_YETI]

As soon as I saw that I knew who's it was. It was parked up in his garage on the A5 right in the far corner for years

[@quatz1981]

What a stunning motor. I understand them not driving it to keep it as a museum piece but if i owned it i couldn't help myself, it would have to be driven, not as a daily car but as an occasional weekend getaway car.

[@mikespikeey4625]

JUST STARTED IT AND MEMORYS OF THEM FLOODED BACK SECOND FAV FORD AFTER THE SECORT RS TURBO MK3 GOT MY XR4X4 IN THE BACK CANT WAIT TO START THAT UP IF I EVER GET IT FINISHED ONE DAY BACK ON THE ROAD BLACK SIERRA XR 4X4 2.9

[@AnthonyDillon-y4q]

Amazing car. Definitely one for a museum - absolutely can't drive that one I'm afraid!

[@torquesteer2657]

Incredible car!

[@Nat6999]

My dad had 3 Sierras, one hatchback & then 2 saphires, one red & then a white one that he kept for 5 years. He then moved on to a Mondeo.

[@paul8161]

Congratulations on a fantastic time capsule video, fantastic to see you both enjoying and loving the car, I can remember those the first time round.. blimey 1991,, seems like yesterday. Great video, it's a credit to the former owner to keep the car in that fantastic condition, and even better future generations get to enjoy it now 👍.

[@mp3_Martin]

Absolutely GORGEOUS!!❤❤

[@SA-zoom1]

Beautiful car. Just stunning inside and out.

[@DrivenPlus]

It really is!

[@kevinsharp-kn7rm]

Driving in the snow was a real challenge in these. Expect to spin at anytime lol

[@mrlover4310]

Nice, 155 miles crazy

[@slippy1404]

Wow, I had a few Serras back in the day and this model was an eye catcher model. Those alloys became a craze to put on your MK4 escorts. I remember MK5 escort eclipse was 10k back then, I reckon that would have been about 14k on the road to the man on the street.

[@paulsyarduk2045]

Really good video, Nathan's a lucky guy, these normally find their way to KGF Classics. Interested in how he got to purchase it, he said it wasn't easy in the video. Lucky this one was stored properly, enjoy showing it off 👍🇬🇧

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks Paul!

[@honda4185]

I've seen Nathan driving an Delorean and all of a sudden this Sierra turns up!?🤔😋 This Sierra really needs to be dailyed only in sunny weather so just use it and drive it and enyoy it and don't just let it sit! What amazing car in great color!👍

[@99AmethystZJ]

Amazing find but unuseable really! I absolutely love 90's ford interiors, the velours colours and designs were lovely..all my mk1 mondy estates had great interiors. Great garden by the way, lovely property! Cherish that old girl 💙

[@ololiver92]

Wonderful car

[@markskeplorn6593]

Nice looking motor, remember my dad had his first company car, one of these in LX trim with a 2 litre engine, in white. Loved trips out in that car.

[@DrivenPlus]

Very cool!

[@davidbent347]

These Sappires back in the day were real head turners! They stood out from the standard Sierras & just looked more refined & modern... I always looked out for cars with rear headrests as been a sign a car was a little more upmarket... hehe!

[@clivet3252]

I agree. They looked more elegant and sleek than the Sierra. They turned the jelly mould into a modern, rounded design.

[@davidevans7643]

Absolutely brilliant ❤

[@Coastmac2001]

Still a great looking car. The Sierra was never sold in Australia despite Ford Australia actually looking at bringing them here initially.

[@mishalchotai4721]

They made cars back then... amazing find. Thank you for sharing... There's a video about German dealer with brand new fords still in the window. That's an interesting watch.

[@eddie7167]

That brings back some memories, my dad had a silver GLX

[@cogboy302]

I had a 2.0 DOHC twink Sierra GLS hatch. Ran it for 10 years. The engine was only an 8 valve. Not that powerful, but quite torquey. Was great for towing.

[@ian1116]

What a car!! Remember Kirbys very well, great memories ❤ Would love to see that driving around Wrexham.

[@DrivenPlus]

We’re hoping to get it to the next cars and coffee we have

[@clivet3252]

I guessed 13 grand new. Those were the days.

[@Tyrell-d1y]

The same as 38 grand today, it was very expensive at the time

[@clivet3252]

@@Tyrell-d1y I'm not sure you can make a direct comparison. Houses and cars were a lot closer in value. I don't think it was that expensive compared to the competition.

[@chrishart8548]

​@clivet3252 a long time ago cars were more expensive than houses. I remember an escort was £9995 at the the end of the run. Wouldn't be surprised if £13k would have bought a small flat in 1992

[@clivet3252]

@@chrishart8548 I think that would have been a little low. Maybe a one bed council flat in a rough area. Small terraced houses were in the 30s around that time.

[@mfanelobhebhe5585]

I remember those in the 90s in Essex, the police also used them in their fleets. A friend of mine bought one like that in white. Nice cars

[@DinoLommano]

Good documentary Max, enjoyed this one

[@DrivenPlus]

Glad you enjoyed it Dino

[@Ryan-ro8vf]

The GLS came just below the Ghia, I think. Was there a 2000E and XR 4x4 too?

[@DrivenPlus]

I think you’re right Ryan 👍

[@benday1218]

yep indeed, leather trim and two-tone paint on the 2000E

[@eddiejones.redvees]

He should of paid that bit more and gone for a fully loaded Ghia it's got a better engine then the wet belt engines now

[@kofib3]

Out of curiosity Would a Ghia or 2000 E with this kind of mileage to this GLS command a higher price?

[@bigalanst]

@@eddiejones.redvees both have the same engine.

[@casperwillinghamculleton3287]

Absolutely amazing ❤

[@bigboost2641]

I owned a 2.0 GLS G reg in red many many years ago! I’d love to have a look around that car, I’m now a subscriber to the Channel 👍🏻

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Mouse2113]

That's stunning

[@nygelmiller5293]

My friend Anthony had an even more luxurious version, the Sierra Sapphire GHIA. I can't actually see any difference, but it did have special "anti- puddle" lights. I mean little lamps in the doors - that shone on the ground when you opened the door, so you didn't even step in a puddle! (And THAT was a company car)

[@craigmorgan4676]

Thats absolutely nuts, sheesh!That mileage is just crazy brother, wot a find?👌💯👌💪🇬🇧🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@robtmcL12]

I had a black 2.0 GLSi ( E929LDG ). This blue version has the improved DOHC engine. 125 BHP if I remember right. I loved my 115 pinto. I know it was clocked too. It made no difference to me. It was well looked after before me and could have gone round the clock a few times. My Mrs ( fiance at the time ) kerbed it and wrecked the wheel trims so it got second hand 4x4 alloys shod in yokahamas which stuck to the road like poo to a blanket. Only had it 3 years but they were the best years of my life. I do wonder what this is worth now. I"d love to put a bid in.

[@paulnewman1814]

Mine was 90 and loved had it 5 years motoring at its best . The only thing I’ve noticed and had to check on photos in case mind was playing tricks. On the dash passenger side you have the open box where mine was flat with insert there because ecu was there .

[@tommy4244]

I had a white one of these with a small spoiler on the boot. It was the bollocks of a car!

[@chedgorge4889]

Is this the same car that was on show at the Cholmondeley car show earlier this month? If so how come the mileage on that day was 155 miles and the owner was somebody else? When was this video recorded?

[@keithjones9054]

A gem

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

Is the Ford Sierra that was sitting in a closed dealership in the UK? There was a video on KZbin of a UK Ford dealership that had cars sitting.

[@garryhagen7618]

My first car back in 97 was a GLS 😊

[@baggyobeast]

Strange how time makes an average car a thing of beauty. Aged like wine