Ford Sierra RS500 Group A

Description

The 'Jolly Club' in Bergamo, Italy was a highly respected private race team owned and run by Sr Imberti who had enjoyed great success running Lancia 037's and Integrale's in the WRC. They also raced many Alfa Romeo's and even a Ferrari F40. However, in 1987 they asked famed German team "Eggenberger Racing" to build this car which is a Ford factory spec Sierra RS 500 Touring Car to contest the 1987 and 1988 European and World Touring Car Championship. Competing in a comprehensive European schedule - the races in which the car took part are listed on the car's original FIA logbook which is still present with the car today. Unusually the car was put in to secure heated long term storage by the team at the end of the 1988 season. As a result the car is now hugely original with all the correct period Group A parts and specification. Acquired direct from Mr Imberti in 2012 this car has perfect provenance. he then set about rebuilding the engine through Oppliger (it is a very rare small core plug block) and the gearbox ready for competition use once more. This recommissioning also consisted of a new turbo, new brakes and a rebuilt differential. At the same time the bodywork was tidied up and the paintwork refreshed where necessary. Since recommissioning the car has raced across Europe taking noteable podiums and fastest laps proving to be very competitive 1987/88 ETCC entries 5-4-87 ETCC Donington Park 500km 26-4-87 ETCC Estoril 500km 24-5-87 Andersthorpe 500km 7-6-87 ETCC Zolder 14-6-87 ETCC Zeltweg 16-8-87 ETCC Imola 16-8-87 WTCC Grand Prix Bruno 5-4-87 ETCC Donington Park 500km 27-3-88 ETCC Monza 500km 17-4-88 ETCC Donington 500km 8-5-88 ETCC Estoril 500km 15-5-88 Jarama 4 hours 29-5-88 ETCC Dijon 500km 5-6-88 ETCC Vallelunga 500km 10-7-88 Grand Prix Nurburgring 31-7-88 Lotto Spa 24 Hours 4-9-88 Fina Tourist Trophy Silverstone 11-9-88 Grand Prix Nogaro 1 of 3 Group A RS500's available