Plenty of photos of a rare Ford XR8 from the mid 80’s.
If you find one then please let me know. The Ford Sierra XR8 is a rare, performance-oriented version of the Sierra model, but it wasn’t made in Europe—it was actually produced in South Africa in limited numbers. Introduced in 1984, the Sierra XR8 was a homologation special, created to comply with racing regulations, allowing Ford to enter the Sierra in South African motorsport.
Key features of the Ford Sierra XR8:
- Engine: It was equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine (the Windsor V8), borrowed from the Ford Mustang, delivering around 209 horsepower. This was unique compared to other Sierra variants, which generally used smaller, inline-four engines.
- Transmission: The XR8 had a 5-speed manual gearbox, enabling better performance handling.
- Production Numbers: Only 250 units were made, making it quite rare. This low production run was intended to meet the homologation requirements for racing.
- Design: The XR8 had a distinctive appearance, with wide wheel arches, a rear spoiler, and sporty alloy wheels, setting it apart from the regular Sierra lineup.
This model was specifically tailored for the South African market and became a cult classic among Ford enthusiasts for its powerful engine and limited availability. It was not officially available in Europe, though some units may have made their way to other regions through private imports.
Despite its rarity, the XR8 has a strong fan base among collectors and motorsport fans due to its impressive power-to-weight ratio and racing heritage.
