1986 Ford Sierra XR4x4i review from UK and Ireland

Still putting faults right from the previous owners, including balancing, exhaust, rear discs, leads, plugs, dizzy cap, rotor arm, air filter, and oil service.

Having said all that, whilst I have owned the car, nothing has gone wrong.

Apart from all the faults, the car is in stunning condition for its year, and is a worthwhile rolling restoration, requiring a small amount of work that a chimp could do.

Being a 4x4 on a spax kit, it handles very well; indeed with just a little over steer if you let off the throttle midway round a roundabout. I have never experienced under steer, and feel the car is very pointy, which I like.

Engine performance is not the quickest I have driven, but with an after market zaust, the V6 has a very nice sounding note to it; the cherry bombs help with this ;) Coupled with the handling and short shift gearbox, the driving experience is very rewarding.

Bodywork, considering the car is 21 years old, is in very good condition, with only one door requiring an new skin because the corner has gone, and only a few little bubbles appearing in the usual places. The car is Diamond White, and if you look at it for to long in the sunshine, you run the risk of getting snow blindness.

Chassis has never been welded and in good nick.

Interior is stock, and could do with a valet, but it is not bogging, just needs a freshen up. Sadly the dash has cracked, but I intend to have it re trimmed in leather anyway.

Fuel economy is poor, but who cares anyway. If you want fuel economy, buy a TDi of some description.

Parts are two a penny and plentiful.

All in all, I love this car, and they are starting to become rare and more valuable. It's not quite my Mazda 323 4x4 Turbo Rally with 275 BHP and mods as long as your arm, but it's a good sound car, and fun to be in.