Project Memoirs - End of an siERrA

[Stinkwheel]

Sad news, condolences to all of you

[Dobloseven]

Sounds a life well lived,Small comfort I'm sure,but I always think that while a little bit of you dies with them, hopefully a lot more of them lives on in you.

[wesacosa]

sorry for your loss

[schonker]

Sorry for your loss

[brownnova]

Sorry to hear of your loss. It must be a hard time. 😢

[Dan302]

Sorry for your loss 😔 

[Split_Pin]

I'm so sorry to hear this news Dan ☹️

[High Jetter]

A huge loss for you all, sorry to hear it.

[danthecapriman]

Sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and your family.

[Datsuncog]

Aw man. There really aren't words, but thoughts are with you all.

[Sunny Jim]

May the pain of her passing in time give way to the joy of her memory. I don't know you but you strike me as the sort of person who will be a great support to his family at such a time, whether it's from here or elsewhere make sure you're getting the support you need over the coming days and weeks.

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

I'm very sorry for your loss; she sounded like a lovely woman and a wonderful mum.  

[brandersnatch]

I’ve only just seen this. My condolences. 

[BorniteIdentity]

Right.  What is happening.  A great question indeed, and I'm glad you asked it.

The Avensis is still absolutely bloody storming along.  Tomorrow we will click 299,000 miles which have all been trouble free.  When I go through the history, the only show-stopping moment seems to be the previous owner having a new ignition switch fitted about 20 years ago.  Otherwise it's been completely brilliant.  I bought it back from @Spottedlaurelin April for £450 and, since then, it's coming in at £80 a month on maintenance (including servicing).  Obviously you can't buy anything decent for under £1000, so I expect it to last me about another 30 minutes before detonating spectacularly.

 

Remember that Yaris I bought from the tat thread for £180 back in 2021?  It has been another purple trouper for my Son.  However, it was going to fail on sill ends and it was time for him to get into something a bit more presentable.  He's managed to pick this up and - genuinely - it's a belter.  Low owners, 79k miles, lovely condition and it was just over £1000.  Obviously you can't buy anything decent for under £1000, so I expect it to last him about an hour - rather than 30 minutes - before detonating spectacularly.

The Mini has had a fantastic Summer.  We've done a few shows, a few meets, but most importantly we've enjoyed doing absolutely nothing at all in it.  Just enjoying the pleasure of motoring.  Now my Mum is gone, I feel an extra close bond to it.  I did wonder how I'd feel about driving it again, but the connection is both strong and very welcome.  Here it is having a tyre re-sealed.  It probably deserves new wheels next year.

As for the Sierra?  Well, its time is rapidly approaching.  @Skizzerand I have been locked into discussions via Whatsapp for the last fortnight about what the future might hold.  Whilst it's my car, Martin was there right at the beginning and has been a doll for the last (nearly) 10 years.  The plan was for it to make it to him but, for reasons various, we just can't seem to get our ducks in a row to make it happen.  This may lead to the car being sold on the open market, and this time I really do mean it.  Another few years living the life I give it, and there'll be nothing left.  Whilst it's done well to survive 42 years outside, it can't do many more before it becomes unviable.  We have approached a couple of mutual friends but, as yet, nothing doing.  Put bluntly, it has to be inside for at least six months of the year and it has to have some bodywork quite, quite soon.

If none of our leads comes to anything, it'll be on a 99p eBay auction and nowhere else.  That way, it's done and dusted.

On the positive side, it's the rarest Ford Sierra in the UK which receives so much affection both online and off.  On the negative side, it needs some time and patience - and it NEEDS a garage.

If it's still with me at Christmas, something significant has changed.  I can't see it.  To be honest, I'm ready.  I've had a blast with it - but it really does deserve better than I am willing and able to give it.  

Over and out.

[Macscrooge]

Great update. That Avensis looks awesome. 

[adw1977]

2 hours ago, BorniteIdentity said:

If none of our leads comes to anything, it'll be on a 99p eBay auction

I really think we, the forum membership, need to somehow step up and not let this car fall into the hands of a random eBay buyer, otherwise it will probably end up ruined.

Personally, I can't offer a garage or any expertise in looking after it, but I would certainly chip in money to some sort of group effort to buy and preserve it.

[loserone]

I think you will find Dan is faaar too stubborn to let that happen.  

[High Jetter]

Sierra needs saving, hopefully on here

[BorniteIdentity]

9 hours ago, loserone said:

I think you will find Dan is faaar too stubborn to let that happen.  

Once upon a time, almost certainly.  But I need to unburden myself of the responsibility of it and move forwards.  If the last few years has taught me anything, it's that 

1. Everything is temporary

2. You can't stop people doing what they want to do.  

9 hours ago, High Jetter said:

Sierra needs saving

I think it's safe to say that this car will always be alright.  Once a Ford gets to 42 years old, it's safe to say it won't be scrapped over anything trivial that would see a modern car get crushed.

9 hours ago, adw1977 said:

I really think we, the forum membership...

Both the car and I have been the recipient of a lot of generosity over the years - something I'm both grateful for and feeling guilty for.  But I think that the general membership on here has different tastes now.  The front page has a Daewoo Nexia, a Citroen C6, an Alfa 147 and a Legacy Outback at the top of it.  All perfect AS cars, but all falling into a different generation to the Sierra.  I honestly think you will struggle to find a enough people willing to stump up what a rough but working Ford Sierra is worth in 2025.  Pricing it is difficult, and this is the only barometer that Skizzer could find:

https://ebay.us/m/7aHGmb

It's both better (much straighter, better spec, low owners, covered in magic barn dust) and worse (will need full recommissioning whilst the bASe will go anywhere you point it.  I dare say that mine is probably somewhere between £2 and £3k despite requiring work.

If someone on here did want it, and understood that I can't give it away for buttons just to 'keep it in the fold' then fair enough.  But at least with eBay I know that it's found its price, and that someone who's paid the market value for it will hopefully be financially invested enough to keep it good.

There is one other guy locally I know who loves entry-models, so I'm going to drop him a line - but I think he already owns something like 10 cars.  If he's out, then it'll be time to cast a wider net.

All good things come to an end, and I've loved owning it - possibly more than any other car.  

[BorniteIdentity]

I know we've had a few moments like this over the years, but it really is time to find the Sierra a new home.  I've had a lot of conversations with Skizzer over the past few months about trying to get it to him but he's full - with the likelihood of that changing soon very slim.  

It is a gut wrench, but the reality is the car is deteriorating.  If I don't do something now, there probably won't be much left to sell in another year or two.  The idea was to preserve the car, suspending it in animation, and I'm failing to be able to do that currently.

Now.  At the top of the market, it was probably £3k.  Today? No chance.  I'm going to post the draft of the advert below, and the photos from a week ago, and I'd be interested to know what you think £££??  

I've been a grumpy shit over the last few months for which I apologise.  Life's been a bit bruising.  But any help pricing this up and perhaps finding a good home would be gratefully appreciated.

Quote

For Sale

After nearly 10 years of ownership, I’m looking to find the next custodian of the rarest Ford Sierra in Britain.  As you can see - it’s not a cosworth and no, it’s not mint.  This is the only remaining Base/lead-in model of the MK1 Sierra left on UK roads.  You will never see another one and, in many respects, that may well be a good thing.  

It was bought by me and a few chums back in 2016 to save it from being banger raced.  Since then, the aim has always been to preserve it in suspended animation rather than subject it to any callous improvements or ‘triggers broom’ restorations.  Where work has been required, it has been done sympathetically and it has been done well.  

Here are the vitals then:

The Sierra is powered by the venerable 1.6 pinto.  It has had a full head rebuild in the last few years and has been fitted with a Weber carb to give turn key reliability.  It literally ALWAYS starts.  The clutch has been replaced in the last year or so, as has the timing and auxiliary belt.  Despite looking pretty rough, it is very well sorted mechanically.  The coolant bottle also fractured earlier this year, and was replaced with a NOS item, fresh out of the box.  I must stress this, it is completely dependable when it comes to reliability.  Earlier this summer, in the absence of a working modern, this car took me to my mother’s bedside in her final days.  I would trust it completely and explicitly to complete any journey. 58,000 miles on the clock which - after much consideration - is most likely 158 rather than 258 or indeed 58 thousand.

Cosmetically, the car is tired.  The front doors both need replacing but perfect replacements are included. The nearside rear quarter was replaced about 6 years ago and this side of the car is generally better than the off.  Paint is faded but all present and, genuinely, it will polish up to be very presentable.  For many years it sported a Nissan Sunny rear bumper (!) but this has now been replaced with the correct one for the car.  

Inside, it’s frankly knackered.  The dash top is completely FUBAR’d and plastics are brittle.  However, the chairs are remarkably good (nearly perfect) and all controls are clean and functioning.  Both indicator and wiper stalks have been replaced in the last few years, so nothing to worry about here for the future.  The fan does work but the fuse has popped and I’ve left it out of circuit for now pending further investigation.  A full set of rear seat belts are included; I had them fitted for a while (children) but took them out when they were no longer needed.  Rear quarter plastics are still out but included.

Engine bay is all good.  One suspension top mount was welded for an MOT a few years ago and this is still as good as the day it was done.  Air intake hose is off and MIA.  Small oil leak to the rocker box rear, but this very modest oil weep has only helped to protect the undercarriage.  

Underneath is remarkably good.  It could do with a little tickle on the sills but my friendly spanner merchant reassures me it’s largely in good order.  I must stress, it’s still a tired 42 year old Ford.  It is currently sporting half of an exhaust because the rear section was shot to bits and the replacement I sourced didn’t fit.  I can point you at someone who has a full front to back for £80 if it helps you, but i’ve done the last 1,000 miles without.  It just sounds a bit fruity but nothing offensive nor illegal.

The car runs very well and is easy to drive.  The idle and mixture could do with a small amount of adjustment but I just run it slightly out on choke which works fine.  It would be wise to get the idle speed up a touch and the mixture down though.

There are a few spares to go with the Sierra.  Namely three doors (from memory two drivers and one passenger).  A replacement radiator.  A towbar and a few other miscellaneous items.  There may still be a set of genuine Paddy Hopkirk roof bars too from its days cleaning windows!

Prospective purchasers should be in no doubt that this car could never be restored to lovely condition whilst  remaining authentic and honest.  The next owner really needs to be someone who is happy to own a true survivor which can be used daily and, perhaps, renovated sympathetically.  If you are looking for a show pony then there are better examples available in that regard.  What you DO get with this is a rocking-horse-shit rare example of a car which has its place in automotive history firmly sealed.

I’m selling as I’d like to keep my 300,000 mile Toyota forever which means buying a replacement daily.  I have absolutely loved owning the Sierra and it is a wrench to sell.  The reality is though, it needs someone who can look after it better than I can and keep the wheels turning.  Despite once owning 7 vehicles at a time, I can really only juggle three effectively at the moment and my other two are ‘forever cars’.

Happy to field any questions but please DO satisfy yourself that you’re buying a cosmetically tired but mechanically fit car that has outlived its intended lifespan approximately four times over. 

 

 

 

Being honest, I am a bit embarrassed about how it looks again.  We're right back where we were in 2016 which makes me think that 9 years is about right before an old Ford needs doing again (or throwing away)!

Last year, this was probably £3k.  Now, no chance.  Someone I think a lot of offered me £1200 and I laughed.  The truth is it's somewhere between, but that's still vague AF.

As I say, any help or ideas would be appreciated.  This isn't a glorified 'feelers' post.  The car will be sold, I just don't want to oversell it and look like a greedy fucker for the buyer to curse me every morning they look at it, nor do I want to undersell it which does put the future of it at risk.

I am starting to tee up potential replacements so - well - here we are.  

 

[BorniteIdentity]

Possibly worth mentioning that the agreed insurance value is £3,000 to which they looked at the honest photos and agreed.  But I think better examples have recently sold for less.

[Hertz]

How about offering it to Matthewson's to auction? Old Ford's usually do well on there, you never know the show's producers might by it and restore it. 

[BorniteIdentity]

11 minutes ago, Hertz said:

How about offering it to Matthewson's to auction? Old Ford's usually do well on there, you never know the show's producers might by it and restore it. 

I think there's a grave danger that - with such a small market - it'll either go for buttons or not meet any modest reserve set.  

[Eyersey1234]

I wish I was in a position to take this on and keep it in the AS fold. My condolences on your mum's passing, I've only just seen it

[sierraman]

The problem is if it’s cheap there’s a big risk ends up falling in the hands of some big eared twat that rollers it NATO green or something. It needs someone with the space, skills and access to parts to get it in a shape where it lasts. Have you considered approaching Ford to see if it’s something they’d have for their heritage fleet? 

[BorniteIdentity]

1 minute ago, sierraman said:

The problem is if it’s cheap there’s a big risk ends up falling in the hands of some big eared twat that rollers it NATO green or something. It needs someone with the space, skills and access to parts to get it in a shape where it lasts. Have you considered approaching Ford to see if it’s something they’d have for their heritage fleet? 

You are totally right.  Ford are a funny lot.  If it was free, they'd probably consider it (!).  From what I gather the heritage collection is a bit of an inconvenience to them, rather than something they gleefully show off to anyone interested.

My feeling is it's probably about £1750-£2k but I'd really love people to show and tell me I'm wrong and why.  If you know what I mean.

[sierraman]

Just now, BorniteIdentity said:

You are totally right.  Ford are a funny lot.  If it was free, they'd probably consider it (!).  From what I gather the heritage collection is a bit of an inconvenience to them, rather than something they gleefully show off to anyone interested.

My feeling is it's probably about £1750-£2k but I'd really love people to show and tell me I'm wrong and why.  If you know what I mean.

I don’t know, could be worth approaching them again now in light of it’s had a degree of coverage at various events and they’re currently going off down the whole retro bollocks with the new Crapi. I’m an unsentimental bastard when it comes to cars but I really do think it needs to go to someone next to get it ‘right’ to ensure its survival. The challenge you’ve got is that a lot of people that buy old cars on EBay etc have the attention span of a Terrys Chocolate Orange and doing a car up, as you know requires resilience, resourcefulness and unfortunately these days, money. 

[wesacosa]

11 minutes ago, BorniteIdentity said:

You are totally right.  Ford are a funny lot.  If it was free, they'd probably consider it (!).  From what I gather the heritage collection is a bit of an inconvenience to them, rather than something they gleefully show off to anyone interested.

My feeling is it's probably about £1750-£2k but I'd really love people to show and tell me I'm wrong and why.  If you know what I mean.

they have recently (ish) moved the heritage collection out from a shed in Dagenham to a more appropriate building in Daventry and do now open it up to the public on occasion , so possibly a different attitude to it now than had been previously 

[N Dentressangle]

If I owned a film prop company I'd be all over that.

Would fit perfectly in any late 80s school staff car park.

I'm with the auction house idea, whether Matthewsons or another one. Old Fords really do seem to do well. Or maybe try the Sierra FB group and see what they say?

[BorniteIdentity]

I've emailed the guy Len who runs the Ford Heritage place but I doubt they'll be interested.  Matthewsons will have such a limited market; I love cars but I have never once thought to look at their lots nor have I tripped over one of their adverts.  Ever.  I can just see it making £800 and then I either have to sell it for buttons or go and fetch the bastard and pay Matthewsons for trying.  It's a non starter for me.