FORD SIERRA (1982-1993)
Popular from the outset, the Ford Cortina enjoyed sustained domination of Britain’s best-seller list during the 1970s and early ’80s. However, the ‘Cortina 80’ – otherwise known as the Mk5 – quickly began to show its age. The mechanicals differed little from the Mk3 of 1970, the styling was looking dated and Vauxhall’s all-star Cavalier was beating it in group tests.
Ford response was to replace the Cortina with a radical, modern new car that would take the market by storm, which is where 1982’s Sierra came in. The aerodynamic styling wasn’t to everyone’s taste, with many traditionalist Cortina buyers put off by the large rear glasshouse, hatchback body and lack of traditional grille. Early sales fell well below expectations, not helped by heavy discounts on remaining Cortina stock that meant you could have a fancy Ghia on your drive for the price of a base Sierra.
But things turned around quickly.
