Reviving Legends: CNC Motorsport Launches Andy Rouse Spec Ford Sierra RS500 for Historic Racing
CNC Motorsport has launched the first Andy Rouse Engineering specification Ford Sierra RS500 Group A race cars, continuing the legacy of the four-time saloon/touring car champion. As a road and race preparation specialist, CNC Motorsport is constructing three RS500s explicitly designed for track use.
Alan Strachan, who worked at Andy Rouse Engineering from 1989-96 and was a mechanic for the Team Labatts Sierra RS500 in the British Touring Car Championship, and his son Andrew, built the first car. This project, completed over the last 24 months, also included other initiatives such as assembling a Group A BMW 635CSI, restoring a Merkur XR4TI, and a period Sierra RS500.
Work on the second car is already underway. It will incorporate a brand-new Motorsport specification bodyshell acquired at the project's inception. A third donor bodyshell for the final car has also been secured.
CNC Motorsport has performed all the fabrication work on the bodyshell and produced all machine parts in-house—including uprights, rear arms, hubs, brake callipers, wheel centres, and a roll cage—adhering strictly to the specifications of the original Andy Rouse Engineering cars. Contributions from Andy Rouse himself, drawing on his extensive experience and access to a period Labatts Sierra that CNC Motorsport currently engineers have ensured the build remains true to the original designs. This includes incorporating a Getrag five-speed gearbox, period-style gauges, a fuel tank enclosure, and a roll cage designed specifically to Rouse’s specifications. Moreover, CNC Motorsport is the only certified producer of period-specific ARE cages, which Motorsport UK has endorsed.
The first car, assembled by Harvey Gibbs, boasts a 575bhp Cosworth YB engine and a modern 10-inch viscous differential.
Alan Strachan comments, "This project has allowed us to construct a reliable, period-correct car that offers a competitive edge in historic motorsport at a fraction of the cost of an original. These cars are built to be driven hard and fair, providing enthusiasts the thrill of racing a high-value, period car without the usual concerns. The fans adore watching these flame-spitting RS500s pushed to their limits, and it opens up opportunities to participate in numerous events across Europe.”
