Matchbox SuperKings; Ford Sierra XR4i

In 1983, the high-performance XR4i version of the Sierra was introduced. It utilised the same 2.8 L Cologne engine as used in the Ford Capri 2.8 Injection of that era and sported a restyled version of the 3-door Sierra bodyshell. The double rear spoiler and curious multi-pillared rear windows were considered over-styled by some prospective buyers, and the car never achieved the cult status of the smaller Fiesta XR2 and Escort XR3i. A version of the XR4i with a 2.3 L turbocharged engine was sold in the United States as the Merkur XR4Ti.

The Sierra XR4i was added to the King Size range in 1983. As a model it is sort of OK, it does not set any pulses racing or strike you as being exceptional in any way, however it is nowhere near as bad as the Golf which was around at about the same time. Mind you the full size Sierra was a terrible car. I had an E plate 2.0GL from new as a company car and it was a total heap. The seats broke your back, it was dynamically unstable, worst of all it was shockingly unreliable. Couldn't wait to get rid of the thing and get back to a Cavalier.

K-100/1 was available in a range of colours. white, silver-grey, light blue, red, purple and black with or without decals. None of which attracts a premium.