Shine Bright Like A Sapphire

The Ford Sapphire is often considered a forgotten classic, but lumbered with Cosworth mechanicals it’s simply unforgettable, and Leigh Edwards knows that more than most.

- Dani Bagnall

Upon hearing the word ‘Cosworth’, palms tend to moisten and mouths often salivate, and it’s no different for Leigh Edwards; the owner of this 1989 Ford Sapphire Cosworth you see sprawled across these pages. Cosworth-powered Fords have always been a popular breed, and that’s prominent now more than ever, with prices at the highest they’ve ever been, but, if like Leigh, you’ve been lucky enough to acquire one yourself, then it’s probably a good bet to hang on to it. “The Sapphire is a car I’ve wanted to own since I was a teenager – I still can’t believe she’s mine, to be honest.

“I purchased the car around ten years ago, and to say it was a bit rough around the edges is an understatement. That didn’t put me off, though – I fell completely in love with her. In the beginning, I used it as a daily – just for a few years while I collected the parts I needed to bring it up to scratch and make it mine,” says the 35-year-old process technician.

“I can honestly say that I’m a Ford man through and through. I was bought up around Capris, as that was the only car my parents ever owned. My first car, and of course first Ford, was a Ford Capri 1.6 Laser, and would you believe that I still have it?! She’s currently being restored – granted, pretty slowly, but restored nonetheless,” Leigh told us.

It’s no surprise to learn that Leigh took no prisoners with the Sapphire build, nor should he – he was determined to make it perfect.