If there is an automotive icon of the early 1980s, it has to be the Ford Sierra XR4i with its biplane spoiler.

When the Sierra saloon concept was first shown to the public in 1980, it had that spoiler, yet only the XR model used it in production and its production life was short: just 25,662 were sold in two years, 1983-85.

Unsurprisingly, it never suffered from the crosswind instability for which early Sierras were famed.

Best known for its tail-happy handling – it was the last of the great rear-wheel drive V6 performance Fords – the XR4i was loved by road testers for its mile-eating ability in comfort.

Precious few of these landmark machines survive in anything approaching original condition, rust and 'boy racers' having decimated survival levels.

Amazingly, this XR4i survived for 33 years with its first owner, not being offered for sale until July, 2023.

It had been in regular use until 2016, when it was placed into covered storage after some 73,000 miles.

When it emerged as ...