The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth that challenged the Alps, now on your track
Avant Slot presents one of its most historically rich reproductions: the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4 with which François Delecour and his co-driver Anne-Chantal Pauwels turned the 1991 Monte Carlo Rally upside down. Number 12, in Q8 Oils colours and featuring an auxiliary light bar that instantly evokes the icy night stages of the "Monte". This reference model AV52508, in 1/32 scale, is not just a collector's item: it is built to race.
Features and highlights
- High-fidelity body with Q8 Oils decoration, race numbers, and a meticulously reproduced auxiliary light bar.
- 4x4 all-wheel drive characteristic of the competition version of the Sierra RS Cosworth, with a technical chassis designed for balanced torque distribution.
- High-performance motor with excellent acceleration response, designed for both collection sessions and racing in club championships.
- Calibrated steel axles and precision wheels that ensure concentric rotation without vibrations.
- Adjustable tilt to adapt the car's behaviour to different tracks and surfaces.
- Standard guide and contact braids included for reliable electrical connection from the outset.
Scale and level of detail
In 1/32 scale, the Avant Slot Sierra RS Cosworth rigorously reproduces the characteristic silhouette of Delecour's car: the aggressive front, rear wing, widened wheel arches, and the Q8 Oils livery with its distinctive colours and sponsorship references of the time. The auxiliary light bar, one of the most iconic elements of the "Night Edition" versions of the Monte, is integrated with a level of finish that reflects Avant Slot's usual attention to detail in its historic rally models.
Track performance
The 4x4 mechanics of this model provide a push distribution that translates into a progressive and predictable corner exit. The setup is particularly agile on tracks with many medium-radius curves, where the all-wheel drive compensates for any tendency to oversteer. The lightweight chassis and the possibility of adjusting the tilt make it suitable for drivers who want to fine-tune their setup without the need for aggressive modifications. It is a car that performs well on both Scalextric-style lanes and more technical configurations.
Ideal for…
- Collectors of historic rally cars looking for reproductions with real historical backing.
- Club racers wanting a competitive model with its own character.
- Fans of the classic World Rally Championship from the early 90s.
- Those who already own other Avant Slot models and want to complete the collection of the legendary turbo era Sierras.
Points to consider
As with all Avant Slot models, the car is delivered ready to race, although more demanding drivers will appreciate the ability to adjust the tilt and check the guide according to the type of lane used. For long competition sessions, it is advisable to periodically check the condition of the braids and the axle fixation, just as one would with any high-end model intended for intensive use.
François Delecour and the 1991 Monte Carlo Rally: the story behind the model
The 1991 Monte Carlo Rally is one of those events that rally fans never forget. François Delecour, a French driver with a meteoric career, arrived at the Monaco event with a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4 prepared by the privately sponsored Q8 Oils team, without the official backing of a large factory structure. Opposing him were the official teams of Lancia, Toyota, and Mitsubishi with all their resources.
What followed was a display of pure speed on the ice and snow of the Maritime Alps. Delecour, with his co-driver Anne-Chantal Pauwels calling the notes, took the lead in the event and maintained it for much of the rally, outshining rivals with infinitely larger budgets. Number 12 became the unexpected star of that edition, with the Sierra demonstrating that its all-wheel drive and turbo power were still compelling arguments even as Group A was shifting towards more modern cars.
The victory slipped away in the final kilometres due to a suspension failure, one of those cruel blows that rallying sometimes reserves for the bravest. Delecour finished outside the points, but his performance was etched in the collective memory of motorsport as an example of what can be achieved with talent, bravery, and a well-prepared car when everything goes right. Just a year later, at the 1992 Monte, Delecour would return as an official Ford driver to finish what he had started.
This Avant Slot model is the tribute that achievement deserves: a Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4 that captures the moment when a French driver was on the verge of making history at the most demanding event on the calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is this model compatible with standard Scalextric tracks?
Yes. The Avant Slot Ford Sierra RS Cosworth features a standard guide compatible with Scalextric and Ninco tracks, the most common in the domestic market. For other systems like Scaleauto or Carrera, it may be necessary to check or change the guide.
Does the model come ready to race or does it require assembly?
It comes fully assembled and ready to race straight out of the box. No prior assembly is needed.
What type of motor does it incorporate?
The model features a high-performance motor with a configuration adapted to Avant Slot's 4x4 chassis. To know the exact configuration (sidewinder, inline, or anglewinder), we recommend checking Avant Slot's detailed technical sheet or contacting our team.
Is it suitable for competition in club championships?
Yes, although it depends on the specific championship regulations. Avant Slot models are usually homologated in historic slot and rally categories. Check your championship rules to verify the eligibility of this model.
Are there specific spare parts available for this model?
Avant Slot maintains a good selection of spare parts for its models, including bodies, axles, wheels, and guides. You can inquire about specific availability for reference AV52508.
What is the scale of this model?
This Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is manufactured in 1/32 scale, the standard scale for slot racing on track.
Is it also a collector's item or just for racing?
Both. The fidelity of the Q8 Oils decoration, the reproduction of the auxiliary lights, and the real historical backing of the rally make it a top-level collector's item, but its mechanics are designed to race reliably on track.
The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth 4x4 François Delecour Monte Carlo Rally 1991 by Avant Slot (ref. AV52508) is a 1/32 scale slot car that faithfully recreates one of the most iconic performances in WRC history. Featuring the legendary Q8 Oils livery, auxiliary light bar and 4WD chassis, this model is equally suited for serious collectors of historic rally cars and competitive club racers. A must-have for fans of the turbocharged Group A era.
