We’ve watched thousands of cars go through auction halls over the years, but every now and then something arrives that really catches our attention.
This 1993 Ford P100 was one of them.
Not because it was particularly rare or expensive.
But because of the extraordinary noise it made as it drove through Anglia Car Auctions.
We actually remarked at the time that it sounded more like a Lamborghini than an old Ford pickup!
Now, we’re not suggesting it was a genuine rival to an Italian supercar. But the sound coming from this P100 was certainly something we hadn’t expected.
And with a 2.9-litre Cosworth V6 under the bonnet, it soon became apparent that this was no ordinary Ford.
The modified pickup crossed the block at Anglia Car Auctions’ August 2026 classic sale, carrying an estimate of £4,000–£6,000.
But how much would bidders be prepared to pay for such an unusual machine?
The Ford P100 has always been an interesting vehicle.
For many British enthusiasts, it’s remembered as the pickup derived from the Sierra, with a familiar Ford passenger-car front end and a separate load bed behind the cab.
They were practical working vehicles rather than performance machines, and plenty spent their lives doing exactly what they were built for.
Which is part of what makes this particular example so entertaining.
From the front, there’s still no mistaking the Sierra-based P100.
But take a closer look and the modifications begin to emerge.
The lowered stance, substantial wheels and distinctive rear end give it a character very different from the original working pickup.
And that’s before you hear the engine.
According to the auction catalogue, this P100 had been fitted with a tuned 2,935cc, 24-valve Cosworth V6.
That’s a very different proposition from the engines normally associated with these vehicles.
The 24-valve Cosworth-developed V6 is best known for powering Ford’s high-spec Granada and Scorpio models, where it provided smooth, effortless performance.
Here, however, it had been given a rather different role.
The engine was fitted with high-lift camshafts and a custom stainless steel exhaust system.
And what a difference that exhaust made!
As the P100 drove through the auction hall, the sound was absolutely tremendous.
It had a fierce, aggressive note that seemed completely at odds with the vehicle producing it.
We couldn’t resist making the Lamborghini comparison as it passed.
It’s the sort of unexpected moment that makes filming live auctions so enjoyable.
You never quite know what’s going to arrive next.
The engine conversion was only part of the story.
Anglia Car Auctions described the P100 as having been converted to all-wheel drive, which makes this a particularly unusual build.
Other modifications included large Brembo brakes with four-pot calipers, a Capri rear axle and lowered coilover suspension.
Clearly, a considerable amount of work had gone into creating something very different from the original pickup.
The interior had also received attention.
Leather Recaro seats replaced the more utilitarian seating normally associated with a P100, while Sparco aluminium pedals contributed to the performance-car theme.
The specification also included a sunroof and CD multichanger.
It’s an interesting combination of practical Ford pickup, sporting mechanical components and period performance accessories.
Exactly the sort of modified vehicle that tends to divide opinion, but also attracts a great deal of attention.
And there’s certainly no doubting that somebody had put considerable thought and effort into the project.
The P100 was first registered in Britain in January 1993.
According to Anglia Car Auctions, its chassis number indicated that it had originally been built in Portugal rather than South Africa.
The vendor had owned it for seven years, but reported that the vehicle had seen relatively little use recently because of ill health.
The odometer was showing 13,482 miles, although that reading shouldn’t be assumed to represent the vehicle’s total lifetime mileage.
The auction catalogue also noted that its previous four MOT tests had been passed without advisories.
Its most recent MOT had expired on 30 June 2026, shortly before the auction.
The history file included some older MOT certificates, technical information relating to the modifications and the V5C registration document, which recorded the 2,935cc engine capacity.
For a vehicle with such extensive modifications, that accompanying paperwork was a useful part of the package.
The P100 appeared as Lot 323 at Anglia Car Auctions’ classic sale in King’s Lynn on 22 August 2026.
The guide price was £4,000–£6,000.
And having heard it driving through the hall, we were particularly interested to see how bidders would respond.
The early bidding appeared to come from people attending the sale in person.
But as the price increased, internet bidding joined the action.
It’s always fascinating watching that interaction between bidders in the room and those following the sale remotely.
And this was a vehicle that certainly had plenty of character.
Would somebody pay a premium for its unusual specification and extraordinary soundtrack?
Or would the modifications limit its appeal?
We filmed the P100 going through the auction, so you can hear that remarkable V6 for yourself and watch the bidding unfold.
Watch the full auction play out below:
The hammer eventually fell at £4,900.
That placed the result comfortably within the £4,000–£6,000 estimate.
Our impression from watching the sale was that the winning bidder was online, although we couldn’t establish that with certainty from our position in the hall.
With the auction premium added, Anglia Car Auctions recorded a final price of £5,292.
It’s an interesting result for such an extensively modified vehicle.
As with many custom builds, it’s difficult to compare it directly with more original examples.
The value depends partly on whether a potential buyer appreciates the particular choices made by the person who created it.
In this case, somebody clearly liked the combination enough to part with almost £5,000 before fees.
And we can certainly understand the appeal of that engine note!
Interestingly, this wasn’t the only Ford P100 to appear at Anglia Car Auctions’ August sale.
A 1990 example, listed simply as a Ford P100, achieved £3,240 including premium.
Another, a 1992 P100 Turbo Diesel, sold for £2,060 including premium.
That provides a useful illustration of just how differently examples of the same basic model can perform at auction.
Of course, condition, originality, specification and individual history all influence the result.
But the presence of three P100s in one sale also reminds us that these distinctive Ford pickups still have an enthusiastic following.
And the Cosworth-powered example was certainly the one that made the biggest impression on us!
One of the things we enjoy about modified classics is seeing how different enthusiasts interpret the same vehicle.
Some people prefer to preserve a car or pickup as close to its original specification as possible.
Others enjoy the engineering challenge of building something completely different.
There’s room for both approaches.
And whatever your opinion of this P100’s appearance, it’s difficult not to appreciate the work involved in creating such an unusual machine.
As for that V6?
We’d happily listen to it driving through the auction hall again!
The rear-end treatment has already attracted quite a few comments from people who’ve watched our video, too.
So, what do you think?
Would you prefer a Ford P100 in its original specification, or would you happily have one with a Cosworth V6 and that extraordinary exhaust note?
And at £4,900 under the hammer, do you think the new owner bought something rather special?
You can also explore the vehicle’s original photographs and catalogue description here:
1993 Ford P100 V6 – Anglia Car Auctions
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