OK, let's see if this works, not being quite sure if I can start a thread with only a couple of posts under my belt.

I have a plan. An "RS500", 2020's edition. The questions about a stroker engine I posted in another thread are just the tip of the iceberg. The preliminary planned spec is something like... :

RS500 look-a-like except for LHD, leather trim and AC.
AWD. Nissan Skyline R32 transmission w/ ETS-PRO, 7½" rear and Oppliger-cased front diff, Quaife ATB LSD on both.
3dr front suspension w/ AWD driveshafts, 6° rear beam, coilovers, standard ride height.
Non-caged 909 or seam-welded and reinforced 3dr bodyshell.
Alu block tall deck stroker engine, EFR twin scroll turbo, Link or Motec ecm.
All auxiliary aftermarket bits and pieces, too numerous to list.

I'm completely aware of the fact that this will be a long-term project that'll obliterate my piggy-bank big time. However, 3dr is the only Cosworth I haven't ever owned; Sapphire 2WD, 4x4 and Escort I bought new in late 80's and early 90's and loved them to death. It's a kind of nostalgia blown out of proportion but I just want to do it.

Now, as it's already obvious, there's no point in b*stardizing a genuine RS500. They're spendy as-is, all of them RHD and there wouldn't be that much left of the original car when everything is said and done.

Another idea would be to start with a genuine 3dr Cosworth. Pretty much the same problem, except for €30-40k cheaper purchase price.

Next would be finding a genuine 4x4 Sapphire, to source all the parts not commonly found on pedestrian Sierras. Crashed ones are rare these days and I don't know if it's really worth it to buy a functioning 4x4 when all I really need from it is the steering rack, cylinder head, sump, front diff ring & pinion, front suspension, dash/cluster and AC components. Everything else will be uprated/custom anyway.

I still have a spare RS500 engine, a busted T5, 7" rear and assorted parts stashed somewhere; they're leftovers that have been gathering dust since 1992 when I bought the drivetrains off a crashed/scrapped RS500 and a Sapphire 4x4, but I'm not sure if they're of much use at this point. I already used most of the "good" parts for my 4x4 and Escort back in the day. And so much better are available these days that it's almost unreal.

All ideas are welcome at this point. I'm not really sure how to proceed, ie. what's the most cost-effective way to build an externally nostalgic but technically cutting edge "RS2020".