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Ford RS200 – 1,798 Miles
ADVERT ID: 57472
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Ford RS200 – 1,798 Miles – Collector quality with a lovely original patina and just 1,798 miles from new.
The RS200 was born in the era of ‘Group B’ rallying, undeniably the most extreme period in rally history with all competing manufacturers turning every dial up to 11. The power was immense, the courses dangerous and no matter how high the level of a driver’s skill, it was always outmatched by the sheer bravery required to pilot these machines at full chat. Whilst Ford’s competitors developed their rally cars from suitable models in their road car range, Lancia with their S4 Integrale, Audi with the S1 Quattro and Peugeot with their T16 205, Ford took a more extreme route, building a competitive rally car and then using it as the basis for a well-engineered, road-legal version, purely to tick the homologation boxes.
Produced by Ford Motorsport in Boreham from 1984-1986, the plastic-fiberglass composite body was designed by Filippo Sapino of Ghia Design Studio and enclosed a mid-mounted engine, four-wheel drive and a front-mounted gearbox for ideal 50/50 weight distribution. The chassis was designed by Formula 1 designer, Tony Southgate, in conjunction with Formula 1 engineer, John Wheeler, so the car had real potential for greatness.
Motivation was provided by an 1,803cc Ford-Cosworth BDT engine fitted with a Garett T03/04 turbocharger which produced 250bhp in standard road-going trim although, as production progressed, more power became available. At the time, ‘Group B’ regulations required manufacturers to assemble 200 road-going versions of their race-bred competition cars, however with the passing of time, it’s become clear that Ford did not manage to sell 200, with Justin Smith, the Ford RS200 authority, believing as few as 147 were actually sold.
Presented here is certainly one of the best examples of the Ford RS200 we have offered for sale and with an exceptionally low mileage of 1,798. It was sold new on 14th April 1989 by Charles King Motors, the Ford Main Dealer in Bedford, and apparently was the 100th car finished, bearing the chassis no. SFACXXBJ2CGL00100. It’s supplied with Ford Motorsport decals and a leather interior which makes it a rare specification. There have been four owners prior to our vendor with all the timeline details in the history file and it’s evident from the car’s overall immaculate condition that they took their ownership seriously. Early in its life, it was returned to Tickford for a service and more recently, in December 2022 but only a few miles ago, it was treated to fresh fluids and new hoses by specialists, Viking Motorsport. It still sports its original Pirelli P6000 tyres and spare and comes complete with its original complete pristine toolkit and its Ford Boreham leather-bound manual.
Collector quality with a lovely original patina and exceptionally low mileage, this impressive ‘Group B’ rally car, from the rallying colossus that was Ford in the 1980s, is almost certainly unrepeatable.
The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 – Cars
Entries have now closed for our 2024 auction taking place at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham (B40 1NT) on 8th – 10th November. Viewing is available on Friday 8th November 10am – 6pm as well as Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th from 9am. Cars and Automobilia can be viewed in Hall 2 and Motorcycles in Hall 5. The Classic and Collectors’ Cars Sale will start at 10am on Saturday 9th. The The Automobilia Sale will take place on Sunday 10th at 10am followed by the Motorcycle Sale from 11am, also in Hall 2. Admission to the Saleroom is by catalogue only. Catalogues will be available to purchase on the day (£20 admits two). Admission to the show is not included in the price of the catalogue. Show tickets can be purchased on the Classic Motor Show website, use the code PTICA for £2 off per ticket.
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