Last-ever Ford RS200 | Spotted | PistonHeads UK

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Last-ever Ford RS200 | Spotted

There are homologation specials and then there are homologation specials - anyone have a spare £150k?

By Matt Bird / Monday 13 July 2020 / Loading comments

It’s a funny one, really. Because while we all know the storied history of Mk1 and Mk2 Escorts in rallying, Ford went for a very long time after those cars without much stage success. The Escort Cosworths were adored by many during the 1990s, but beaten by the Evos and Impreza of this world; the Focus never took a championship either, surpassed by everything in its competitive years from a Peugeot 206 to a Citroen C4. It wasn’t until 2017, 36 years after Ari Vatanen’s triumph in an RS1800, that a Ford won the World Rally Championship - Sebastien Ogier earning the honours in an M-Sport Fiesta. And then did it again in 2018, because he’s Sebastien Ogier. And that was his sixth WRC drivers title in a row.

The Group B era was fairly torrid for Ford as well, but it sure as hell did produce some cool homologation cars. Initially the plan was to campaign the RS1700T, a steroidal Escort that promised much given the success of what preceded it. The 1700T was again going to be a scorchingly fast, tremendously exciting rear-drive rally car… but the world had moved on. Or rather, the Audi Quattro had moved the world on. Ford needed a 4WD rally car to compete.

The RS200, as you’ll probably know, was the result, a bespoke mid-engined rally car designed to take on the very best that Group B could offer from Audi, Peugeot and Lancia. But even with 450hp it wasn’t quite fast enough, and turbo lag made the ‘200 tricky to drive; it achieved its best result of third at Rally Sweden in 1986, but with Group B then outlawed the RS200 was motorsport project of unfulfilled potential.

Still, this isn’t an RS200 history lesson, even if it’s impossible to discuss the car without its back story. This is about the opportunity to buy one of the 200 roadgoing examples made for homologation - the last one believed to be built, no less, and not registered until 1993.

As Ford intended for all the 200 to eventually be competition cars (despite their road legality), it was stuck when Group B was cancelled. C61 SAO is one of very few dedicated road cars, as many RS200s were converted to be rallycross competitors or stripped for spares support.

Moreover, it’s a standard RS200 road car, which must make it even rarer. The paintwork has never been restored, the three-mode 4WD selector is present and correct next to the gearlever and the BDT is still running factory-spec ancillaries. The only modification is the fitment of a steel flywheel A ring and a clutch slave cylinder modification, said to make the drive “somewhat less highly strung”. Presumably this is still not the easiest fast Ford in the world to drive…

Having covered just 5,000 miles in more than a quarter of a century, and with a clearly doting current owner, the RS200 is immaculate. Naturally, the history file is extensive, including letters from Mike Little Preparations (builders of the car, and who campaigned RS200s in the British Rally Championship) as well as Ford to verify the build date. Oh yes, and there are no advisories on the MOT, which runs until December. Imagine taking this to the local test centre!

To be honest, this is barely scratching the surface of this RS200’s story; we’ve been in touch with the seller and there are reams and reams of stuff that will come with it, plus the sort of detail and passion you only get from the most committed of enthusiasts. After all, this is not the fast Ford most lusted after as younger petrolheads.

This was shortly before Sierra Cosworth time, don’t forget, a car made in much greater numbers and more relatable to your dad’s 1.8 GL. It’s interesting, though; the very best Sierra RS500 will still cost £90k. This RS200, a bespoke Group B rally project of which the surviving numbers must be miniscule, is for sale at £150,000. A lotto win for most of us, of course, though perhaps not where the current fast Ford madness would have you value it. And good luck finding a sport Quattro, 205 T16 or Delta S4 homologation car for that money…

We’re mildly infatuated with the little Ford, basically, given its provenance, the history and the way it still looks in Diamond White (with the optional red seats) after all these years. The RS200 competition story may not have been an entirely happy one, but you wouldn't care a jot behind the wheel of the road car, would you? If the next owner is another PHer, please do let us know!

SPECIFICATION | FORD RS200Engine: 1,803cc, four-cyl turboTransmission: 5-speed manual, four-wheel drivePower (hp): 240@6,000rpmTorque (lb ft): 207@4,500rpmMPG: N/ACO2: N/AYear registered: 1993Recorded mileage: 4,958Price new: quite a lotYours for: £149,995

See the original advert here.

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