To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 17 - 18
January 2019.
Estimate:
$500,000 - $700,000
- One of only 24 RS200 Evos built
- Desirable homologation Group B rally car
- Long-standing Guinness record for "fastest accelerating car in
the world"
- Incredibly quick, brutally powerful, and exceedingly rare
The Group B regulations fostered some of the quickest, most
powerful, and most sophisticated rally cars ever built. This period
of competition is often referred to as the Golden Era of
rallying.
In 1984, the RS200 was a unique design, featuring a
composite/fiberglass body styled by Filippo Sapino at the Ghia
Design Studio. Formula 1 designer Tony Southgate designed the
chassis along with former F1 engineer John Wheeler. With a
mid-mounted Cosworth "BDT" engine and its transmission mounted up
front, the RS200 was often considered to have the most balanced
platform of its contemporary competitors.
FIA homologation rules dictated that at least 200 of these
race-bred monsters be built for the road. The one thing separating
these RS200s from the all-out Group B competition cars is the
interior, which was comfortably trimmed by Tickford with grey
carpeting, door inserts, red Sparco seats, and a matching red
leather XR3i steering wheel. Furthermore, of those 200 slated for
production, only 20 were initially set aside to be converted into
sacred "Evolution" models (four more were built later). The RS200
Evo received uprated suspension and brakes and a larger 2.1-liter
version of the Cosworth powerplant, among other updates. At full
boost, the RS200 could tear up the tarmac with upwards of 600 bhp
on tap and sprint to 60 mph in just over three seconds.
This 1986 Ford RS200 is one of those rare 24 factory Evolution
examples. Early in its life the car was owned by the late Robert
�Bob' Southerland, founder of the Colorado Grand Rally. Southerland
sold the car in 1989 to private ownership, who enjoyed the car
until recently, when it was subsequently purchased by the current
owner. Since acquiring it, the car has benefitted from a complete
overhaul which included fitting a new cooling system, fuel system,
hoses, brakes, clutch, and all electrical. During this time the
engine was rebuilt by Geoff Paige in the UK. With the work
completed, the car is fully sorted and ready to impress against
even today's modern supercars.
The Evolution is presented in the traditional Ford Works racing
livery in white with blue stripes. The interior is trimmed by
Tickford and features a Terraspeed speedometer, VDO
instrumentation, a three-spoke red-rimmed steering wheel, and
matching red bucket seats with four-point Sabelt harnesses. The
front compartment of the RS200 offers storage space as well as
accommodation for the factory tool kit, which remains intact.
With its striking design, breathtaking power, and
confidence-inspiring handling, this highly original RS200 Evolution
is a truly stunning piece of Group B and Ford rally history. One of
only 24 such examples produced, the collectability of this
homologation rally car is unquestioned.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
