Vehicle Description
1986 Ford RS200 Evo
VIN: SFACXX8J2CGL00106
Evo: 216
Of the 146 RS200s sold - including the 24 Evolution variants -
chassis 106 might well be the finest example ever to leave the Ford
Motorsport works in Boreham, UK.
According to factory records, chassis 106 was custom-tailored to
the exacting standards of its first owner, Frank Profera of Sherman
Oaks, California. Intended for use as an exhilarating road car,
this RS200 was specified as a left-hand-drive Evolution model,
finished in white and outfitted with a fully trimmed interior,
Speedline split racing wheels, power steering, a suede-wrapped MOMO
steering wheel, and rally-spec AP Racing brakes. As indicated on
the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, this bespoke RS200
developed 600 hp - nearly 100 hp more than a standard Evolution -
through the use of a ported Mk II head, larger turbocharger,
IMSA-spec intercooler, cockpit adjustable-boost dial, and 4 inch
works rally exhaust system. Completed and prepared for delivery to
California in spring 1989, this specially tuned RS200 commanded a
lofty retail price of 63,357.55 Pounds ($93,509.)
Amazingly, the RS200's initial performance was not enough to
satisfy Mr. Profera, who eventually sent the engine to Brian Hart
Limited in Essex, UK, for further tuning. Mr. Hart had overseen the
development of the RS200 Evolution engine for Ford Motorsport, and
his reputation for creating high-performance engines was well known
throughout the racing world. Working in tandem with East Coast
Racing, Mr. Hart designed a second ECU, with full mapping for
street use, along with other modifications for reliability and
strength. The result was an engine that produced 704 bhp at 8,000
rpm with 535 lbs./ft of torque at 5,550 rpm.
In a letter written by Bob Howe, a former vehicle development
manager who worked on the RS200 project with Ford Motorsport, he
testifies to chassis 106's revered status. 'In my opinion the
changes Frank made turned this car into the most unique example of
the RS200 anywhere; certainly I don't know of another which has
been boosted so much, made safer and legal for road use as well as
having been made civilized,' Howe wrote.
Since leaving Mr. Profera's hands in 2003, the RS200 has been owned
and maintained by prominent collectors including David Kedward, a
noted UK enthusiast with a passion for historically significant
rally cars.
In the care of the previous owner, chassis 106 was faithfully and
sympathetically restored. Autometric European & Exotics in Pontiac,
Michigan, refinished the RS200's exotic bodywork while Hall of Fame
Designs of Dearborn, Michigan, carefully re-trimmed the interior in
correct OEM materials. Once the cosmetic restoration was completed,
RM Motorsports of Wixom, Michigan, a firm specializing in Ford
racing cars, oversaw the final assembly process and meticulously
overhauled the car's chassis and mechanical components.
The unique combination of rare factory options and performance
upgrades, Brian Hart's engine development, superb provenance, and
outstanding presentation, make chassis 106 a particularly
fascinating and desirable RS200. For the forward-thinking
collector, this one-of-a-kind RS200 Evolution is a true prize, and
it represents an exciting opportunity to acquire what many would
consider to be the holy grail of Group B homologation specials.
