eBay find of the Day: Ford RS200... in California!
Ford RS200 eBay Find - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Really, what more needs to be said about the Ford RS200? Students of Group B rally history are well aware of Ford's efforts with the R200 during the '80s, including the required 200 homologation versions that were sold during its run from 1984 through 1986 and the two disastrous crashes during the '86 season that spelled the end of the Group B era. With a turbocharged, 1.8-liter inline four putting out a conservative 250 hp to all four wheels (in road-going guise), the RS200 has become The One to those of us who grew up watching the Blue Oval's rallying exploits in our PJs.
This particular example is #135 and was purchased from Robert Sutherland (according to the seller, the lone importer of the RS200 to the States) after it competed in the La Carrera Panamerica in 1986. It's a gorgeous yet subdued gray over red with a few minor blemishes and a host of options, but the only bits that matter are the mid-mounted turbo'd four-pot, front-mounted transmission and its ability to dominate on nearly any terrain on the planet. And if you're willing to risk tinkering with the two-decade old mill, 450+ hp can be yours with minimal modifications. The bidding begins at a ridiculously low $2,500 (expect this to climb... quickly) and, located in Lake Arrowhead, CA, it's one of the few examples left in the U.S. Bid early and bid often. We're pooling our pocket change now.
[Source: eBay via Bring a Trailer]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
letstakeawalk 3:04PM (6/24/2009)
Is it true that the engines in these are only rated for a few hours use before needing a tune?
I've always had a fascination for the "Killer B's". WRC gets close but not quite as in your face...
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tankd0g 3:37PM (6/24/2009)
That's what I was going to say, whoever buys this better just be putting it on display or have it's own trust fund set up for it :) Although I'm sure the road version isn't as bad as the race version was, maintenance wise.
John 5:29PM (6/24/2009)
From what I have read, the 450+ HP rally version engines were good for a few hours before becoming scrap metal. Maybe the rpad versions don't suffer from this since they are detuned, but 400+ HP would be fun in that car, even if for only a few hours :)
Pokey 3:14PM (6/24/2009)
Oh how I would love to add this to my collection!
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Randy 4:01PM (6/24/2009)
I think Matchbox made one... Or is it Hotwheels? Which one is your collection made of?
travisty 3:15PM (6/24/2009)
Want, very, very, very badly...
What's the guess on how much this'll go for? $50k? $75? It's certainly rare enough, but could definitely use some TLC.
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Redeemed 3:29PM (6/24/2009)
I found one for sale in Japan for about $180K.
This needs some restoration but I think north of $100K easy.
RandyMarsh980 3:25PM (6/24/2009)
I would see someone like Jay Leno picking this up, it's a great find, I would love to have it and I would drive it often.
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ajkl 4:13PM (6/24/2009)
I believe Jay Leno already has one.
AndrewNoNumbers 7:19PM (6/24/2009)
Why Jay Leno of all people? I suppose Steve Jobs could also pick it up.
RandyMarsh980 7:34PM (6/24/2009)
note i said SOMEONE LIKE Jay Leno as in a wealthy car enthusiast. When I think of someone who has a vast collection of rare cars I think of Leno.
Tim 3:22PM (6/24/2009)
WANT!!!
It's already up to $20k.
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Rob 3:25PM (6/24/2009)
I bid 22,000. Got outbid. Oh well. :D
Tim 3:28PM (6/24/2009)
Um, yeah... The bid is at $20,300 right now. If you'd bid 22k it would be at least $22,100.
Rob 3:50PM (6/24/2009)
Sorry. $20,200
:D
010111 3:33PM (6/24/2009)
holy crap! this is literally one of my favorite cars of all time... i fully expect this to get into 6 figures though.
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jon 3:34PM (6/24/2009)
how the heck did they pump 450 HP out of a 1.8?
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Rob 3:51PM (6/24/2009)
BOOOOOST!!!!!!!!!!
I can make 450hp out of my urS6 pretty easily, and it has a 2.2 liter. For a race special, smaller displacement with more power is easily possible.
Tim 3:57PM (6/24/2009)
Boost, boost, then, just for good measure, still more boost.
The wikipedia article claims 23psi making 450hp in Group B trim.
slicecom 6:58PM (6/24/2009)
F1 cars at the time were getting 1500hp out of 1.5L turbo engines. It's amazing what turbos can do.