eBay find of the Day: Ford RS200... in California!

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]