Ford RS classic cars for sale

History of the Ford RS Series

The Ford RS series, especially models like the RS200, emerged directly from the golden era of Group B rallying in the 1980s, when manufacturers vied for technical supremacy. Ford engineered the RS200 as a purebred rally machine, departing from their usual production models. With an aluminium monocoque chassis by Tony Southgate (an F1 veteran) and coordination by Ford motorsport engineer John Wheeler at Boreham, the RS200 marked Ford’s return to top-level rallying with a car developed purely for motorsport. Its focus on the requirement for 200 homologation road cars was a direct answer to Group B’s unique rules, aiming to blend extreme competition capability with street legality. After Group B was cancelled, the remaining chassis became the more powerful Evolution versions.

Model History

The RS200 stands alone in Ford’s model history as a specialised Group B rally contender, unlike typical RS-badged Escorts and Sierras. Its immediate predecessor within the rally world was the Escort RS1800, while its most direct 'successor' in spirit would be the Escort RS Cosworth of the 1990s, which continued Ford’s all-wheel-drive rally tradition. With only 200 road cars and a mere 24 Evo versions produced, the RS200 remains completely distinct—never replaced by a mainstream model and never birthed from one.

Highlights and Unique Features of the Ford RS Series

The RS200’s architecture includes a mid-mounted, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, advanced all-wheel-drive transmission engineered by Ferguson with a unique front-mounted five-speed transaxle, and a body crafted by Ghia using fibreglass for road versions and Kevlar for rally cars. The Evolution models delivered an astonishing 600+ bhp from a Brian Hart-developed 2.1-litre BDT engine and held the world 0–60 mph acceleration record (3.07 seconds) for 12 years. The RS200 was visually and mechanically radical, with its double wishbone suspension and distinctive rally-derived design.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The 24 units of the RS200 Evolution stand at the top of the RS200 hierarchy. Featuring a Brian Hart-tuned 2.1-litre engine with over 600 bhp, upgraded brakes, suspension, and several detail modifications, the Evolution represents the ultimate street-legal iteration of the Group B RS200 platform, only built after the end of the Group B era.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The RS200 delivers a truly raw experience — with a kerb weight around 1050 kg and power levels up to 600+ bhp in Evo guise, acceleration is brutal (3.07 s from 0–60 mph). The Ferguson AWD system ensures remarkable traction, while double wishbone suspension with coilovers delivers precise handling suited for both asphalt and loose surfaces. The combination of a short wheelbase and a mid-mounted engine requires skill at the limit. The transmission, featuring a front-engine, rear-mounted transaxle layout, is unique in Group B history. - RS200: 1.8-litre turbo, 250 bhp (road), 450 bhp (competition)

• RS200 Evolution: 2.1-litre, 600+ bhp (only 24 built), reinforced chassis and brakes

Design: Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Accessories

The RS200's exterior design, overseen by Ghia, focuses on aerodynamics and function: wide stance, large intakes, and detachable body panels. Street versions feature a simple cockpit with sport seats and minimal insulation, reflecting a race-first philosophy. Special interior details differ per car, but overall comfort is secondary to rally purpose. Factory accessories were rare, with most uniqueness arising from colour schemes and minor trim choices. Competition cars swapped fibreglass for Kevlar to shave weight and added roll cages, fire systems, and other rally gear.

Summary of the Ford RS Classic Car Series

The Ford RS200—especially the coveted Evolution variant—stands as a symbol of extreme 1980s rally engineering and remains one of the rarest RS-badged cars, with only 24 Evolutions ever built. Revolutionary drivetrain, innovative chassis, and relentless power define its unique place both on the road and in historic rally circles. Market data confirms absolute exclusivity: 100% of Ford RS vehicles listed and viewed are RS200s, underlying its elevated status among enthusiasts seeking true rally history for both road and collection use.