1987 Ford RS200 Tickford #112

The RS200 was born in the era of 'Group B' rallying, undeniably the most extreme period in rally history with all competing manufacturers turning every dial up to 11. The power was immense, the courses dangerous and, no matter how high the level of a driver's skill, it was always outmatched by the sheer bravery required to pilot these machines at full chat. Whilst Ford’s competitors developed their rally cars from suitable models in their road car range, Lancia with their S4 Integrale, Audi with the S1 Quattro and Peugeot with their T16 205, Ford took a more extreme route, building a competitive rally car and then using it as the basis for a well-engineered, road-legal version, purely to tick the homologation boxes.

Produced by Ford Motorsport in Boreham from 1984-1986, the plastic-fiberglass composite body was designed Filippo Sapino of Ghia Design Studio and enclosed a mid-mounted engine, four-wheel drive, and a front-mounted gearbox for ideal 50/50 weight distribution. The chassis was designed by Formula 1 designer, Tony Southgate, in conjunction with F1 engineer, John Wheeler, so the car had real potential for greatness.

Motivation was provided by an 1,803cc Ford-Cosworth BDT engine fitted with a Garett T03/04 turbocharger which produced 250bhp in standard road-going trim although, as production progressed, more power became available. At the time, 'Group B' regulations required manufacturers to assemble 200 road-going versions of their race-bred competition cars, however, with the passing of time it's become clear that Ford did not manage to sell 200, with Justin Smith, the Ford RS200 authority, believing as few as 147 were actually sold.

Towards the end of the program, a 350bhp version was offered, and our car is identified as one of these incredibly rare 'Group B' evolutions, with the adjustable boost rotating control behind the left-hand seat and, when combined with the fact that it's one-owner from new, showing 6,180 miles, in delightful original condition and with an impeccable history file, it must surely be the ultimate RS200. #112 was supplied new by Stormont of Tunbridge Wells, having been ordered by its excited owner after he had visited Boreham to see the RS200 road program on 12th August 1986 as a VIP. We believe this RS200 to be one of the best of the 147 supplied in full road-trim by Ford.

Uniquely, it comes with a copy of the original RS200 Customer Sales Record, showing it to be one of the very rare 350bhp factory upgrade examples. It still displays its original JQF Engineering sticker on the cam cover showing build number 158. The iconic red seats and steering wheel complete an incredibly sharp interior without the secondary red gear knob, which means its locked in 37/63 4x4 mode, although the mechanics below the gaiter are the same for all models. It's still running on its original Pirelli tyres, complementing its superb original condition. The suspension struts have been refurbished in the past and, in 2017, it was subject to a cam-belt change and a full service including a new Gold-Flo fuel pump. Despite having not covered any miles since, it was treated to another service recently by Graham Hathaway Racing.

#112 is supplied with a massive RS200 workshop manual, two keys - one with the Stormont key fob, complete Ford-embossed tool kit, its Ford Security Pack, custom car cover and plumbed-in battery charger. The history file contains all the documentation necessary to corroborate the fascinating story of RS200 #112. This is a collector-quality RS200, with the 350bhp factory upgrade and in incredibly original condition.