FIVE FAST FORDS THAT COULD CHANGE THE RECORD BOOKS! FOR AUCTION WITH ICONIC AUCTIONEERS AT THEIR NEC CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW SALE ON 9TH NOVEMBER
1989 Ford RS200 - 1,798 Miles. Estimate: £220,000 - £260,000
Iconic Auctioneers have a track record of selling fast Fords, achieving many live auction world records in the past, and this sale offers a selection of cars that could go stratospheric when the auction hammer drops! Each of the following five cars is special in its own way.
Rob Hubbard, Managing Director at Iconic Auctioneers says: "Fresh from the success of selling a number of very special Fords for some serious prices, our reputation for selling Fast Fords has grown. So, we are delighted to present a number of fantastic fast Fords for our NEC Sale on November 9th.”
Rob Hubbard continues “Vehicles with a rich history or limited production runs always fetch premium prices, as collectors seek to own a piece of automotive history. We also know that the demand for Fast Fords is outstripping the supply as their popularity continues to grow with a younger demographic entering the market. It will be interesting to see in this next Sale if they’ve reached their auction peak or have more to give".
First in the line-up is this collector quality 1989 Ford RS 200 with a lovely original patina, just 1,798 miles from new and one of just 90 made.
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! 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 by 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 Formula 1 engineer, John Wheeler, so the car had real potential for greatness.
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.
Lionel Abbott, the Iconic Auctioneers Car Specialist who consigned the car said “Presented here is certainly one of the best examples of the Ford RS200 we have offered for sale and with an exceptionally low mileage of 1,798. It was sold new on 14th April 1989 by Charles King Motors, the Ford Main Dealer in Bedford, and apparently was the 100th car finished, bearing the chassis no. SFACXXBJ2CGL00100. It's supplied with Ford Motorsport decals and a leather interior which makes it a rare specification. There have been four owners prior to our vendor with all the timeline details in the history file and it's evident from the car's overall immaculate condition that they took their ownership seriously. Early in its life, it was returned to Tickford for a service and more recently, in December 2022 it was treated to fresh fluids and new hoses by specialists, Viking Motorsport. It still sports its original Pirelli P6000 tyres and spare and comes complete with its original complete pristine toolkit and its Ford Boreham leather-bound manual.”
Rob Hubbard, Managing Director at Iconic Auctioneers says: "Fresh from the success of selling a number of very special Fords for some serious prices, our reputation for selling Fast Fords has grown. So, we are delighted to present a number of fantastic fast Fords for our NEC Sale on November 9th.”
Rob Hubbard continues “Vehicles with a rich history or limited production runs always fetch premium prices, as collectors seek to own a piece of automotive history. We also know that the demand for Fast Fords is outstripping the supply as their popularity continues to grow with a younger demographic entering the market. It will be interesting to see in this next Sale if they’ve reached their auction peak or have more to give".
First in the line-up is this collector quality 1989 Ford RS 200 with a lovely original patina, just 1,798 miles from new and one of just 90 made.
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! 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 by 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 Formula 1 engineer, John Wheeler, so the car had real potential for greatness.
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.
Lionel Abbott, the Iconic Auctioneers Car Specialist who consigned the car said “Presented here is certainly one of the best examples of the Ford RS200 we have offered for sale and with an exceptionally low mileage of 1,798. It was sold new on 14th April 1989 by Charles King Motors, the Ford Main Dealer in Bedford, and apparently was the 100th car finished, bearing the chassis no. SFACXXBJ2CGL00100. It's supplied with Ford Motorsport decals and a leather interior which makes it a rare specification. There have been four owners prior to our vendor with all the timeline details in the history file and it's evident from the car's overall immaculate condition that they took their ownership seriously. Early in its life, it was returned to Tickford for a service and more recently, in December 2022 it was treated to fresh fluids and new hoses by specialists, Viking Motorsport. It still sports its original Pirelli P6000 tyres and spare and comes complete with its original complete pristine toolkit and its Ford Boreham leather-bound manual.”
1987 Ford RS200 - 8,877 Miles. Estimate: £190,000 - £210,000
The second Ford RS200 in the Sale is one of the 90 examples finished by Ford in the more refined road car specification. Chassis #0053, was supplied new by Hendy Ford, Eastleigh to another retail Ford dealer at the time, Nicklens of Fordingbridge, under their parent company Shearing Builders Ltd. The car was first registered on 24th March 1987 and remained with the original owners until July 1997 when the Hendy Group bought it back through their Cosham branch. Since the car’s purchase, it has remained within a private Collection of cars and has had no use apart from being put through an MOT that expired in August of 2020. Although the car has not been run during its current tenure it has been carefully stored within a dry heated environment and still stands in time warp condition with just 8,877 miles from new.
Warranted by its extensive collection of historic MOT and Tax certificates in addition to the aforementioned history, it still boasts its original leather-bound RS200 drivers and maintenance manual. In super original condition, this fabulous RS200 evokes memories of one of the most dramatic eras in rallying history and may well be the missing jigsaw piece in a Ford collector's puzzle.
Warranted by its extensive collection of historic MOT and Tax certificates in addition to the aforementioned history, it still boasts its original leather-bound RS200 drivers and maintenance manual. In super original condition, this fabulous RS200 evokes memories of one of the most dramatic eras in rallying history and may well be the missing jigsaw piece in a Ford collector's puzzle.
1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth - 8,840 Miles. Estimate: £100,000 - £120,000
Next up is this 1987 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth, looking as crisp as ever in Moonstone Blue with a grey cloth interior and just 8,840 miles. First registered on 9th February 1987, the car is accompanied by a full dealer pack including service book, old MOTs and its V5C. It's been enjoyed, although lightly used, by five former keepers and has formed part of a significant Blue Oval Collection in the past few years. This vehicle will be issued with a fresh MOT prior to the sale.
The Cosworth has always been a car to draw attention, its radical 'whale tail' at the time ensured that it was always meant to be a poster boy of the era! But with values now reaching such amazing levels, where do we see this?
The Cosworth has always been a car to draw attention, its radical 'whale tail' at the time ensured that it was always meant to be a poster boy of the era! But with values now reaching such amazing levels, where do we see this?
1990 Ford Sierra RS500 BTCC - Ex-Tim Harvey. Estimate on request (Photo Credit; with thanks to Evo Magazine.)
One of the most iconic Touring Cars from the 'Group A' period of the BTCC and probably one of the most original examples. Iconic Auctioneers are delighted to offer this significant piece of British Motorsport history - Tim Harvey’s 'Labatt's' RS500 from the 1989 and 1990 BTCC Seasons.
Built by the renowned Andy Rouse Engineering team for the 1989 season, this was a front-running car during the 1989 BTCC season, achieving two wins and third overall in 'Class A'. At the end of the year, the car was shipped to Macau to take part in the annual end of season event and running the Watsons Water livery, this very car won the Macau event with Tim at the wheel.
After it’s success in Macau, the same car was used by Tim for the 1990 season, this time with the updated Labatt’s livery, achieving third in Class again and fourth overall in the Championship. The car has remained in this original livery as it ended 1990, making it probably one of the most original BTCC 'Group A' examples.
After the 1990 season, the car remained in private hands before being shipped out to Australia 2008, where it did only one race in Touring Car Masters. In 2011, it was bought by renowned UK racer, Paul Smith and shipped back to these shores. Paul race-prepared the car for big events like the Silverstone Classic and Gold Cup at Oulton Park and shared the drive with its original driver, Tim Harvey.
During Paul’s ownership, a new engine was fitted with modern engine management system (original ARE stamped head and original ECU included) and the renowned ex-Mountune engineer, Dave Hill, has looked after the engine.
More recently, the enthusiast owner has invested in the car to keep it in ready to go mechanical condition. Indeed, last year the car ran at Brands Hatch at the Touring Car event and was driven round the track in a demonstration run by Tim Harvey. This year, Jonny Smith featured the car on his YouTube Channel, The Late Brake Show, when Tiff Needell drove the car around Mallory Park, a video we highly recommend watching (www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqC366iJu8Q).
The car is seen to be totally original, with all original paint and graphics, original seat, exactly how Tim finished racing the car in 1990. More details about the full spec can be found on the website here - https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/1989-ford-rs500-rec14197-1-nec-1124
Built by the renowned Andy Rouse Engineering team for the 1989 season, this was a front-running car during the 1989 BTCC season, achieving two wins and third overall in 'Class A'. At the end of the year, the car was shipped to Macau to take part in the annual end of season event and running the Watsons Water livery, this very car won the Macau event with Tim at the wheel.
After it’s success in Macau, the same car was used by Tim for the 1990 season, this time with the updated Labatt’s livery, achieving third in Class again and fourth overall in the Championship. The car has remained in this original livery as it ended 1990, making it probably one of the most original BTCC 'Group A' examples.
After the 1990 season, the car remained in private hands before being shipped out to Australia 2008, where it did only one race in Touring Car Masters. In 2011, it was bought by renowned UK racer, Paul Smith and shipped back to these shores. Paul race-prepared the car for big events like the Silverstone Classic and Gold Cup at Oulton Park and shared the drive with its original driver, Tim Harvey.
During Paul’s ownership, a new engine was fitted with modern engine management system (original ARE stamped head and original ECU included) and the renowned ex-Mountune engineer, Dave Hill, has looked after the engine.
More recently, the enthusiast owner has invested in the car to keep it in ready to go mechanical condition. Indeed, last year the car ran at Brands Hatch at the Touring Car event and was driven round the track in a demonstration run by Tim Harvey. This year, Jonny Smith featured the car on his YouTube Channel, The Late Brake Show, when Tiff Needell drove the car around Mallory Park, a video we highly recommend watching (www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqC366iJu8Q).
The car is seen to be totally original, with all original paint and graphics, original seat, exactly how Tim finished racing the car in 1990. More details about the full spec can be found on the website here - https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/1989-ford-rs500-rec14197-1-nec-1124
1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4. Estimate: £34,000 - £38,000
For those wanting entry into the exclusive world of RS ownership, but not got hundreds of thousands of pounds to spend, then this 1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4 resplendent in rare Gloss Quartz Black paintwork with a Recaro Black leather interior is just the ticket.
It was previously sold by Iconic Auctioneers in 2023, where they 'sung its praises' as a splendid example having come to market directly from its first owner, a rare occurrence. With the availability of a substantial number of aftermarket cosmetic enhancements for these cars, it’s rare to find one with nothing added or taken away, so if you are looking for an unmolested, wholly original RS Cosworth, this is probably one of the worthiest candidates currently available. This Sapphire 4x4 is one for a connoisseur of the Blue Oval and is offered at an attractive price guide.
These five Fast Fords are amongst the 170 motor cars and 170 motorcycles at the Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show on the 9th & 10th November. Further information about these vehicles and the others in the auction can be found at www.iconicauctioneers.com. In-person viewing is available at the NEC on Friday 8th 10am to 6pm and on Saturday 9th from 9am until the auction commences at 10am. Bidding is available in person in the Saleroom, but for those unable to attend the event the auction is live streamed on the Iconic Auctioneers website for online bidding. Telephone and commission bidding is also available. For more information, please contact +44(0) 1926 691 141 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more information please contact:
Rob Hubbard
Managing Director
+ 44 (0) 7775 511 825
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
It was previously sold by Iconic Auctioneers in 2023, where they 'sung its praises' as a splendid example having come to market directly from its first owner, a rare occurrence. With the availability of a substantial number of aftermarket cosmetic enhancements for these cars, it’s rare to find one with nothing added or taken away, so if you are looking for an unmolested, wholly original RS Cosworth, this is probably one of the worthiest candidates currently available. This Sapphire 4x4 is one for a connoisseur of the Blue Oval and is offered at an attractive price guide.
These five Fast Fords are amongst the 170 motor cars and 170 motorcycles at the Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show on the 9th & 10th November. Further information about these vehicles and the others in the auction can be found at www.iconicauctioneers.com. In-person viewing is available at the NEC on Friday 8th 10am to 6pm and on Saturday 9th from 9am until the auction commences at 10am. Bidding is available in person in the Saleroom, but for those unable to attend the event the auction is live streamed on the Iconic Auctioneers website for online bidding. Telephone and commission bidding is also available. For more information, please contact +44(0) 1926 691 141 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more information please contact:
Rob Hubbard
Managing Director
+ 44 (0) 7775 511 825
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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