1998 Ford RS200 Evolution 2

1998 Ford RS200 Evolution 2 for Sale in United Kingdom

A Ford RS200 completed to Evolution 2 specification, with internals by R.T. Quaife Engineering.

The RS200 was Ford's purpose-built Group B car: a mid-mounted Cosworth BDT turbo, four-wheel drive, a Ghia-styled composite body on a tubular frame, and 200 road cars built at Reliant to satisfy homologation. Group B was banned before it could compete properly.

The Evolution cars took the BDT out to 2.1 litres and beyond 600 hp. DK Engineering sells it from Chorleywood.

When the Mk3 Escort launched in 1980, Ford already needed to go faster for the ever evolving Group B rally guidelines. Having dominated until this point with the Mk2 Escort, it was imperative for Ford to remain ahead of the game. Toying around with the Mk3, 18 prototypes were built to be known as the RS1700T- turbocharged to c.300hp and RWD. With a line 200 homologated cars already in the works, it wasn't until the 11th hour that the then new head of motorsport, Stuart Turner insisting on a scratch built 4x4 car.

In 1984, the RS200 was launched. Unique in design and styled by Ghia, it used a mid-mounted 1.8 litre Garrett-turbocharged powerplant and front mounted gearbox for perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Group B regulations stipulated that a homologation run of 200 units had to be produced – however as few as 90 road cars were sold by Ford with the remainder sold as spares or straight to competition. Success was immediate on the rally scene with the RS200 finding the podium on its first competitive outing. Unfortunately after a series of incidents, Group B met its demise.

With no future Group B events, the RS200 was increasingly ineligible for events and demand dropped leaving many cars unsold. As part of a deal by one entrepreneur, a batch of twenty cars were destined for Canada. These 20 were ordered with the intention of creating a 'best of' RS200 and a proposed renaming to 'RS200S'. Unfortunately given the rules around homologation and type approval, the 'S' could never be an officially badged model. It did however feature the significant power upgrade from 250 to 350hp, capable of taking the car to 180mph with the right gearing. Fitted too were red Recaro's as per the Road Specification of the 'S' and a matching red steering wheel. Additionally electric windows and extra air intakes were added to enhance performance and driveability. The 'S' cars also came fitted with a second gear stick, allowing the driver to alternate the torque delivery of the four wheel drive system between rear-wheel drive, 50:50 four-wheel drive or 37:63 four-wheel drive.

Founded in 1965, Kent-based R.T Quaife Engineering initially operated from a small workshop producing close-ratio five-speed gear kits for Norton and Triumph motorcycles. Moving away from two wheels and over to four, Quaife’s popularity and successes grew exponentially, seeing the introduction of a range of purpose-built motorsport sequential transmissions as well as the famous ATB locking-differential.

Forging a long-term partnership with Ford at a manufacturer level, Quaife’s motorsport endeavours were heavily reliant on their relationship with the blue oval. Michael Quaife competed in British Rallycross in an Escot powered by an 1800 BDT (RS200 engine) with the help of Gordon Spooner Engineering – Ford’s factory preparer - later leading to the development of an Escort Cosworth to race in British GT before building his own four-wheel drive GT1 race car.

Testament to this working relationship, after Ford’s termination of the RS200 project, Michael Quaife heard of their intention to dispose of the remaining parts and managed to negotiate a deal to acquire the entirety. These spares included unbuilt tubs, body panels, engines and additional componentry.

This 1998 Ford RS200 Evolution 2 is a used car.

The price is on request. The car is located in Chorleywood, United Kingdom.