The Killer B
In the mid-1980s, the World Rally Championship (WRC) had a class called Group B. The rules were simple: build 200 road cars (homologation), and you can race whatever you want. There were almost no restrictions on boost or power. Ford, realizing their rear-wheel-drive Escort was obsolete, decided to build a dedicated weapon from scratch. They called it the RS200.
When you browse the RS200 listings on Hugegarage (if you can find one), you are looking at a piece of history that is equal parts engineering brilliance and tragedy. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful rally cars ever made, but it is forever linked to the crash in Portugal that helped end the Group B era.
The Layout: The RS200 is unique. It has a mid-mounted engine, but the transmission is mounted at the front of the car to balance the weight distribution. A second driveshaft sends power back to the rear wheels. Itâs a complex, twin-driveshaft system that gave the car incredible balance on gravel.
The Engineering: Cosworth Magic
The heart of the RS200 is the Cosworth BDT (Belt Driven Turbo) engine.
- 1.8L Turbocharged Inline-4
- Road Car Specs: 250 HP. Tuned for drivability (relatively speaking).
Rally Car Specs: 450+ HP.
Evolution Specs: The "Evo" models used a 2.1L version making 600-800+ HP. 0-60 MPH took just 2.1 secondsâon gravel. In 1986, that was faster than a Formula 1 car.
The Design: Ghia Style
Unlike the boxy Audi Quattro, the RS200 was styled by Ghia. It featured a sleek, composite body, a roof-mounted intercooler intake, and the famous fog lights embedded in the front bumper. It looks fast standing still.
The Tragedy
The RS200 arrived late to the party in 1986. In one of its first major rallies (Rally Portugal), an RS200 lost control into a crowd of spectators, killing three and injuring dozens. This accident, combined with the death of Henri Toivonen (in a Lancia) weeks later, caused the FIA to ban Group B forever. The RS200 never got to prove its full potential.
The "Evolution" Models
Ford had planned to update the car for the 1987 season. These 24 cars, known as the RS200 Evolution, were sold to the public. They feature the 2.1L engine and are the most valuable Fords in existence, often auctioning for over $500,000.
Conclusion: The Ultimate What-If
The Ford RS200 is a glimpse into an alternate timeline where safety didn't matter and speed was god. It is a car that is terrifying to drive at the limit but docile enough to drive to the shops (if you don't mind the noise). Owning one is membership to the most exclusive club in the rally world. Explore the specs below.