1986 Ford RS200 Evolution Coupe

The Ford RS200 was unveiled to the public in 1984 and built in limited numbers. These purpose-built cars were conceived by Ford Motorsport and were an engineering tour de force. They had an advanced four-wheel drive system, a turbocharged Cosworth engine, and a sophisticated suspension system designed to cope with the rigors of rally racing. The RS200 was given a composite/fiberglass body styled by Flippo Saprino at the Ghia Design Studio.

The Ford RS200 was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's fastest accelerating production automobile, achieving a zero-to-sixty mph time of less than 3.2 seconds and a 0-100-0 time in a mere 12.6 seconds.

Road-going examples were powered by a 1.8-liter engine while the more-power Evolution examples were given a 2.1-liter unit.

The Ford RS200 Evo competition variant was intended to conquer FIA's popular Group B formula. However, the series was canceled before Ford had a chance to fully develop the RS200's potential. The cars would go on to achieve great success in ice racing, hill climbs, rallycross, and many other forms of motorsport competition. Just 144 RS200s were produced, including the 24 Evolution variants.

This car, chassis 106, was custom-built to the standards of its first owner, Frank Profera of Sherman Oaks, California. It was designed as a road car but specified as a left-hand-drive Evolution model, finished in white and given a fully trimmed interior. It rested on Speedline split racing wheels, fitted with power steering, a suede-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, and rally-spec AP Racing brakes. The standard Evolution produced around 500 horsepower; this example produced 600 hp, as indicated on the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin. This extra horsepower was achieved through the use of ported MK II heads, larger turbocharger, and IMSA-spec intercooler. It also received a cockpit adjustable-boost dial and a 4-inch works rally exhaust system.

The car was completed and prepared for delivery to California in the spring of 1989. When new, it demanded a retail price of £63,357.55. The car was acquired by Frank Profera of Sherman Oaks, California. Surprisingly, he was not satisfied with its performance and eventually sent the engine to Brian Hart Limited in Essex, UK for additional tuning. Mr. Hart was one of the individuals who had overseen the development of the RS200 Evolution engine for Ford Motorsport. Mr. Hart, along with East Coast Racing, designed a second ECU, with full mapping for street use, along with other modifications for strength and reliability. Upon completion, the engine produced an astonishing 704 BHP at 8000 RPM and 535 lbs/ft of torque.

Jonathan Beck of Mansfeld, United Kingdom acquired the car in 2003. It was sold two years later to Phil Richardson of Burlington, Ontario, Canada. In 2010, it returned to the United Kingdom and into the care of David Kedward. It was sold once more to its current caretaker, who treated it to a sympathetic restoration.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2015