Loading

How much was a Ford RS200 new?


The Ford RS200 is a legendary rally car that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its unique design and impressive performance, the RS200 was originally built to compete in Group B rally racing during the 1980s. But how much did this iconic car cost when it was first released? Let’s dive into the details.


The Original Price of the Ford RS200


When the Ford RS200 was launched in 1984, it was priced at approximately £50,000 in the UK. This price reflected its advanced engineering, including a mid-mounted turbocharged engine, four-wheel drive, and a lightweight fiberglass body. Adjusted for inflation, this would be significantly higher in today’s currency, making it a premium vehicle even by modern standards.


Why Was the RS200 So Expensive?


The high price of the Ford RS200 can be attributed to several factors:



  • Advanced Engineering: The RS200 was designed specifically for rally racing, featuring cutting-edge technology for its time, such as a turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive.

  • Limited Production: Only 200 units were produced to meet homologation requirements for Group B rallying, making it a rare and exclusive vehicle.

  • Specialized Design: The car’s unique design, including its fiberglass body and mid-engine layout, required specialized manufacturing processes that added to its cost.


The RS200's Legacy


Although the Ford RS200 had a short-lived career in rally racing due to the cancellation of Group B in 1986, it remains a highly sought-after collector’s car. Its rarity and historical significance have caused its value to skyrocket over the years, with well-preserved examples fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions today.


For car enthusiasts, the Ford RS200 is more than just a vehicle; it’s a piece of automotive history that represents a golden era of rally racing. Whether you’re a fan of its engineering or its racing pedigree, the RS200 continues to be a symbol of innovation and performance.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Ford RS200 worth?


Silverstone Auctions estimates the Ford RS200 S could sell for anywhere between £300,000 ($AU520,000) to £350,000 ($AU607,000) when it goes to auction on 25 February 2023.



Is the Ford RS200 rare?


But beyond the Escort RS models and Sierra Cosworths, there is one British performance Ford much rarer and more valuable: the Ford RS200. Ford built the RS200 in the 1908s to take on Group B Rallying, which meant producing 200 cars to qualify.



How many RS200 did Ford make?


Papers retained by Bob Howe who was responsible for the RS200 sales programme show that only 148 cars were ever fully assembled and some of those were prototypes and some were written off early in their life so maybe 140 remain, many of which have now been traced.



How much HP does RS200 have?


Modenas Pulsar RS200 (2021) powered by 200 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 24.2 hp maximum power at 9,750 RPM and 8.6 Nm maximum torque at 8,000 RPM. It is available in three color options which are Pearl White, Pewter Grey, and Burn Red.



Is it worth buying RS200?


Bajaj pulsar rs 200 is a beast. It is the best bike of its segment. It is worthy bike. Good handling , sharp braking , good performance, low end lags little but it's quite manageable and phenomenal.



How many RS200 are left?


There are 31,054,353 cars & other vehicles with valid MOTs. There are 6 FORD RS200 left in the UK with an MOT. 0.0000% of all UK vehicles are FORD RS200.



How many people died in the Ford RS200?


On the first stage of the 1986 Rally Portugal, Joaquim Santos lost control of his Ford RS200 while trying to avoid spectators on the road, crashing into a crowd of spectators, killing three and injuring over thirty.



What is RS200 top speed?


140.8kmph
The Pulsar RS200 is powered by a 200cc liquid-cooled motor that churns out 24.2bhp at 9,750rpm and 18.7Nm at 8,000rpm. It comes linked to a six-speed gearbox and the rated top speed stands at 140.8kmph. The Bajaj Pulsar RS200 gets LED illumination, dual-channel ABS, and a semi-digital instrument console.



Why was the RS200 banned?


Unfortunately, the amped performance of more than 420 turbocharged horsepower gave way to devastating consequences for Group B cars, including the RS200, labeled by officials as too quick and too dangerous. This Ford rally car also suffered from touchy handling and significant turbo lag.



Are Ford RS200 street legal?


It's one of the few street-legal versions built specifically to conform to Group B rally racing rules.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.