1986 Ford RS200 EVO

OVERVIEW

1986 Ford RS200 Evo
VIN: SFACXX8J2CGL00106
Evo: 216

Of the 146 RS200s sold - including the 24 Evolution variants - chassis 106 might well be the finest example ever to leave the Ford Motorsport works in Boreham, UK.

According to factory records, chassis 106 was custom-tailored to the exacting standards of its first owner, Frank Profera of Sherman Oaks, California. Intended for use as an exhilarating road car, this RS200 was specified as a left-hand-drive Evolution model, finished in white and outfitted with a fully trimmed interior, Speedline split racing wheels, power steering, a suede-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, and rally-spec AP Racing brakes. As indicated on the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, this bespoke RS200 developed 600 hp - nearly 100 hp more than a standard Evolution - through the use of a ported Mk II head, larger turbocharger, IMSA-spec intercooler, cockpit adjustable-boost dial, and 4 inch works rally exhaust system. Completed and prepared for delivery to California in spring 1989, this specially tuned RS200 commanded a lofty retail price of 63,357.55 Pounds ($93,509.)

Amazingly, the RS200’s initial performance was not enough to satisfy Mr. Profera, who eventually sent the engine to Brian Hart Limited in Essex, UK, for further tuning. Mr. Hart had overseen the development of the RS200 Evolution engine for Ford Motorsport, and his reputation for creating high-performance engines was well known throughout the racing world. Working in tandem with East Coast Racing, Mr. Hart designed a second ECU, with full mapping for street use, along with other modifications for reliability and strength. The result was an engine that produced 704 bhp at 8,000 rpm with 535 lbs./ft of torque at 5,550 rpm.

In a letter written by Bob Howe, a former vehicle development manager who worked on the RS200 project with Ford Motorsport, he testifies to chassis 106’s revered status. 'In my opinion the changes Frank made turned this car into the most unique example of the RS200 anywhere; certainly I don’t know of another which has been boosted so much, made safer and legal for road use as well as having been made civilized,’ Howe wrote.

Since leaving Mr. Profera’s hands in 2003, the RS200 has been owned and maintained by prominent collectors including David Kedward, a noted UK enthusiast with a passion for historically significant rally cars.

In the care of the previous owner, chassis 106 was faithfully and sympathetically restored. Autometric European & Exotics in Pontiac, Michigan, refinished the RS200’s exotic bodywork while Hall of Fame Designs of Dearborn, Michigan, carefully re-trimmed the interior in correct OEM materials. Once the cosmetic restoration was completed, RM Motorsports of Wixom, Michigan, a firm specializing in Ford racing cars, oversaw the final assembly process and meticulously overhauled the car’s chassis and mechanical components.

The unique combination of rare factory options and performance upgrades, Brian Hart’s engine development, superb provenance, and outstanding presentation, make chassis 106 a particularly fascinating and desirable RS200. For the forward-thinking collector, this one-of-a-kind RS200 Evolution is a true prize, and it represents an exciting opportunity to acquire what many would consider to be the holy grail of Group B homologation specials.