A little early for Christmas, I know, but this year I’d like a large portion of 20/20 hindsight. Browsing the Christies website, we came across this Ford RS200. One of a limited series of Evolution RS200’s, this car was built for Stig Blomqvist. Here’s Christies rundown:
This exceptional RS200 Evolution was originally built specifically for Blomqvist and features a unique mix of performance and luxury. The Brian Hart-built engine has been dyno-tested at an amazing 628bhp at 7,000rpm and to cope with the transfer of power, a close ratio, heavy duty Endean transaxle was adopted along with suitably adequate prop and drive shafts. It also has variable 2/4 wheel driveability by which one can alter the drive from four wheel to two wheel and even a 36/64 split while on the move using the small red lever nestled along side the gearshift, this option usually only found on the Works rally cars. To combat this incredible forward propensity, the Works looked to Formula One technology for the braking system, thus vented and cross drilled AP items were fitted and Aeroquip hoses used throughout. A full mechanical specification list can be supplied upon request. Further, this RS200 features electric windows and mirrors, power steering and uniquely so, has the seats leather-trimmed.
In 1989 when the current owner went in search of an RS200 Evolution, the factory had sold them all but due to his close relationship with Ford, they asked Blomqvist if he would consider giving up his personal road car. He had covered just over a thousand kilometers in the car thus it was barely run in, but following negotiation a deal was struck and the buyer was smitten – even Jackie Stewart sent him a congratulatory letter! Before taking ownership the current owner was fortunate enough to passenger Blomqvist for some high speed demo laps around the Boreham test facility and prior to dispatchment to the USA a mph odometer was fitted. The initial intention was to run the car at the prestigious Pikes Peak Hillclimb but instead this special RS200 was spared from competition. Displaying a mere 54 miles on the new odometer (therefore totaling approximately 700 miles from new) it has been rarely used and has been privileged with a garaged existence since arriving in the US. Despite this, servicing has been regularly carried out, often by respected race specialists Holman & Moody and while not driven in anger for some years, the car is described as on the button. It should be noted that in light of its originally intended imported use, this RS200 has never been registered for road use in the USA and is being sold on a bill of sale only.
Unfortunately, the auction was in 2005 and car sold for just under $130,000. We’d be interested to contact the new owner, as if he still has it, his money will have done considerably better sitting in the RS200 than it could possibly have at the hands of the banking industry this last half decade.
Quite what it would be worth now is open to debate, but with Blomqvist as a previous owner, plus the upgrades, it’s probably the best non-competition RS200 we’ve read about.
