Reviving a Group B Legend: 1985 Ford RS200 EVO Drive & Review

Today we talk about the legendary Ford RS200 Evo. A 1 of 20, this car was killed off after Group B rally was banned after 2 accidents involving the iconic RS200. Sit back and watch Mark reviewing the car and taking it on the street and unleashing all 600hp of group B nostalgia this car has to offer!
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[@tankjones513]

I dream of just being able to drive one of these some day, let alone own one. ❤ A piece of racing history right there!

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@chrisbiewer-rallye-info]

That’s a lovely and very rare car, thanks for showing it to us! There were accidents with the Ford RS200, but the main reason groupB was cancelled was not the RS200 but the accident of Henri Toivonen & Sergio Cresto in the very flimsy Lancia Delta S4. In competition the RS200 had around 420BHP. This is because they had the 1.8L Turbo engine at first. The RS200 Evo then had the 2.1L Turbo engine. They were planned for the World Rally Championship 1987, but by that time groupB was banned. Only 20 of these 2.1L Evos have been built, they all were meant to be rallied, but the ban came first. So you got one out of only 20! A mild correction also with the production numbers at 4:14 : Not 500 were supposed to be made, only 200. Ford (Reliant) assembled 200 more or less loosely for the FIA to come and do their maths. But even with these 200 Ford had worries if they could sell them. So I think it was 45 that were dismantled again as spare parts for the rally team. And unusual for a groupB manufacturer, for an Evo version you should make an extra 20 cars, but Ford took 20 of the original batch and changed the chassis numbers. This explains as well why even these 20 Evos showed differences. i.e. yours doesn’t have the “Mickey Mouse” ears that most RS200s had. One example how this came along: RS200 chassis 012 of 200 was rallied by Stig Blomqvist in the BRC Welsh Rally in spring 86. After the rally the engine was swapped to the bigger 2.1L and it was used as an Evo development car with new chassis ID 201, even though only 200 were made. Therefore I would guess your RS200 may well be from 1985, but started life as a 1.8 and was converted by the works rally team to a 2.1 Evo some time mid 1986, just before the groupB ban came.

[@Tonsofgas]

If you could post a little more details that would be great 🤗🤣👊🏻

[@jacobjensen408]

GREAT GREAT car, I was born in 1974 my dad have now had his car work shop for more then 50 year, where I grow up watching group B and the reel formula 1 turbo area, BIG congrats with the cars, and how fast you have made some of the best car contest on YT, looking forward to your next move.

[@Tonsofgas]

Thank u sir- more coming soon

[@Ruben-Mazereeuw]

One of the things i like on the RS200 are the rallylights in the front bumper. They are nicely integrated and looks awesome on the car. It makes it a real rally car and recognizable from a mile away👌 But yeah whats not to like on a RS200 with 600HP❤

[@Tonsofgas]

Fun stuff- thanks for watching

[@keepithd2010]

Yeah well there were three different horsepowers a 250 a 300 HP and a 600hp and the 600hp was 3.30 to 60 and it's not really an everyday driver but if you don't care it's fun to drive it's just that I really don't care what type of stereo you have if you wanted to have one the car is just way too loud but very very fun to drive especially with that type of transmission it's beautiful

[@robocop3961]

Have you seen the RS200 Evo ii (2) It came with 700hp from factory to the public!! 😮

[@samisoniosborne5288]

Badass. Great content binging on your vids. Keep up the great work.

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks- working on it

[@gsmith207]

cant imagine 6hundo hp in this little animal! what a rush! thanks for ride along!

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks for viewing

[@thugnastyhector]

Super nice sound! Keep this series coming!

[@Tonsofgas]

More coming soon

[@MoeVarachia]

Thank you for show casing all your cars. You have by far one of the nicest private collections I've seen.

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks I appreciate that’s

[@UniquelyTerribleAtGolf]

One of the coolest pieces of car history there is. Glad to see someone actually take this beaut out once in a while and actually enjoy its experience 👌👌

[@Tonsofgas]

Drove of yesterday

[@ImKappa]

You are one lucky man!! that is the most beautiful car i have ever seen in my lifetime, I also realized your thumbnail has been my desktop backgroun for the past few months! Hope to see her in person sometime!

[@Tonsofgas]

Ha- that’s awesome bro

[@markc1456]

top video and car! you are a lucky man ! awesome to see you drive it on the streets!

[@Tonsofgas]

Thank u sir

[@DavidVlogz]

What a cool car can’t wait to see more of your collection

[@Tonsofgas]

More coming soon

[@SALASAN1977]

Coolest guy on KZbin!!! Coolest car collection ever!!! Tks a lot for sharing the merrit of having such great cars!!! Cheers from Brazil!!!

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks Sal for the kind words and all the way from Brazil- so cool!

[@financialprospects3058]

Fantastic video and thank you for taking the time to show your stunning collection. Would be nice to see what the main differences are between RS200 and RS200 Evo

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@chrisbiewer-rallye-info]

The main difference really is the engine. The RS200 is quite heavy for a groupB car. And groupB rules had an interesting minimum weight formula to some kind level the competition. The bigger the engine, the higher the minimum weight. Before the RS200 was the Escort RS1700T that was lighter with only RWD. But then 4WD started to conquer the rally world and the RS1700T was cancelled after all its 200 1.8L Turbo engines were already finished. So it made a lot of sense to use these existing 1.8L engines for the RS200 and concentrate the development entirely on layout, balance, handling. This meant from the word go the RS200 was an ectremely well balanced and capable car. The only downside was it could never even near reach its permitted minimum weight. So the main attention for the Evo was to have a more powerful engine to suit the weight class the RS200 was in. And this then is the only real difference, original RS200 has 1803cc, the RS200 Evo is 2090cc, quite a steep increase, but other than this not much improvement was needed.

[@FUBBA]

Your channel grew quickly since my last visit!

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks man

[@carlchayer2045]

Awesome car!! Thanks for sharing

[@Tonsofgas]

Yes sir

[@denniscarvalho8370]

So awesome.....thank you for sharing

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks Dennis

[@TheNightKing22]

What a LEGENDARY car. You must feel extremely special to be able to get behind the wheel of that little rascal. 🏆🙌🏻⚡️

[@Tonsofgas]

It’s an amazing car

[@Alanst1xx]

Thanks man that is so raw must feel crazy to drive. So i wonder how many of them actually got raced privately and how many are still around

[@Tonsofgas]

Yeah I’m not sure of what’s left but there is a decent amount, they just aren’t evos

[@MinibikeMadness]

Sick rides, love the group b cars

[@Tonsofgas]

I agree

[@koolkev75]

Great stuff man, keep the videos coming 🔥👍👍

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@salt1733]

god, the noises. one of my favorite looking and sounding cars, especially by ford.

[@Tonsofgas]

Insane

[@markscenic8331]

Wow an original Evo! Amazing. It was a disaster for Ford in period though as they didn't get a chance to develop the car in competition as Group B was banned and never won a WRC event. They were overweight and the Evo was never rallied.

[@Tonsofgas]

Yeah what a car huh?insane for the mid 80’s

[@MLGB0Yz]

Never knew about this car, it’s now one of my favorites wow

[@Tonsofgas]

Absolutely

[@andrewtaylor2067]

Just a clarification, the RS200 never won a race!! He was right with his first statement about Audi dominating. However it is one of the coolest cars ever produced period, and I would love to own one!

[@Tonsofgas]

Correct only 122

[@bartketelbuters542]

Somewhere around 1994 I saw one in my school, exhibited during the 'open doors' of the school. But I didn't know what I was looking at back then.

[@Tonsofgas]

Pretty cool cars for the time

[@S.Matt240]

That thing had to be so expensive but damn what a badass and unique car

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@joewright6380]

wow that's awesome. looks like the rear end wants to dance when the turbo kicks must be a hand full under boost

[@Tonsofgas]

It’s bananas

[@Andyc351]

Group B required 200 cars to be built for homologation. Ford did build all 200 cars but 52 were dismantled after homologation was approved.

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@weedaviec]

What a machine. Love the Group B cars. You should try to get your hands on a Metro 6R4. After Group B expired they struggled to sell the road versions and you could have had 6R4 for about $20k at the time.

[@Tonsofgas]

Love those

[@swift__]

Group B ftw🤘🏻🤘🏻 … love the red steering wheel

[@Tonsofgas]

I know right

[@grantbattle4911]

Great video mate lovely car I'm sure they made this because of the quattro because just before this they was making an escort mk3 1700t but they only made a couple an then scrapped the idea love your passion for these parts of cars not many people collect these an show off

[@Tonsofgas]

Good day Mate!

[@deanoscott]

Still a few 17t kicking around but yeah you are right. Rwd in the 17t wouldn't have been competitive in the various conditions. It was said the 17t was quicker on tarmac than the quattro.

[@d.b.s.6381]

This is one of the coolest cars Ford ever made. We need an updated modern version with the same features, like the mid-engine and working roof scoop.

[@Tonsofgas]

I agree

[@vilewisher8786]

Imagine walking down the street in your neighborhood and seeing someone just casually rip it down your street in an RS200. 🤣 Guy at 8:32 was definitely peeping like "What the hell kinda Ford is that?!" Haha, wild stuff!

[@Tonsofgas]

Crazy huh?

[@alexanderaugust7834]

Beautiful little car. 600hp out of an I4 is insane.

[@Tonsofgas]

Agreed- it’s bananas on the road

[@123shortvideos9]

It was so beautiful hearing the noise of this ford 😌

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@nick-andre08]

We own a RS200 Evo2 which is a rallycross spec. It has 749hp and Runs 2.1-2.5 bar. We use it in rallycross still. Search up Jan Arthur Iversen RS200 Evo

[@Tonsofgas]

Holy cow- that’s bananas

[@tylermcconaughey1712]

The Ford RS200 was and still is my #1 dream car... One day I will own one.

[@Tonsofgas]

It’s bananas

[@grantbattle4911]

I love to see that with a livery onnit

[@Tonsofgas]

Yes sir

[@asdqwe_9381]

such beautiful car

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@trap5sound865]

Thats awsome

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@keepithd2010]

Thanks for showing it it's really really nice .How much is this car going for and is it illegal in the US. Do you know what the zero to 60 and 1/4 Mi is in that Beast

[@Tonsofgas]

600k plus- mine is going on BAT auction soon

[@hannafordfitness1568]

Awesome car! Excuse my ignorance (you may have covered it). Is this car all wheel drive? Also, did you say that it didn’t have a clutch (crash box?). Thanks for sharing!

[@Tonsofgas]

Both

[@Dinoface96]

Another of the Grp.B legendary cars that i wish i able to get my hands on and rip the floor with it one day. Thou sire however, have earnth yerself new subbers for this amazing content.

[@Tonsofgas]

Thank u sir

[@CplCheeto]

my all time favorite car. my next would be the 1964 ginetta g4.

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks man

[@insid3493]

You know your a baller when you park your of of 160 Audi quattro sport on the street

[@Tonsofgas]

lol- true dat

[@shanethompson2915]

The full blown rally version was an animal.

[@Tonsofgas]

I agree but this being an evo has 600hp and I’m telling you it’s absolutely bananas

[@shanethompson2915]

@Tonsofgas back in the eights/ninetys the bosses son on a rally stage had his flat out hit a very small bump on a straight and went airborne the car rolled about 18 times.there was a tape of it flashed around work and the person who was filming at the time dropped the camera. The driver and his best friend the navigater did live to see another day.rob after that stopped his rallying days after that.

[@nerothostv]

600hp is crazy in such a light car 😂

[@dethpig420]

Holy SHIT that is BAD ass!!

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks bro

[@themaskedmusician4846]

I think this is my dream car

[@Tonsofgas]

Me two

[@cezelipatrick]

Although the RS200 is a cool Group B car it didn’t really win anything. Mark Lovell won the British Rally Championship but didn’t win an event. Not sure about European Rally Championship stuff but the RS200 didn’t really get a chance to shine. Love it btw - such a cool car.

[@Tonsofgas]

Yeah it was short lived

[@j.franklin4999]

My favorite Group B car since I was a teen in the mid-80's. I have to admit that I still cringe a little when I watch Martin Schanche drive the hell out of his in the European Rallycross vids. 😄

[@Tonsofgas]

It’s a blast to drive

[@esg_zom3319]

My dream car, I’d do anything just to see one in person

[@Tonsofgas]

It’s going live on BAT soon

[@Arun_Shaji]

👍

[@Tonsofgas]

Thanks

[@challacustica9049]

If they made a much less crazy version that looked like this with a mid engine I'd buy it.

[@Tonsofgas]

I agree

[@watanabeisamu1461]

美しいFORD Rs200 🎉エンジンCosworth 1.8🥰👍💯Japna 素敵動画を見てHappy 有難うございます❤

[@Tonsofgas]

Thank u sir 🙏

[@imbatukam]

Dudes casually driving a group b legend on the roads

[@Tonsofgas]

That’s how it’s done

[@jonathanparry7824]

It’s not a group b car, it’s a homologation or road going version, car company’s had to make a number of cars they wanted to race as actual cars and sell them

[@jdlc-df1ue]

I remember seeing this pop up for sale. And I live here. Then realized I couldn’t afford it. Lol. Is it still here in NE FL? I want to see it! Edit: never mind I just finished the video and that ain’t Florida. Love those cars though

[@Tonsofgas]

It came from Seattle then up north -

[@agt155]

Pretty sure you still need to use the clutch on a crash-box.

[@Tonsofgas]

Only on down shift

[@edmaluf]

What is that red lever besides the shift lever?

[@Tonsofgas]

Front to rear diffs

[@edmaluf]

@@Tonsofgas Thanks! 👍

[@airgunningyup]

wouldnt this have been the absolute fastest cars on the road in 85 ?? I cant think of anything that compares to those numbers.

[@Tonsofgas]

Yes sir

[@jonathanparry7824]

It was quick but not the fastest

[@airgunningyup]

@@jonathanparry7824 what was faster in the 1/4 mile?

[@deanoscott]

Where are the ears? Evos have the ears either side of the intercooler?

[@Tonsofgas]

Some did and some didn’t

[@deanoscott]

@Tonsofgas must admit I've always known evos to have ears. Got all the books aswell. Oh well learn something new today.

[@ottomans2876]

I remember seeing one of these for sale at a car show late 90's. £14,000 ono. Bargain for this car.

[@Tonsofgas]

Wow

[@henryovalles1163]

Like all your cars if I had the means I would own most of them and a jag xj220 the rs200 deff needs better wheels

[@Tonsofgas]

Yeah kinda blah

[@andrewh4118]

Wow wish I could treat a price of art like a price of crap. Could slam the doors some more.

[@Tonsofgas]

Brilliant English

[@dippingfool4785]

Buys legendary car. Knows basic knowledge of engines

[@Tonsofgas]

I’d run circles around you foolio

[@dippingfool4785]

@@Tonsofgas let's see who can take apart any engine and put it back together correctly. 🤣 not you

[@kennethbowman8999]

Not a blow off valve but it’s the actuator , too much money , not got a f--Ing clue 😂

[@Tonsofgas]

Yes sir- u got that right

[@AD-yy3it]

First time driving with a manual transmission?

[@Tonsofgas]

Correct- still trying to figure it out- been watching videos and my grandpa is coming this weekend to show me where the gears are- which one is the clutch? Middle or right pedal?

[@lriper4702]

If i owned this car, I would have done more than 10,000 miles per year with it…

[@Tonsofgas]

I’m trying

[@nicks9707]

They really dominated??? Should have done a bit of research. The RS200 was a dud as a rally car, third place was the best ever finish in the WRC, no wins whatsoever. Too heavy and too big a turbo lag. The evo is close to the rally car, though, which makes it a cool street car.

[@Tonsofgas]

Killed it

[@zakmckenzie1475]

800hp back then doesn't sound right ? Don't think they had that much power 🤔

[@Tonsofgas]

600

[@st939]

Gas pressure? Blow off valve? No clue, such a pity cars like this end up with clueless people who just don't know anything about them and don't drive them (or don't know how to).

[@Tonsofgas]

Yup- come pick it up. You are 100 percent correct. It’s yours free and clear

[@st939]

@@Tonsofgas I have enough of my own and I know what they are, how they work and what they do. I know their history and have respect. I advise the same approach for you.

[@carldouglasFL]

400k car

[@Tonsofgas]

500 but who’s counting

[@michaelmacleod]

It not 500 odd miles, really its not :-(

[@Tonsofgas]

Yeah ok buddy, makes sense! You outsmarted yourself

[@michaelmacleod]

@@Tonsofgas 85 Evo :-) you've been had.

[@gabrielmaggi2949]

600hp ?!?! Nah 240hp

[@Tonsofgas]

Some ppl are special kind of stupid

[@brianmurphy8790]

A terrible car to drive slowly and only any good when you wring it's neck.

[@Tonsofgas]

Correct-

[@javetjanedjavetjaned6690]

Rs 200 successfull in rally? Not in wrc. Make your homework...

[@Tonsofgas]

I skip school so there

[@chrisbiewer-rallye-info]

Well, it only did 3 WRC events (not counting Portugal) of which it came 3rd in Sweden and had a double lead in Greece before retirement. That was pretty good considering it was still not the final Evo version. It also won the titles of GB, Belgium and Holland.

[@etclarke]

embarrassing how badly this nugget drives this automotive legend. should be removed from his custody for neglect and abuse.

[@Tonsofgas]

Bahhahahahhahaha- what a bozo! I’d out drive you blind folded little Richard head