The Ford RS200 may not be as well-known in America as celebrities Tim Allen and Jay Leno, but it is an incredible car that deserves recognition. In a recent video, Allen and Leno take a deep dive into this homologation special and showcase its performance on public roads in the canyons of California.

Tim Allen owns a 1986 RS200, one of the limited street-legal versions that Ford built to comply with Group B rules. This particular model is equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine located behind the passenger compartment. Leno estimates that it produces around 240 horsepower, which is then transmitted to all four wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.

Both Allen and Leno express their disappointment that the RS200 and Group B rally racing never gained much popularity in the United States. Considering the car’s bold nature and impressive speed, this is somewhat surprising. Nevertheless, even in its street-legal form, the RS200 is an engineering marvel.

Unlike other Group B rally racers that were based on existing production cars, the RS200 was purpose-built for rallying. As a result, it does not share any ties with Ford’s current production models at the time. While the engine in the street car is not as powerful as the rally version, many other features are nearly identical.

Each corner of the RS200 is equipped with dual coilovers, and the body panels can be easily removed, just like in the rally car. The turbo lag, a characteristic of the rally version, is also present in the street-legal model. According to Leno, these features combine to provide an exhilarating driving experience.

Leno describes the RS200 as “great” and expresses his curiosity about how it would have felt in competition form. He goes on to say that with 250 horsepower, the car is incredible. In fact, he considers it one of his favorite cars to drive. The RS200’s laid-back suspension, turbo lag, and engaging drivetrain make it a standout performer, much like Allen and Leno themselves.

The video accompanying this article provides a visual representation of the RS200’s capabilities. It showcases the car’s sleek design and powerful performance as it navigates the winding roads of California. The footage captures the essence of what makes the RS200 such a special vehicle.

In conclusion, the Ford RS200 may not have achieved the same level of fame as Tim Allen and Jay Leno, but it is undoubtedly a remarkable car. Its unique design and impressive performance make it a standout in the world of rally racing. Allen and Leno’s enthusiasm for the RS200 only further solidifies its status as a true automotive gem.