For decades, the World Rally Championship has been more than just a battleground for automotive titans; it has been a crucible for innovation, a proving ground where manufacturers pushed the boundaries of engineering to create machines capable of conquering the planet’s most unforgiving terrains. At the heart of this exhilarating saga are the homologation specials – road-going versions of these rally monsters, born from the necessity of racing rules but forged with a passion that transcends mere compliance.
These weren’t just cars; they were statements. Each homologation special represents a direct lineage to a championship-contending rally car, offering enthusiasts a taste of the raw power, agility, and uncompromising focus that defined the golden eras of WRC. From the scream of a turbocharged engine to the tactile feedback of a chassis designed for punishing stages, these vehicles embody the very spirit of motorsport, making them incredibly desirable for any serious collector.
Today, these rally-bred machines stand as testaments to an era of unbridled automotive ambition, transitioning from track heroes to highly sought-after collector’s items. We’re about to embark on a journey through some of the most rare and significant WRC rally homologations, cars that are not just excellent buys but also encapsulate the very essence of rally history.
1. **Audi Quattro**When you talk about game-changers in the World Rally Championship, the Audi Quattro stands alone as a true pioneer. Colin Clark vividly recalls it as “the coolest car we ever saw” during his childhood, a machine that felt “like something from another world” compared to the mundane vehicles of the time. This car didn’t just turn heads; it fundamentally redefined what was possible in rallying, introducing the revolutionary concept of four-wheel drive to the sport.
Its impact was immediate and profound, establishing a new paradigm that every competitor would eventually have to follow. The Quattro’s significance wasn’t immediately apparent to everyone in its early days, but its presence signalled a shift that would echo through the decades of motorsport. It proved that traction and stability across diverse surfaces were keys to victory, leading Audi to secure Group B driver’s titles in both 1983 and 1984, cementing its place in history.
The evolution of this legend continued with the fearsome Sport Quattro S1, a direct response to the nimbler, mid-engined Peugeot 205 T16. To compete, Audi drastically shortened the Quattro’s wheelbase by a significant 12.6cm and extensively utilized lightweight materials such as glass-fibre, kevlar, and carbon-fibre for its body panels. Under the bonnet, Audi’s distinctive five-cylinder engine was honed to perfection, featuring a massive turbocharger capable of producing an astounding 44psi of boost pressure.
This engineering marvel resulted in a 1,200kg rally car that could sprint from 0-62mph in a breathtaking 3.5 seconds on any surface. Despite Group B’s tragically premature end in 1986, the Quattro’s legacy endured. Its iconic status, reinforced by appearances in popular culture like the British TV show *Ashes to Ashes*, continues to resonate, reminding us of the audacious spirit of an era when rally cars were truly, madly, dangerous, and utterly captivating.
Car Model Information: 2022 Audi e-tron Sportback S line Premium Plus
Name: Audi Quattro B2 (85)
Manufacturer: Audi
Aka: Ur-Quattro
Production: 1980–1991,11,452 produced
Assembly: Ingolstadt
Designer: Jörg Bensinger,Walter Treser,Ferdinand Piëch,Franz Tengler (transmission),Martin Smith (designer)
Class: Mid-size car,rallying
BodyStyle: coupé
Platform: Volkswagen B platform#B2
Related: Audi 80#B2
Layout: longitudinal engine,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout,all-wheel drive
Engine: SOHC,2.2 L SOHC 10v I5 (turbo) (1987–1989),DOHC
Transmission: manual transmission
Wheelbase: 2524 mm
Abbr: on
Length: 4404 mm
Width: 1722 mm
Height: 1346 mm
Weight: 1290 kg
Sp: uk
Predecessor: Audi 100 Coupé S
Successor: Audi S2
Categories: 1990s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, Articles with hAudio microformats, Articles with short description, Audi racing cars
Summary: The Audi Quattro is a road and rally car, produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group. It was first shown at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show on 3 March. Production continued through 1991.
Get more information about: Audi Quattro
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Audi Model: Quattro
Price: $29,994 Mileage: 29,726 mi.
Read more about: Maintenance Shame? 15 High-Cost Vehicles That Make People Pity Your Wallet Immediately
2. **Ford RS200**The Ford RS200 is arguably the greatest “what if” story in the annals of WRC history, a testament to the raw ambition and tragic curtailment of rallying’s Group B era. For James Bowen, its heritage and legacy were deeply personal, rooted in growing up in Es, a county synonymous with Ford’s cultural significance in Britain. This car wasn’t just a machine; it was a legend passed down through stories.
It was one of the most visually striking and frankly audacious rally cars ever conceived. Ford had initially tried to adapt the Escort MkIII, but the project faced insurmountable issues, leading them to start fresh with a ground-up design for a four-wheel-drive monster. The RS200’s radical layout featured a mid-mounted 1.8-litre Cosworth engine, capable of churning out up to 450PS (336kW) in its fearsome racing trim. Power was ingeniously routed forwards to a front-mounted gearbox, then distributed to all four wheels via a central differential.
The road-going version, a rare beast with only 200 examples, offered an experience that was anything but comfortable, designed with an unwavering focus on performance rather than everyday usability. To make the car somewhat resemble a Ford for homologation purposes, designers cleverly incorporated components from the parts bin, such as Sierra rear lights, doors, and the front windscreen. The result was a low-slung body and a short wheelbase that contributed to its distinctive and aggressive aesthetic.
The historical connection to Boreham, a former WWII airfield turned proving ground in Es where Ford’s competition cars were developed, further cements the RS200’s legendary status. Despite its promising start, the RS200’s brief rallying career was overshadowed by two high-profile fatal crashes, tragically contributing to the decision to ban the mighty Group B era. Yet, its incredible engineering and compelling backstory ensure its enduring appeal as a prized collector’s item.
Read more about: Decoding the Market: 10 Classic Imports Collectors Pass On and Why
3. **Subaru Impreza WRX STi**For a generation of enthusiasts, especially in America, the Subaru Impreza WRX STi wasn’t just a car; it was an aspiration. Brenten Kelly perfectly articulates this sentiment, recalling how “Everybody wanted an STi when I was in school.” It embodied a blend of raw performance, distinctive styling, and genuine rally pedigree that set it apart from typical high-performance vehicles, creating a powerful cultural phenomenon.
This desire was ignited and amplified by its presence in rallying, particularly when heroes like Ken Block and Travis Pastrana were seen “competing in them [which] really brought the thing to life.” Unlike the exotic sports cars that felt out of reach or impractical for many, the Subaru offered a usable, exhilarating package, especially for those living in challenging environments. As Kelly put it, “I lived in Michigan in the woods – what use was a Lambo anyway? But a Subaru, that was something special. Something I could jump, to fly around in.”
The Impreza WRX STi, particularly the late 1990s and early 2000s models, transcended mere transportation, creating a dedicated enthusiast culture that continues to thrive today, notably within organizations like the ARA. Its distinctive shape and rally-proven capabilities meant that “whenever you see one of those on the road, it just makes you smile.” These were the peak cars, embodying a perfect synergy between motorsport success and road-going desirability.
While the Impreza and STi names have evolved, the allure of those classic models remains undiminished. They represent a period when rally cars for the road were at their most potent and influential, offering a direct, visceral connection to the World Rally Championship. These specific cars, celebrated for their robust all-wheel-drive systems and powerful turbocharged boxer engines, are now cherished collector’s items, symbolizing a unique chapter in performance automotive history.
Car Model Information: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE
Name: Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Caption: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Sedan (3rd generation)
Manufacturer: Subaru
Production: 1994–2014
Assembly: Ōta, Gunma
Predecessor: Subaru Legacy (first generation)
Successor: Subaru WRX STI
Class: Sport compact,World Rally Car
BodyStyle: Compact Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, Hatchback
Layout: Front-engine design
Engine: Subaru EJ engine
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles needing additional references, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles needing additional references from July 2025, Articles with short description
Summary: The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a high performance model of the Subaru Impreza compact car line, manufactured by Japanese automaker Fuji Heavy Industries Subaru.
In 1988, FHI created Subaru Tecnica International (STi) as its motorsport division to develop and compete in the FIA World Rally Championship and other motorsports activities. Following the introduction of the first generation Impreza in November 1992 and the following year’s debut of the Group A rally car into the WRC, an ‘STi version’ was made commercially available in January 1994 as a homologation model under FIA regulations. Thereafter, subsequent evolutions dubbed STi Version or simply STI were manufactured and sold alongside the Impreza model lineup initially in Japan only and later in selected world markets. As the STi or STI model was typically the highest spec of the Impreza, it has become popular with performance enthusiasts, tuners and amateur racers in many motorsports disciplines especially rallying and circuit driving.
FHI has released many different models and versions including special limited editions of the WRX STI. However many of these versions were and are only available in the Japanese Domestic Market. Although the concept behind the STI model is taking a base model such as the Impreza or Legacy and further developing it for high performance, STI models fall mainly into 2 categories. The first is a fully developed and tested model with the purpose of homologating it for motorsports which is sold as a street legal road car. The second is a complete car pre-fitted from the factory with parts that are available from the STI catalogue and marketed as a ‘Tuned by STI’ model. Spin-off models with mainly cosmetic additions or alterations are also marketed usually in limited quantities.
Get more information about: Subaru Impreza WRX STI
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Subaru Model: Impreza WRX STi
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.
Read more about: Evaluating the Best: A MotorTrend Deep Dive into 2025’s Adaptive Cruise System Potential
4. **Ford Escort RS Cosworth**The Ford Escort RS Cosworth burst onto the scene as a trailblazer, delivering “supercar looks and performance to the masses” in a package designed for the World Rally Championship’s Group A class. For Dan Pilling, an indelible memory of a pre-production model and a thrilling test drive at the Dagenham factory forged an immediate, lifelong connection. The car’s visual identity, defined by its instantly recognizable “silhouette,” made it an icon from day one.
Its breathtaking aesthetics were more than just styling cues; they were functional elements of its rally-bred design. The most striking feature, the now-legendary “picnic bench rear spoiler,” contributed significantly to the car’s aerodynamics, making it the “first road car to generate both front and rear downforce.” This aggressive aero kit, combined with flared wheel arches and a purposeful stance, gave the Cosworth an undeniable road presence.
Underneath the familiar Escort bodywork lay the floor pan of a Sierra, ingeniously adapted to accommodate the car’s advanced four-wheel-drive system. Power came from Cosworth’s renowned four-cylinder YBT engine, initially producing 230PS (169kW). Early versions featured a large turbocharger, which, while potent, was later swapped for a smaller unit to improve drivability. This setup still delivered exhilarating performance, with a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds, a figure that ensures the Cosworth “still feels quick today.”
Despite its impressive rally performance, which saw it “do pretty well and really should have won the world championship with François Delecour,” the Escort RS Cosworth never quite clinched the ultimate WRC title. Nevertheless, its unique blend of accessible performance, iconic design, and rally heritage, coupled with its “famously poor security” that made it a “poster child for the joyride generation of the late ‘90s,” firmly cemented its place as a revered collector’s item.
Car Model Information: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE
Name: Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Manufacturer: Ford of Europe
Production: February 1992 – January 1996,7,145 produced
Assembly: Rheine
Designer: ubl
Class: Rally car,Hot hatch
BodyStyle: hatchback
Related: Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Layout: Longitudinal engine,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Engine: ubl
Transmission: Ford MT75 transmission
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: cvt
Width: cvt
Height: cvt
Weight: cvt
Sp: uk
Predecessor: Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Successor: Ford Focus (first generation)#RS
Categories: 1990s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2025
Summary: The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a homologation special of the fifth generation European Ford Escort. It was designed to qualify as a Group A car for the World Rally Championship in which it competed between 1993 and 1998. It was available as a road car from 1992 until 1996. The powertrain was only fitted to this version of the Escort, a longitudinally mounted Cosworth YBT, a highly tunable turbocharged 2.0 L (1,993 cc) inline-four engine which had an output of 227 PS (167 kW; 224 bhp) in standard trim.
Get more information about: Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Ford Model: Escort RS Cosworth
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.
Read more about: Beyond the Hype: 14 Classic Cars That Haven’t Held Their Value in Today’s Market
5. **Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI TME**The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition stands as a towering testament to the zenith of the Group A era in the World Rally Championship, embodying the perfect balance between race-bred performance and attainable road car status. Alasdair Lindsay perfectly captures the longing for this machine, lamenting being “10 years too young” to acquire one when they could be had for a mere £20,000.
This particular Evo VI isn’t just a car; it’s a specific, highly coveted piece of rally history. Its rarity is compounded by desirable specifications, such as the “Passion Red with the Ralliart sticker pack” combination, of which a mere 212 examples were ever produced – less than 10% of all Evo VI TMEs. This scarcity, naturally, has driven prices skyward, with chassis 001 famously breaking the six-figure mark at auction, signaling its firm status as a collector’s dream.
Distinguishing features are paramount for collectors, and the TME delivers with its “must-have” 17-inch Enkei WRC wheels and the distinctive 6.5-spec front bumper. These elements are not just cosmetic; they are direct links to the car’s rally success, embodying the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” ethos that was at its most literal during this glorious era of rallying. The emotional connection for enthusiasts is palpable, representing a time when true rally machines were within reach.
The Evo VI TME is more than a fast car; it represents a cultural moment, a symbol of high-performance rallying brought directly to the road. Its precise handling, powerful turbocharged engine, and direct lineage to Tommi Mäkinen’s championship-winning machine make it an irreplaceable piece for any motorsport aficionado. It stands as a vibrant reminder of an exciting period in WRC, making it an exceptionally compelling and valuable acquisition for today’s discerning collector.
Having journeyed through some of the initial titans of WRC homologation, we now steer our focus towards another compelling roster of rally-bred machines, each possessing a unique narrative of innovation, championship pedigree, and an undeniable allure for the discerning collector. These vehicles are not merely automotive artifacts; they are vibrant chapters in the ongoing saga of rally history, showcasing engineering prowess and a relentless pursuit of performance that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. From Group A stalwarts to modern marvels, these cars represent the diverse and thrilling landscape of World Rally Championship legacy on public roads.
Car Model Information: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE
Name: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Caption: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors
Production: 1992–2016
BodyStyle: sedan (car),station wagon
Assembly: Japan:,{{blist,Okazaki, Aichi,Kurashiki, Okayama
Class: Sport compact car
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Engine: Straight-four engine,Mitsubishi Sirius engine#4G63,Mitsubishi 4B1 engine#4B11T
Transmission: Twin Clutch SST,5-speed automatic (2002, 2006–2007),manual transmission,6-speed manual (2003–2008)
Predecessor: Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Related: Mitsubishi Lancer,Mitsubishi Lancer WRC,Mitsubishi Racing Lancer
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All articles needing additional references
Summary: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, popularly referred to as the “Evo”, is a sports sedan and rally car based on the Lancer that was manufactured by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1992 until 2016. There have been ten official versions to date, and the designation of each model is most commonly a Roman numeral. All generations use two-litre intercooled turbo inline four-cylinder engines and all-wheel drive systems.
The Lancer was originally intended only for Japanese markets, but demand on the “grey import” market led the Evolution series to be offered through Ralliart dealer networks in the United Kingdom and in various European markets from around 1998. Mitsubishi decided to export the eighth generation Evolution to the United States in 2003 after witnessing the success Subaru had in that market the previous year with the Subaru Impreza WRX.
All domestic-market versions, until the release of the Evolution IX in 2005, were limited by a gentlemen’s agreement between Japanese car manufacturers to advertise no more than 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). However, sources say Mitsubishi had already been producing cars with more power but had been underrating the official power outputs in order to comply with the agreement. Therefore, each subsequent version has unofficially evolved above the advertised power figures, with the Japanese-market Evolution IX reaching an alleged output of around 320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp). Various special versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 446 PS (328 kW; 440 hp).
The tenth and final generation of the Lancer Evolution, the Evolution X, was launched in Japan in 2007, and overseas markets in 2008. The Evolution X was produced for almost 10 years until Mitsubishi retired the Lancer Evolution in April 2016.
Get more information about: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Mitsubishi Model: Lancer Evolution VI
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.
Read more about: Navigating the 2025 Fuel Economy Landscape: An In-Depth Analysis for Discerning Automotive Purchases
6. **Lancia Delta Integrale**The Lancia Delta HF Integrale, particularly its second evolution, stands as a testament to the blend of Italian passion and engineering precision that defined a glorious era of rallying. For enthusiasts like David Evans, the car’s appeal transcended its technical specifications, focusing instead on the visceral connection forged through details like its Momo steering wheel and Recaro seats. This machine was not just a collection of parts; it was an experience, an embodiment of pure driving exhilaration.
This Group A icon, with its timed sequential multipoint injection and mapped ignition, was a force to be reckoned with on the stages, yet it retained an accessibility that many exotic cars lacked. The Evo II, in particular, boasted a design that was both aggressive and timeless, appearing wide and purposeful without being unwieldy. Its distinctive engine note, described as “raspy but not roarty,” added to its character, making it a beloved sight and sound for rally fans.
The Delta Integrale’s enduring relevance is striking; it’s a car that “wouldn’t look out of place in a contemporary showroom,” a testament to its forward-thinking design and performance capabilities. David Evans’ personal anecdote of co-driving an ex-factory Deltona and famously outpacing Alister McRae at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Rallysprint speaks volumes about its raw effectiveness and thrilling performance envelope, even decades later.
Even rally legends like Juha Kankkunen recognized its greatness, offering the succinct praise of “Great car!” upon seeing it. While a period Deltona in works livery evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia and racing pedigree, seeing a “pukka road going Evo II out and about is, curiously, even more of a treat.” This duality, its ability to evoke both championship glory and attainable street presence, solidifies the Lancia Delta Integrale’s position as a cherished and eminently collectible piece of motorsport history.
Car Model Information: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE
Name: Lancia Delta
Caption: Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione (first generation, 1992 model year)
Manufacturer: Fiat Auto
Production: 1979–1999,2008–2014
Class: Small family car
BodyStyle: Hatchback
Layout: Transverse engine,Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All articles with dead external links
Summary: The Lancia Delta (stylized Lancia δ) is a small family car produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Lancia in three generations. The first generation (1979–1994) debuted at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show, the second generation (1993–1999) debuted at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show, and the third generation (2008–2014) debuted at 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
The first generation Delta dominated the World Rally Championship during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The homologation requirements of Group A regulations meant marketing road-going versions of these competition cars — the Lancia Delta HF 4WD and HF Integrale. A total of 44,296 Integrales were produced. Total production number of the Delta first generation was 478,645 cars.
Get more information about: Lancia Delta
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Lancia Model: Delta Integrale
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.
Read more about: Decoding the Market: 10 Classic Imports Collectors Pass On and Why
7. **Lancia Stratos**Long before the Delta Integrale dominated, the Lancia Stratos emerged as a truly revolutionary force, a car designed “from the off to be a rally car,” a concept practically unheard of at its inception. Every aspect of its audacious design spoke to its singular purpose, from the practical “front and rear clamshells” that provided unparalleled access to its mechanical heart, to the cleverly integrated “door pockets big enough to swallow a race helmet between stages.” This was pure function dictating form, yet delivered with unmistakable Italian flair.
The Stratos was the brainchild of the brilliant minds at Bertone, who crafted a silhouette that remains instantly recognizable and utterly captivating. Its low-slung, wedge-shaped body, with its dramatic curves and aggressive stance, was a visual declaration of intent. It proved that a rally car could not only be devastatingly effective but also a piece of automotive art.
Underneath its stunning exterior lay the heart of a Ferrari: a 190PS (140kW) 2.4-litre Dino V6 engine, mounted transversely. This powerplant delivered not just formidable performance but also a “silky-smooth howl” that sharply contrasted with the typically gruffer four- and five-cylinder engines of its competitors. This unique engine configuration was a key component of its rally success.
The mid-mounted engine configuration also contributed to the Stratos’ legendary handling characteristics, boasting a 60:40 weight balance. While initially “tricky to master,” this setup proved “devastatingly effective” in the hands of skilled drivers, allowing them to precisely guide the car around corners using throttle modulation rather than forcing understeer. It’s no surprise that this groundbreaking machine went on to “win the world rally championship three years on the trot,” establishing an enduring legacy as one of rally’s most innovative and successful cars, and thus, a prized collector’s item.
Read more about: 15 Undervalued 1970s Classic Cars That Are Smart Buys for Enthusiasts Today
8. **Peugeot 205 T16**In the electrifying, albeit short-lived, Group B era, the Peugeot 205 T16 rose to become arguably “the greatest Group B car of them all,” particularly when measured by its formidable achievements on the world stage. To meet the stringent homologation requirements, Peugeot committed to producing 200 road-going examples, or at least the necessary kits, bringing a taste of rally supremacy to a fortunate few.
While the T16 may outwardly resemble a “beefed up 205 riding on higher suspension,” its true nature lies far beneath the surface. This was not a mere modification of a production car; it was a bespoke, ground-up rally machine that shared little more than a nameplate with its humble commuter sibling. Its engineering was a marvel of the era, designed for uncompromising performance.
At its core, the T16 was an all-wheel-drive monster, powered by a mid-mounted 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivered a robust 200PS (147kW) in its road-going guise, a significant output for the time, even if it was “half the power of the rally car.” Intriguingly, the engine block was “derived from a Peugeot diesel engine,” and its gearbox was borrowed from a Citroën SM, showcasing a resourceful approach to high-performance component sourcing.
The bodywork, crafted by Heuliez, involved taking standard 205 bodies and “chopp[ing] them to pieces” to accommodate the bespoke rally architecture. Inside, a sturdy tube frame supported its “trick suspension” and the unique mid-mounted transverse engine layout. Perhaps the most iconic and mechanically satisfying feature for enthusiasts was the ability to “literally lift the whole of the rear body up” to reveal the engine, a raw, uncompromising display of its competition breeding. This combination of rally dominance and mechanical audacity ensures the Peugeot 205 T16 remains an immensely desirable and historically significant collector’s piece.
Car Model Information: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE
Name: Peugeot 205
Caption: 5-door
Manufacturer: Peugeot
Production: 1983–1999
Assembly: Mulhouse,Cerizay,Madrid,Los Andes, Chile,Changhua,Tehran,Sopriam
Designer: Gerard Welter,Pininfarina
Class: Supermini
BodyStyle: hatchback,convertible,panel van
Related: Peugeot 309
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Mid-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Engine: ubl
Transmission: Automatic transmission,4/5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2420 mm
Abbr: on (Cabriolet)
Length: 3705 mm
Width: convert,1589 mm
Height: convert,1354 mm
Weight: convert
Predecessor: Peugeot 104,Talbot Samba,Peugeot 204
Successor: Peugeot 106,Peugeot 206
Platform: PSA PF2 platform
Categories: 1990s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2011
Summary: The Peugeot 205 is a four-passenger, front-engine, supermini (B-segment) car manufactured and marketed by Peugeot over a sixteen-year production run from 1983 to 1999, over a single generation. Developed from Projet M24 and introduced on 25 February 1983, the 205 replaced the Peugeot 104 and the Talbot Samba, using major elements from their design. It won What Car?’s Car of the Year for 1984. It was also declared “car of the decade” by CAR Magazine in 1990. Peugeot stopped marketing the 205 in 1999 in favor of its new front-engined 206. The 106, which was introduced in 1991, effectively took over as Peugeot’s smaller front-engined model in their lineup. The latter was developed as a close sibling of the Citroën AX, sharing many components and a platform that later evolved into the Citroën Saxo.
Get more information about: Peugeot 205
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Peugeot Model: 205 T16
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.
Read more about: The Peugeot Oxia: How a 1988 Supercar Concept Redefined Automotive Ambition and Bridged Eras
9. **Sierra RS500 Cosworth**The Sierra RS500 Cosworth is a legendary name synonymous with Ford’s dominant presence in touring car racing, but its homologation also saw it achieve WRC glory, making it a compelling target for motorsport collectors. Born from a clear objective – to transform the already potent Sierra Cosworth into a “completely unbeatable track monster” – Ford’s engineers meticulously upgraded every critical component. This included enhancing the turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce a formidable 225PS (165kW) and 277Nm (204lb ft) of torque.
Further modifications aimed at optimizing performance and reliability: a “bigger intercooler” was integrated to manage thermal loads, while the “suspension and cooling” systems were comprehensively updated for rigorous competition. The car’s aggressive aesthetics were also functionally revised, with a “change [to] the spoiler and front bumper,” and “more fuel injectors” to ensure optimal fuel delivery under extreme conditions. These 500 homologation specials were precision-engineered for victory.
The RS500’s impact was immediate and widespread, as it went on to “dominate the Australian, German, Japanese, New Zealand and British touring car championships.” Its prowess was not limited to circuit racing; it also clinched prestigious endurance victories at events such as the Spa 24, Bathurst 1000, and Sandown 500, solidifying its reputation for robustness and speed across diverse racing disciplines.
Crucially for rally enthusiasts, the Sierra RS500 Cosworth also proved its mettle on the WRC stage, famously winning the “Tour de Corse in 1988 in the hands of Didier Auriol.” This specific achievement links it directly to the World Rally Championship, adding another layer to its rich motorsport heritage. Revered as “part of the real genesis of modern fast European Fords,” the RS500 Cosworth is a powerful, historically significant, and highly sought-after collector’s item, embodying an era of brute force and undeniable charm.
Car Model Information: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE
Name: Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Caption: 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Manufacturer: Ford of Europe
Production: 1986–1992
Assembly: Genk
BodyStyle: ubl
Engine: Cosworth#The YB series,Turbocharger,Straight-four engine
Transmission: ubl
Length: ubl
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Width: ubl
Height: cvt
Weight: ubl
Predecessor: Ford RS200
Successor: Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Designer: Lothar Pinske
Categories: 1990s cars, All articles needing additional references, Articles needing additional references from April 2012, Articles needing additional references from March 2019, Articles with short description
Summary: The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth is a high-performance version of the Ford Sierra that was built by Ford Europe from 1986 to 1992. It was the result of a Ford Motorsport project with the purpose of producing an outright winner for Group A racing in Europe.
Get more information about: Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Ford Model: Sierra RS500 Cosworth
Price: $27,489 Mileage: 77,935 mi.
10. **Toyota GR Yaris**In a world where dedicated homologation specials are a rarity, the Toyota GR Yaris stands as a modern beacon of rally-bred performance, built with an uncompromising focus “to compete in the WRC before anyone even considered selling it to the general public.” It is, in essence, a “Frankenstein car,” bearing a superficial resemblance to its humdrum Yaris namesake, yet sharing “very little in common with its popping-to-the-shops brethren.” This radical transformation speaks to Toyota’s serious intent in its return to the highest echelons of rally competition.
The engineering beneath its aggressive exterior is a testament to bespoke performance. The GR Yaris features a sophisticated “double wishbone suspension” and incorporates a “rear end taken from the Prius,” an unlikely but effective donor for its unique chassis requirements. To achieve optimal weight and rigidity, “much of the body is aluminium,” while its distinctly “lower roof” (compared to a standard Yaris, for improved aerodynamics) is crafted from lightweight “carbon-fibre,” showcasing a no-compromise approach to rally-derived construction.
Powering this compact dynamo is a highly impressive 1.6-litre triple-cylinder engine, an engineering marvel that “puffs power up to 272PS (200kW).” This potent unit propels the GR Yaris to a “top speed of 142mph” and achieves a blistering “0-62mph in 5.5 seconds,” figures that underscore its serious performance credentials. Its advanced, “adjustable four-wheel drive system” is another highlight, offering drivers the choice between exhilarating “slides or safe understeer,” depending on conditions and preference.
The commercial success of the GR Yaris, which has been “selling like hotcakes,” serves as irrefutable proof that a strong “appetite for homologation specials” endures among enthusiasts. In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by electric vehicles and SUVs, the GR Yaris offers a direct, exhilarating connection to the World Rally Championship, making it not just a fantastic modern performance car, but a future classic and a highly valuable acquisition for any motorsport collector.
Read more about: Navigating the Concrete Jungle: The Top 2025 Cars Engineered for Effortless Urban Parking
As we conclude our journey through these nine rare WRC rally homologations, it becomes abundantly clear that these machines are far more than just modes of transport; they are tangible pieces of motorsport history, each echoing with the roar of engines, the grit of rally stages, and the unwavering spirit of automotive innovation. From the pioneering four-wheel-drive systems to the audacious Group B designs, the accessible Group A titans, and the modern marvels that continue the legacy, these vehicles represent a golden age of engineering where the pursuit of rally glory directly translated into incredible road-going cars. For collectors, owning one of these homologation specials is not just an investment; it’s an ownership of a legend, a direct connection to the heart of championship racing, and a constant reminder of an era when cars truly flew. They are, without question, some of the most compelling and rewarding buys for any serious motorsport enthusiast looking to capture a piece of rally’s enduring magic.
