Opel Ascona 400 Rally
The Opel Ascona 400 is one of the most important rally cars ever built, and the road-going homologation version is among the most desirable sporting Opels. Created to meet Group 4 rally regulations that required 400 road cars to be built (hence the name), the Ascona 400 received a 2.4-liter engine with a 16-valve cylinder head developed by Cosworth Engineering in the UK. The Getrag 5-speed gearbox, four-wheel disc brakes, and aggressive body kit with flared wheel arches transformed the humble Ascona into a proper sporting machine. On the rally stages, the Ascona 400 was devastating in the hands of Walter Röhrl, who won the 1982 WRC Drivers' Championship. The car was the last rear-wheel-drive vehicle to win the World Rally Championship before the all-wheel-drive era began with the Audi Quattro. Each of the 400 road cars was finished to a high standard with Recaro seats, leather trim, and a distinctive rear spoiler. Today, genuine Ascona 400s are prized possessions, representing the pinnacle of Group 4 rear-wheel-drive rallying.
Verify authenticity through Opel heritage records — only 404 genuine cars exist. The Cosworth cylinder head is irreplaceable. Check for rally damage repairs — some road cars were later converted for competition. Rust in all the usual Ascona areas (sills, arches, floors). A known history is essential given the car's value.
Exactly 400 units (plus 4 spares) were built for Group 4 homologation. The Cosworth 16-valve cylinder head was developed specifically for this application. Rally versions produced over 250 hp. Bodies were standard Ascona B shells modified by Irmscher with wide body kit.