Description:

OPEL ASCONA 400R WIDE BODY RALLY RECREATION

WALTER ROHRL AND THE OPEL ASCONA 400R, A LEGENDARY CHAPTER IN RALLY HISTORY

The name Walter Röhrl is inseparably linked to the golden era of international rallying. Widely regarded as one of the most complete rally drivers of all time, Röhrl was known for his technical finesse, analytical approach, and unrivalled sense of grip and balance. His successes with the Opel Ascona 400 marked a defining period in both his career and the history of Opel Motorsport.

In the early 1980s, the rally world stood at a turning point. Four-wheel drive was emerging, yet rear-wheel-drive cars still represented the ultimate benchmark for pure driving skill. The Ascona 400, developed by Opel under the leadership of engineer Tony Fall, embodied exactly that philosophy: a uncompromising, mechanical rally car with no electronic aids, entirely dependent on the skill of its driver.

With its naturally aspirated 2.4-litre CIH engine, robust construction and near-perfect weight distribution, the Ascona 400 proved to be an extremely competitive machine. In the hands of Röhrl and his long-time co-driver Christian Geistdörfer, the car became a weapon capable of dominating on any surface — from fast asphalt stages to demanding gravel and snow rallies.

The absolute highlight came in 1982, when Röhrl won the World Rally Championship with the Ascona 400. It was a historic achievement: the last time a rear-wheel-drive car claimed the world title. As such, the Ascona 400 became not only a championship-winning car, but also a symbol of the end of an era — the final chapter of pure, analogue rallying.

The iconic Rothmans livery, worn by many Ascona 400s of the period, further cemented this legendary status. The colour scheme became a visual icon, directly associated with success, bravery and craftsmanship. To this day, an Ascona 400 in Rothmans colours instantly evokes images of heroic rallies, long night stages and driving at the very highest level.

THIS OPEL ASCONA 400R WIDE BODY RALLY RECREATION

This example is fitted with a recently rebuilt 2.4-litre 8V CIH engine, with approximately 600 kilometres since overhaul. Power is delivered through a Getrag 5-speed gearbox and an Opel ZF limited-slip differential (LSD). Further highlights include Monte Carlo brakes, Bilstein suspension all round, a 400-type dashboard, five-stud wheel hubsand five alloy wheels.

The Ascona was built in 2020 by the previous owner to historic rally specifications and used only once, at the Lombard Revival in England. Significant investment has clearly been made. The car has been fully repainted and recently finished in its Rothmans livery. Originally built in 1977, it is supplied with registration documents and original paperwork.

An exceptionally fast, correctly built and beautifully presented rally car, ready for historic rally events, demonstrations, or inclusion in a high-quality collection.

Description:

• 2.4-litre Opel engine
• Lightweight bonnet with quick-release fasteners
• Lightweight boot lid with quick-release fasteners
• Roll cage by Safety Devices
• Bilstein shock absorbers (new)
• Disc brakes front and rear
• Dogleg gearbox with short ratio
• Limited-slip differential
• New Sparco harnesses
• New wheels
• Fire-extinguishing system for engine bay and cabin
• Hydraulic handbrake
• Ltec racing seats (new)
• Heated windscreen
• New red car cover
• Navigator footrest
• Plexiglass side windows, driver and passenger
• New spare wheel
• Competition clutch
• Short steering ratio

Documentation:

• UK registration documents (import duties paid)
• VAT applied at 9% (classic car scheme)
• Belgian RACB papers
• Year of construction: 1977

€ 50.000,- + 9% VAT

Röhrl and his long-time co-driver Christian Geistdörfer

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