History
Serious World Championship rally fans know that the Golden 1980s era of Group B rally regulations were to be succeeded by a new generation of Group S Supercars, a major step beyond the already spectacular Group B machines that displayed Formula 1 levels of thunderous performance onto the World Rally Championship stages. Deleting the legal requirement to build 200 such cars, Group S designs had been planned by leading contenders such as Audi, Lancia, Toyota and Ford. The new regulations would take already awesome competition cars to the next level of special stage speed, alongside enhanced safety features.
Now RS Competition Cars [RSCC], a technically gifted group of proven motorsports design and engineering talents, including key names that worked on the original Ford RS200, have created a 2025 interpretation of that radical machine.
Carrying on the ground breaking engineering principles of that advanced 1986 design, this reborn RS is a lighter but safer newcomer and is not an RS200, but an all new vision of Group S technology, tailored to suit an exclusive clientele for the initial production run of 20 cars.
Emphasizing the distinct characteristics of the newcomer with years of further development behind it, a new name was chosen: RSCC Distomo. A title to honour the RS200’s 1986 performance pedigree as witnessed over the legendary Acropolis Rally’s special stage of that name.
“An all new vision of Group S technology, tailored to suit an exclusive clientele for the initial production run of 20 cars.”
1986-87-John Wheeler presented to Stuart Turner, Director of Motorsport, a plan to build a prototype RS200 Group S Evolution rally car, with, following a successful test and development programme, the intent to build another 20 examples.
That RS200 Group S Prototype shows significant changes from the 1986 works Group B cars, namely a substantially different light-weight structure with removable space frames front and rear and Cosworth’s YB RS500 engine with wet-sump lubrication; the intercooler was repositioned low behind the engine, and common suspension components utilised all-round.
Campaigned by Wheeler for 15 years in Historic Rally events, that RS200 Group S prototype has proven those technical changes– and attracted serious spectator and investment interest.
“Light-weight structure with removable space frames front and rear, Cosworth’s YB RS500 engine with wet-sump lubrication.”
Timeline
1988-1994
John Wheeler and Peter Bennett worked together at Ford Motorsport, Boreham.
2002
Peter Bennett and son Adam Bennett establish MDV Specialist Engineering.
2009
John Wheeler brings his RS200 Group S Prototype to MDVSE at Bradwell Airfield for testing. Wheeler becomes a background source of technical information and for MDVs Pikes Peak RS200 and Ross Ahlgrens TMR RS200. Wheeler describes the original idea of producing 20 cars. Distomo project discussions start.
2013
MDV’s RS200 tackled Pikes Peak in under 10 minutes, finishing 4th overall, achieving owner Alan Greenwood’s dream.
2014
MDV’s Pikes Peak RS200, is rebuilt with further weight reduction. A lightweight spaceframe chassis for 2015 was planned, targeting a climb in less than 9 minutes.
2015-2016
Tragically Alan died, suffering from cancer and Ross Ahlgren, loyal and valued MDVSE customer, buys the Pikes Peak RS200. Project Distomo mentioned to Ross Ahlgren.
2018
John Wheeler further tests and develops his Group S Prototype at MDVSE. Ken Block’s Cossie V2 is in build at MDVSE and inspires Distomo project discussions to follow a modern concept.
2020
Project Distomo discussions develop, together with Ross Ahlgren as financial partner.
2025
In 2025 project Distomo launched