Fans of vintage racecars, no class of automobiles is more renowned and infamous than Group B. The FIA introduced Group B regulations into the world of sports car racing in 1982. These regulations gave way to some of the fastest and most powerful automobiles ever to grace the racetrack. After four years of incredible action, all this speed and power took a tragic turn when driver Henri Toivonen and his co-driver Sergio Cresto lost control of their Group B-spec Lancia Delta S4, plunging down a ravine and instantly losing their lives when their vehicle burst into flames.
In response to this accident and other safety concerns (tests have shown that Group B cars traveled fast enough to give the drivers tunnel vision), the FIA revised their regulations in 1986. Thus ended what many consider to be the golden age of rallying.
Sotheby’s recently brought to auction what is thought to be the only Group B car in existence that has never before been raced. The 1985 Mazda RX-7 Evo Group B Works was extremely limited in terms of both units produced and years of production, and the unit coming to the auction block is likely the only one left.
Created under the guidance of Achim Warmbold, Mazda’s contribution to the Group B movement is as stylish as it is powerful. The RX-7 at Sotheby’s is offered in original factory condition up to exact Works specifications.