Homologation Heroes
The Intersection of Race and Road
Group B rally is remembered for its raw, unrestricted power and lightweight, turbocharged cars that pushed the limits of speed and technology. The spectacle was thrilling but also incredibly dangerous, with crashes becoming more frequent and sometimes fatal. After a series of tragic accidents Group B was banned in 1987. Despite its short life, it left an indelible legacy on motorsport.
Lot 7 1990 Lancia Delta HF Integrale 16v EST $50,000 - $65,000
In its wake, rallying shifted to Group A regulations, which were more controlled and required more stringent homologation; the need for manufacturers to produce road-going versions of their race cars. This move bridged the gap between competition cars and those available to the public. The Lancia Delta Integrale, one of the standout machines from this era, became a symbol of the engineering prowess that thrived under Group A rules.
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Group A wasn’t just limited to rallying, but also influenced touring car championships around the world. This era produced iconic road cars like the BMW E30 M3 and the genesis of the HSV Holden — the Group A Walkinshaw. These cars and others like them are still celebrated and revered for their performance and connection to motorsport. The hold they have over collectors is best explained by what they embody. Collectively they represent a bygone era of motorsport when fans could own versions of the machines they saw racing. Unfortunately, Group A regulations eventually became outdated, and by the mid-1990s, they had largely been replaced — in many cases by series adopting GT3 regulations — signalling the end of an era where racing and road cars were so closely intertwined.
Homologation was an integral part of Group A regulations, both intrinsically and in the legacy these rules now hold. It ensured that consumers felt a connection to competition cars, maintaining the spirit of “race on Sunday, sell on Monday.”
Indeed, cars of this ilk dominate the all-time highlights of automotive auction houses globally, frequently reaching the top prices at auction. There are, of course, the most widely known examples of rare and coveted homologation cars, like the Ferrari 250GT and GTO, which possess most of the highest auction records, but for the vast majority are unattainable. They speak to a more pervasive fervour for cars like them, however, even if at the comparatively more modest or docile end of the spectrum. The car many consider to be the true homologation car is the BMW M3 E30. Its sponsors in this argument claim so because it embodies the concept in the truest sense — not only is it riotously fun but has also seen broad commercial success, and yet the M3 E30 wasn’t built for sales, but to win touring car races.
Webb’s has offered a rare M3 E30 before — one of just 600 Sport Evolutions with the legendary S14 engine, achieving a stellar price and exporting it to the international market. Success at our auctions has also been seen with cars which were not homologation cars but are of motorsport fame. The market rewards models which have distinguished themselves in the gruelling tests of motorsport and accrued cult status, and a 1973 Datsun 240Z Webb’s offered in 2023 was no different, having earned its stripes dominating the East African rallies of the 1970s.
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet PRICE REALISED $535,000
Health and Safety was a secondary concern in Group B, demonstrated by the Delta S4 navigating the overly courageous crowds common of the era.
Some cars are even products of what can be called a ‘reverse homologation’, having been conceived of and built in the wake of a highly successful motorsport variant. A rather bizarre genesis certainly, but one that has led to one of the most coveted cars of the 21st century — the CLK DTM AMG, produced to the tune of just 180 worldwide. These cars strangely have more horsepower than the race car they were built to celebrate — the AMG works CLK Bernd Schneider used to win the 2003 DTM Championship. Webb’s sold the roadgoing version in August for $535,000.
Homologation cars in this catalogue, the 1990 Lancia Delta Integrale and the 1988 Holden HSV VL SS Group A Walkinshaw command strong interest at auction as well. While the Lancia is best known for dominating Group A rally, the Walkinshaw has earned its notoriety for the line of legendary HSV cars it spawned, as well as its defiant 1990 win at Bathurst.
Whether built for works race teams or built because of them, cars with motorsport ingrained in their DNA capture the imagination of collectors worldwide, perhaps because of their limited numbers, the tamed ferocity they embody, or even the bygone era they represent. Look to the major automotive auctions of the globe, and you’ll find 250GTOs, 959s, M3s, DTMs, Integrales and Walkinshaws — and for good reason.
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