Opel Ascona 400

The Opel Ascona 400 is a rally legend, pure and simple. Born from the gritty, high-octane world of Group 4 rallying, this car was Opel's audacious answer to the dominance of the Audi Quattro and Lancia 037. Developed in collaboration with Cosworth and Irmscher, the Ascona 400 was a masterclass in purposeful engineering: a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter inline-four engine, meticulously tuned to deliver around 240 horsepower, paired with a chassis that danced gracefully through gravel and tarmac alike.

Behind the wheel, the Ascona 400 was visceral and raw—no turbo lag, just instant throttle response and a rear-wheel-drive setup that demanded respect and rewarded skill. Walter Röhrl famously piloted one to victory in the 1982 World Rally Championship, cementing both his and the car's legendary status. Visually, it was unmistakably purposeful: flared arches, aggressive stance, and that iconic Opel livery—bold, unapologetic, and instantly recognizable.

But beyond rally stages, the Ascona 400 left its mark culturally, becoming a symbol of an era when rallying was raw, dangerous, and utterly captivating. Its limited production run—just 400 units built to satisfy homologation requirements—only adds to its mystique and desirability today. Owning or even driving one is an experience steeped in motorsport history, a tangible connection to the fearless golden age of rallying.