Homologation specials are part and parcel of motorsport. These are built by a manufacturer to ensure a model can be eligible for motor racing, whether 20 or 500 or even a 1000 are required to be built.
Generally these models carry a variety of modifications in common with the race car to ensure it qualifies for its chosen category such as aerodynamic, mechanical, weight and more.
So The Repco Garage has listed its top five road-going homologation specials below.
BMW M1
Featuring a steel spaceframe racing chassis, a sleek Giugiaro-designed body and its own one-make series, BMW’s M1 provides an easy starting point. It was the first model to be solely designed by BMW’s M performance division. The mid-engined Supercar was homologated for Group 4 sportscar racing, but a Procar BMW M1 Championship supported the Formula 1 circus and included many drivers.
Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth
An all-dominating touring car, the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth was released in 1987 to combat BMW’s M3 and it did just that. Just a year later, the Sierra featured predominately in Europe, Australia and even Japan bringing Ford major success across the world. Based on the family Sierra, it featured better aerodynamics, wider tyres and a potent turbocharged engine. Very few road going versions came to Australia, but Dick Johnson owned one.
Lancia Stratos
Rallying is part of Lancia’s DNA. Whether it be the 037, Delta Integrale or the Stratos, the Italian manufacturer holds an impressive record in the World Rally Championship. The Stratos was designed by Bertone and a prototype was revealed at the Turin Motor Show in 1971. Using Ferrari’s Dino V6 and changed the goalposts as it was designed purely for rallying competition as it went on to achieve much success.
Plymouth Superbird
NASCAR’s most controversial entry as it took full advantage of aerodynamics featuring a nosecone and eye-catching, high-mounted rear wing. The Superbird was the first American model to be designed using a wind tunnel and computer analysis leading to the smoothed-out shape, with retractable headlights. It proved a success, but NASCAR changed its rules in 1971 rising the power-to-weight ratio to ensure the ‘aero cars’ were not competitive and slowed down.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL-1
Built to satisfy the requirement of drag racing body the NHRA, Chevrolet’s ZL-1 Camaro was easily one of the fastest models on sale in 1969. Using the 427 ci V8 used in the all-conquering Chaparral Can Am project, the ZL-1 used an aluminium block and built 69 although the requirement was only 50. Of course, Bob Jane purchased one and took two Australian Touring Car Championship titles, though the second was in a different specification.