We all relish a little bit of motor sport nostalgia. And of all the eras of rallying, it was the arrival of the turbos in the 1980s that attracted the largest crowds and most fanatical support.

The ’80s began with the last flourish of Group 4. These cars were the ultimate evolution of ordinary production models, and appealed for that very reason. Then came Group B – a turbocharged era that ended up siring a generation of 500bhp monsters that were eventually deemed too fast to compete safely. But, boy, were they great to watch! After 1987 and the banning of Group B, sensibility was restored – but the creation of cars such as Lancia’s Integrale proved that the new way was far from boring.

Any road machine based on a rally car from the ’80s is bound to be fun. They’re built for the special stages, and that makes them demanding drives – but buy the best and enjoy when you can.

 

£7500
Audi Quattro
What’s left to be said about the Ur-quattro? The four-wheel-drive, turbo coupé revolutionised rallying. The road versions have developed cult status of their own and the early 10v models, which pack 200bhp, can still be had for surprisingly little money. When things go wrong, though, quattros can get expensive – so avoid cars with high mileages, smoky engines or whining transmissions.

£15,000
Lancia Integrale
The common wisdom was that when Group B was banned, rallying would become boring.  But the Group A Integrale stood that notion on its head, thanks to Martini branding and that screaming twin-cam turbo. The days of cheap, rusting roadgoing Integrales have passed, but there are still a few tired ones out there. Look out for rust, worn-out suspension and gearboxes, and fake Evos. This price should get you a really good one.

£60,000
Peugeot 205T16
Traditional buying advice doesn’t really count with the 205T16. Of the 200 built, so few remain on the road that finding one at all will be quite an achievement, yet £60k should get you a sub-30,000-miler with a lavish owner profile. Most of the parts in the T16 are unique so taking one on will be a challenge, but Peugeot Sport in France still offers factory support. Not as fast as you’d think in road trim: 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and 140mph.

£100,000
Ford RS200
There aren’t many Group B cars that cry unfulfilled promise like the Ford RS200. Given its maker’s track record in rallying, it probably would have gone on to become a championship winner. Although it didn’t, the RS200 is a genuine £100k car, and examples that come up for sale don’t hang around for long – just 200 were built in road spec for homologation purposes. It’s a demanding drive, though, one best reserved for high days. Watch it appreciate.