04/07/2008 07:08. Since 1970, the RS ( Rallye Sport ) badge has identified Ford's highest-performing road cars.

The Rallye Sport name has been applied to 21 models, which often proved their worth by winning in motorsport as well as in the market-place. Along with the "ST" badge, the "RS" designation has never been applied lightly, with each and every RS model and derivative offering a special blend of performance, roadholding, vehicle safety, refinement - and great value for money.

RS-badged Fords have been built in many different forms. There have been front-engined and mid-engined types; front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive cars; and four-cylinder or six-cylinder engines, either normally-aspirated or turbocharged.

Many have used wind-tunnel testing to evolve innovative... // Classic Rallies