2003 Ford Focus RS Mk1

In 2002, Ford launched the Focus RS, returning those famous letters to one of its cars for the first time since the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. The new Focus RS was inspired by Colin McRae's WRC rally exploits and featured a 2-litre Duratec RS engine with an advanced turbocharging system and oil-spray cooled pistons to achieve more power - which eventually peaked at 215bhp and 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds. The chassis was developed and a Quaife torque-biasing differential (when you turned into a corner and applied the power, it dug in like no other front-drive car to make the Focus remarkably quick across country) fitted to ensure optimal front-wheel drive tractability. Suspension was by uprated offset coil springs with Sachs Racing dampers whilst stopping power was provided by Brembo brakes. The cabin was competition-inspired and featured leather and Alcantara Sparco seats. Only sold in Imperial Blue, the exterior shared many styling cues with its rally sibling and even used custom 18'' O.Z. Racing alloy wheels.

Making the Focus RS this good on back roads meant changing almost every component; in the end, the roof, doors and bonnet remained the same as any other three-door Focus, but the rest of the exterior bodywork was new. In all, 521 parts were created just for the Focus RS, from the Sparco seats and handbrake lever, unique dials and starter button to the suspension and brakes. Ford built 4,501 Focus RS Mk1s, all individually numbered, and all thought to have been sold at a £4,000 loss to the company. Out of that total, 2,147 RS Mk1s were sold in the UK, making it by far the biggest single market, and although the car may still splits drivers' views, what isn’t in doubt is that this is now a prized modern classic.

The car on offer here is a 2003 Focus RS Mk1 which is superbly presented and wholly original. It has covered just 20,397 miles and was first registered in May 2003. Its highly conservative mileage is supported by the car's strong maintenance history. It benefits from a Milltek exhaust system and an Alcantara-trimmed OEM steering wheel, subtle and tasteful upgrades often added by other collectors of these special cars.

It's accompanied by it's original and complete book-pack, including a stamped-up service booklet, a numbered collectors pen, two sets of keys, a copy of four major car magazines with features on the Mk1 Focus RS, its original steering wheel, and a collection of maintenance invoices and MOT Certificates. The car’s most recent maintenance was carried out in October 2022 at 19,650 miles by Ford main dealer, Warsop Motor Company Ltd., which was an interim service, including an engine oil and filter change, and a new odour filter. Before this, a standard service was performed in August 2020 at 19,138 miles by Jackson Ford, which included an engine oil and filter change. Technicians at Demon Performance carried out an annual service in June 2019 at 18,973 miles, which included an engine oil and filter change, and a timing belt service.

Other notable maintenance includes paint protection film being applied to the bonnet, front wings, side skirts, door mirror covers and bumpers, as well as a full detail.

Service History Summary:

May 2004: 4,981 miles at Stripestar Limited t/a Evans Halshaw

Jun 2005: 9,269 miles at Stripestar Limited t/a Evans Halshaw

May 2006: 11,180 miles at Stripestar Limited t/a Evans Halshaw

Jul 2007: 13,122 miles at Stripestar Limited t/a Evans Halshaw

Nov 2008: 14,790 miles at Stripestar Limited t/a Evans Halshaw

Oct 2009: 15,186 miles at Evans Halshaw Ford

Oct 2010: 15,552 miles at P.W.Millar Limited Ford

Sept 2011: 15,768 miles at P.W. Millar Limited Ford

Sept 2012: 17,223 miles at Demon Performance Centre

Oct 2013: 17,778 miles at Demon Performance Centre

May 2015: 18,192 miles at Demon Performance Centre

May 2016: 18,346 miles at Demon Performance Centre

Jun 2019: 18,973 miles at Demon Performance Centre

Aug 2020: 19,183 miles at Jacksons Ford

Oct 2022: 19,650 miles at Warsop Motor Company Ford Dealers

Described by EVO magazine as 'a blisteringly quick and rewarding machine', the Mk1 Ford Focus RS is fast becoming an iconic hot hatch, which combines phenomenal pace, purposeful styling and engrossing handling, and this superbly presented, collector-quality example is destined to take pride of place in any collection of Performance Fords.