One to Buy: 13,000 mile 2003 Ford Focus RS Mk1
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Having replaced the sixth generation Escort with the Focus in 1998, Ford made its customers wait until late 2002 until deliveries of an RS-badged version began.
Very much inspired by Ford’s World Rally Championship iterations of the Focus, the RS was offered throughout Europe as a front-wheel drive three-door Hatchback in a limited run of 4500 units.
Significantly, Ford claimed 70% of the RS componentry was either new or re-engineered; the bodyshell, suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres, the engine, transmission, exterior and interior were all substantially modified to make this easily Ford’s most potent offering from its European range.
As has often been the case when it comes to Ford’s RS product line, the UK was a very stong market for the first generation Focus RS. From a production run of 4501 units, 2147 were right-hand drive cars bound for the United Kingdom
Today, a particularly fine example of the right-hand drive Focus RS is currently on offer at the 4 Star Classics showroom in Farnham, Hampshire.
First registered in March 2003, it’s had just four registered keepers from new and is showing 13,300 miles on the odometer. Finished in Imperial Blue Metallic with Black and Blue upholstery (the only colour combination offered on the first generation Focus RS), this superb low mileage example comes complete with its original book pack and is being offered fresh from a thorough mechanical inspection.
