Full Description

SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED

An early build Ford Focus RS Mk1 with a massive history file and enthusiast owned.

MODEL HISTORY
Inspired by the now Late Colin McRae’s victorious Ford Focus RS World Rally Car, the Ford Focus RS was created as a no frills, no compromise road going rally car, a car true to its motorsport roots. Designed in conjunction with Ford Racing Engineers and M-Sport in Cumbria, the RS badge synonymous with the most desirable, high performance Ford vehicles was first introduced to the already accomplished Focus. Equipped with 521 unique WRC inspired components only 4,501 examples were built with 2,147 sold to the UK market. (Source: The Essential Buyers Guide by Dan Williamson)

EQUIPMENT
Computer optimised unitary welded steel body, rigid occupant safety cell, energy absorbing crumple zones, wider front and rear pressed steel wings, auxiliary air intakes, aerodynamic splitter and rear wing, mounted side sills, modified lower rear apron, driver and front passenger airbags, air conditioning, leather sports steering wheel with blue inserts, carbon fibre centre console with start button, limited edition number plaque, Sparco aluminium handbrake, gear knob and pedals, boost gauge and ‘change up light’, bright metal tread plates with RS script, stereo radio/6CD model 6006E, Thatcham CAT 1 alarm. Accessories; RS floor mats, Parrott Bluetooth system, ScanGauge, KW coilover kit.

EXTERIOR
Build number 486 is finished in stunning Imperial Blue Metallic, (Code Q2), the only available colour. The paintwork boasts a deep polished shine and uniform finish that looks fantastic. The bodywork is in excellent order thanks to attentive care and remedial works carried out by the fastidious owner. All the glass, plastics and light clusters are fully intact and originality seekers will be pleased to see factory window etchings and factory stickers in the door apertures. The underside is commensurate with the mileage covered and still wears original markings such as the chassis and serial stickers on the rear suspension arms! This clean and very useable example is ready for enjoyment, just as Ford intended it to be.

INTERIOR
Inside this white-hot Ford are a pair of body-hugging Sparco road-race seats swathed in luxurious Racing Black and Blue Leather and Black Alcantara, (Code AR). The RS and Sparco logos are embossed and stitched into the upholstery, and this coupled with the aluminium fittings, push button start and numbered plaque, leave you with little doubt this is no ordinary Focus! The interior is beautifully preserved and the seats are completely free from damage and have firm bolsters all-round. The steering wheel blue leather, a known weak point, is bright and unworn thanks to being replaced by a genuine Ford item in 2014 with an invoice from Ford for £632.45. The RS carpet mats remain fitted and are further protected by a second set of genuine Ford Focus mats. All controls function including the ice-cold air conditioning and Ford 6006E stereo. The conscientious owner has replaced the coin tray, (included), and installed a slot-in ScanGauge vital systems monitor to keep a watchful eye on water temperature amongst other readings. Ford built this car to truly delight its motorsport loving RS devoted fan base and the long-awaited car did not disappoint.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fitted with the thumping Ford 2.0 Duratec RS four-cylinder 16v unit the power output achieved is 212bhp at 5500rpm and 310Nm torque at 3500rpm. The maximum speed is 144mph while 0-60 is dispatched in just 6.4 seconds! The engine bay is clean with factory plates, stickers, labels and wing stamps visible. The sturdy Ford MTX-75 gearbox with a standard heavy-duty AP Racing clutch offers the ultimate rally road car experience.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The unique 8 x 18in Oz Racing rims are unmarked and are shod in recommended Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 ZR18 tyres with masses of tread remaining. Sparkling Brembo 4-pot calipers are visible through the large spoke apertures and 324mm ventilated front and 280mm rear discs provide immense stopping power and sharpened handling thanks to replacement KW coilovers fitted at standard height.

HISTORY FILE
The history file for this highly sought-after Focus RS is simply outstanding. Factory build specification sheets confirm that number 486 rolled of the production line at 08:16 on the 28th November 2002 ready to be dispatched the supplying Ford Main Dealer, King Ford of Stoke on Trent. The first owner was Mr Grahame Pryce and his journey with the much-awaited Focus RS Mk1 began long before it was even made. Several letters in the history file from 2001 acknowledge his pre-order for one of these limited number cars and confirm his place on the waiting list. Further letters followed to update this patient buyer and to advise of delays in delivery. Ford wanted to get it just right and they sure did! First registration was on New Year’s Day 2003 and post-delivery letters and Ford welcome pack from the supplying dealer have all been kept in the immaculately presented history folder which is divided in neat sections. Each section houses many Ford main dealer service invoices, maintenance invoices and MOT certificates dating back to the first in 2005. In September 2019 a documented major service was carried out as well as a cambelt, drive belt, tensioner and pulleys all using genuine Ford parts.

All original handbooks, guides and special RS supplement are contained within the Ford leather RS wallet along with the service book containing seven stamped entries. Two keys are present. Look no further for an unspoilt, impeccably maintained and useable Focus RS Mk1, pure blue-oval brilliance.

A further letter of apology from the Ford Motor Company. This time from Focus Brand Specialist, Ashley Andrew. The reason? A unique front assembly kit only being available in limited numbers. How about an exclusive 60 minute familiarisation and test drive session at the Gaydon Test Facility to say sorry? Remember, demand was very high for this eagerly awaited RS but you could complete the cancellation form and send back in the prepaid envelope if you got fed up of waiting! We wonder how many did?

HPI Clear.