Full Description
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An early build number 716 Ford Focus RS Mk1 with just 28,457 miles from new.
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 front floor mats.
EXTERIOR
Build number 716 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 simply stunning. All factory panels are pin straight and the bumpers, side skirts and trims sections are immaculate. Very light stone chips to the front and windscreen are visible upon close inspection. All factory fit and Ford etched glass remains fitted and a very light tint to the windows has been carefully removed without trace upon arrival at KGF Classic Cars. Ford dealer number plates remains fitted and originality seekers will be pleased to see factory stickers in the door apertures. The underside is commensurate with the mileage covered and still displays protective wax on components such as the rear beam. This outstanding and unmolested example is ready for enjoyment and continued preservation, 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 free from damage, have firm bolsters all-round and only a tiny area of bobbling to the Alcantara driver’s seat bolster. The steering wheel blue leather, a known weak point, is still bright retaining its colour. The RS front carpet mats remain fitted. 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. Correct for an early car is the black throttle cable ‘trumpet’ grommet with blue collar. The sturdy Ford MTX-75 gearbox with a standard heavy-duty AP Racing clutch, as fitted by Ford from new, offers the ultimate rally road car experience.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The unique 8 x 18in Oz Racing rims are unmarked with perfect RS centre caps. Fitted new all-round in 2019 and virtually unused are correct specification Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 ZR18 tyres and in lew of the spare wheel is the factory supplied compressor and unopened tyre sealant. Pristine Brembo 4-pot callipers are visible through the large spoke apertures and 324mm ventilated front and 280mm rear discs provide immense stopping power.
HISTORY FILE
Factory build records confirm that number 716 rolled of the production line on the 6th December 2002 ready to be dispatched the supplying Ford Main Dealer, Verwood Ford in Dorset. Date of first registration was the 3rd January 2003. All original handbooks, guides and special RS supplement are contained within the Ford leather RS wallet along with the service book containing nine stamped entries. At 27,918 miles a documented full service was carried out as well as a cambelt, idler and pulleys at Ford main dealer Glenford in Forfar with supporting invoice for £928.09. A further large folder contains all supporting Ford main dealer services invoices, previous MOT certificates and maintenance receipts. Two keys are present along with both RS alarm fobs although the little rubber fob loops have broken, a common issue. Completing the superb history file is all the Focus RS launch brochures and sales literature packs, highly coveted items in themselves!
Look no further for an unspoilt, factory standard, impeccably maintained and cherished Focus RS Mk1, pure collectable blue-oval brilliance.
HPI Clear.