2003 Ford Focus RS MK1

The seller bought the car some 18 months ago to add to his already impressive collection of fast Fords. Having had little time to enjoy the RS and with other cars needing his attention, he has decided to part with this gem of a car.

He purchased the RS from a dealer who had taken the car in part exchange against an Escort Cosworth. The gentleman who part exchanged it had restored the car to as near factory-fresh as possible over the preceding years and we are told spent some £25,000 in the process. Looking at the car we can quite believe that!

This owner ran a small garage business, hence the lack of invoices to support the rebuild. The expertise was clearly there, as what is on offer here is surely one of the best examples you are likely to find.

We are told the RS underwent a full restoration and there are pictures in our gallery to illustrate this. It was a quality job without a doubt and the paintwork positively pops.

If we are being picky, there is a small scratch on the left front wheel arch and a few small scuffs on the paint under the driver’s door. The right-hand headlight has a few small cracks, but we are being very picky.

Those fabulous O.Z wheels are clad in matching Tekpro tyres, always a sign of careful ownership and they boasts plenty of tread. The two front wheels do have a few tiny marks.

We would also mention that the driver’s side mirror has two small chips on the black plastic.

The dazzling interior looks almost factory fresh. We gather that the front seats were professionally recovered, and they present well. They are super comfortable and are guaranteed to hold you firmly in place when you get a shift on.

We do note that the Alcantara on the rear seat bases is a little ‘bobbly’ and the leather around the gearstick stitching has come undone a little. The passenger sun visor has a small tear in it and the mirror on the driver’s visor is smashed – an easy replacement. The cap for the cigarette lighter is also missing.

We also noticed that the carpet has come away slightly inside the driver’s door – a quick gluey fix.

There are also a few small scuffs inside the passenger door.

The carpets appear to be in good order as does the headlining. The boot is clean and tidy.

Not only has this Focus RS benefitted from a top-class respray, but much work has also been done under the skin. We are told that the engine has been rebuilt and has had a power upgrade to a heady 330bhp. An intercooler was also fitted at the same time along with a brand new clutch.

An uprated fuel pump was fitted and all the fuel lines replaced, as were the water pipes and radiator.

The suspension was all replaced and new brakes were fitted.

A new alternator was also on the to do list and was duly upgraded.

Of course, the timing belt was also changed as a sensible precaution.

Lift the bonnet and what a delight awaits. New parts abound and it is easy to see that no expense has been spared. Look through our extensive photographs and prepare to be amazed.

Our seller had a new steering rack fitted so the car now steers with millimetre precision. The car also now boasts a shiny new exhaust.

Under the car is just as impressive and lots of gleaming new parts are there to be inspected. As good as on top? Well a quick wipe over with a cloth to remove a little road dirt and quite possibly.

As has already been mentioned, this Focus RS underwent the very fullest of restorations a few years ago and had remained more or less unused since.

The car passed its last two MOTS without an advisory, which should give confidence that all the work on the car has been done to a high standard. The current MOT is valid until 15th December.

We would like to have seen a little more paperwork to confirm the work done, but close inspection would seem to indicate that the gentleman who carried out the restoration knew exactly what he was doing. The work looks to be of the very highest standard.

We believe this is likely to be one of the best Ford Focus RS cars in the UK today. Considerable expenditure by the last two caring owners should ensure years of trouble-free motoring for the lucky new buyer.

Yes, there are a few very minor niggles to address, mainly cosmetic, but once these are done, you will be the proud owner of a car close to concours condition and one which you would be proud to exhibit at a car show.

The real pleasure to be had with this car, however, is to find a favourite piece of road, buckle up and release all those horses under the bonnet. You will be in for a wild ride!

So, what price for all this fast Ford fanciness? We estimate £14,500 to £18,500 will be needed to become this car’s new custodian. The car is in our safe hands, so why not take a look?

Inspection is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.