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A first production Ford Puma 1.7i 16v with one owner and 17,476 miles.
MODEL HISTORY
Towards the end of 1993 a group of designers from Ford’s Small and Medium Vehicle Centre were invited to present ideas for an exciting new coupe based on the Fiesta supermini. The Puma was the first small coupe Ford had ever made. By adding stiffer suspension, wider front and rear tracks, a close ratio gearbox and a brand new Yamaha-derived 1.7 litre engine, the team produced a car for the enthusiastic driver. The Puma was launched in March 1997 and hit UK showrooms in the July. It was an instant hit with the motoring press and its New Edge design language and the iconic television commercial featuring Steve McQueen and scenes from the film Bullitt helped its trendy image.
EQUIPMENT
Headlamp system with three projector lamps, tinted glass, variable ratio power assisted steering, anti-lock brakes, traction control, driver airbag, pyrotechnic front seat belt tensioners, electric height adjustable driver’s seat, perimeter alarm with Safeguard System immobiliser, remote central locking, aluminium finish interior, leather sports steering wheel, digital clock, power windows, stereo/cassette Model 5000. Factory Options; Cuirass Metallic Paint, air conditioning, electrically operated and heated door mirrors. Dealer Options; Tailored Puma carpet mats, Ford locking wheel nuts.
EXTERIOR
This extremely early car rolled off the production line on the 1st July 1997, the very month the Puma was launched in the UK! In addition to the kudos of being such an early car, and one of the oldest remaining in existence, further amazing credentials include one owner from new, 17,476 miles and total originality. The factory optional paintwork in very rare Cuirass Metallic, (Code J5), presents beautifully with a highly polished uniform finish. Incredible for a Puma, the sills, underside and wheel arches are original with no repair work undertaken and only a few marks, a true testament to the garage storage from new. Even the one-piece Ford exhaust system remains fitted! The one and only owner remarked that the car has only ever been a weekend toy and has never seen rain! Supplying dealer branded number plates and rear screen sticker remain, and all trim, glass and lights are immaculate. Almost unheard of in this condition.
INTERIOR
The first Puma’s offered just one option for trim and upholstery to the two front sports seat, twin rear bucket seats and matching door trim which was Alchemy Blue with Silverstone fabric trim, (Code VS). The interior throughout is quite incredible and could almost be described as showroom condition. The upholstery is pristine with no visible wear, as are the door cards, carpets and headlining. The Puma mats front and rear remain fitted and the conscientious owner even placed two further sets of mats over the top of them! The fascia with the aluminium surround is as new and all equipment, controls and gauges are seamless in operation, even the air conditioning is ice cold. As good now as it was in 1997!
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The utterly brilliant Puma’s 1.7-litre Yamaha-derived unit was the first Ford to use variable camshaft timing, (VCT). The power delivery is incredibly flexible and energetic with 85 per cent of peak torque being available at just 1500rpm. The air induction system is tuned for a raspier sound and combined with a free revving engine this power plant is immensely rewarding. The engine bay is totally standard, spotlessly clean with all plates, labels and stickers intact. The sublime close-ratio sports gearbox is precise and perfectly weighted. Weighing just 1,039kg, this is a real driver’s car and was able to upstage far more expensive sports cars when launched.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Distinctive ‘Fan Blade’ 6x15in light alloy wheels are unrestored and in remarkable condition with no kerb damage and just a few miniscule chips visible only upon very close scrutiny. Correct Pirelli P6000 tyres in size 195/50 R15 have excellent tread remaining. Servo assisted with vented front discs, anti-locking and Electronic Brake Force Distribution provide safe stopping power.
HISTORY FILE
A June 1997 built car, this example rolled off the production line on the 1st July, as confirmed by obtained Ford factory records, making it one of the UK month of launch cars. The car was supplied by Ford Main Dealers, Doe Motors Ltd of Witham in Essex, and date of registration was the 1st August 1997, the first day of R registration. Only a tiny handful of R prefix Puma’s remain today. The first and only owner was a Mr and Mrs Southgate who are named on the single owner V5 and purchase documentation including the new vehicle order form and sales invoice confirming the price paid of £15,331.92. The car has only ever been used as a dry use weekend car and strictly garaged at all times, and the pampered existence the car has led is clearly evident and a credit to the owner.
A full service was carried out in September 2024 using genuine Ford parts and a cambelt change was also carried out in September 2024 at main dealer, TC Harrison Ford in Peterborough, with supporting invoices and service book entry. There is a neat folder of invoices and every MOT from the first in 2000 to fully verify the incredibly low mileage. Further insight into the true enthusiast ownership is the owner’s membership of the Puma Drivers Club with all collectable Ford produced magazines kept. The only owner has provided a letter for the history file explaining his fastidious upkeep. There is also an Edition 1 1997 launch brochure and separate collector launch booklet. The original service booklet, owner’s manual, radio guides and associated point of sale literature remain in the Ford wallet, along with both keys and dealer fob. A special piece of Ford Heritage, a must have for the Ford collector.
MOT July 2025, HPI Clear.
Original
