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A striking early Ford Focus RS Mk1 build number 571 with only 25,007 miles.
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 0571 is an early example, finished in stunning Imperial Blue Metallic, (Code Q2), the only available colour. The paintwork boasts a deep polished shine and uniform finish and all factory panels are pin straight. The bumpers, side skirts and trim sections are in superb condition. The only noteworthy imperfections are a tiny ding to the nearside B-pillar trim and some stone chips to the frontal area. The Ford and special RS badges and Ford main dealer number plates remain fitted as do the original clear film gravel rash guards to the lower rear quarters. This superb example is a credit to this fast Ford icon and presents as a clean, useable example.
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, coupled with this are the aluminium fittings, push button start and numbered plaque. The non-double-stitched front seats are correct for an earlier car and the interior is very clean with only very light wear to the driver’s outer bolster and some tiny marks to the dash. The steering wheel blue leather, a known weak point has never been retrimmed and is bright and unworn. The near impossible to source RS front carpet mats remain with the car but stored in the boot to preserve with a second set of Focus mats for usage. The number 0571 plaque is present and the green starter button without ‘engine start’ lettering is correct for the earliest cars. 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 and labels visible. Correct for an earlier build car is the black throttle cable ‘trumpet’ grommet with blue collar. The sturdy Ford MTX-75 gearbox offers the ultimate rally road car experience.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The unique 8 x 18in Oz Racing refurbished rims are unmarked with perfect RS centre caps. Michelin Pilot Sport 225/40 ZR18 tyres are fitted all-round with excellent tread. 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 0571 rolled of the production line on the 27th November 2002 ready to be dispatched the supplying Main Dealer, CD Brammall Ford in Milton Keynes. Date of first registration was the 23rd January 2003 and the car has now covered just 25,007 miles from new with only three owners. Huge demand meant long waiting lists, even pre-launch, and so eager customers were prepared to pay well over odds to acquire one of these limited production cars. The previous owner purchased 0571 in 2016 for a record price at the time having always regretted selling the example he purchased brand new in 2003 following the first successful spell at his fledgling business. A true blue-oval enthusiast, the car formed part of his collection alongside a Mk2 Escort RS2000 and Mk1 Cortina.
The comprehensive history file contains all original handbooks, guides and special RS supplement which are contained within the Ford leather RS wallet. There are 15 recorded services evidenced in the stamped service book and accompanying invoices in the huge history file. All servicing has been carried out by Ford Main Dealers or specialists and the most recent service was in September 2023 at 24,925 miles. Three keys are present along with both RS alarm fobs and a RS cherished registration number has remained on since new.
Pure blue-oval brilliance and firmly a modern classic.
MOT August 2024, HPI Clear.
Original
