In 2002, Ford launched the Focus RS, returning those famous letters to one of its cars for the first time since the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. The new Focus RS was inspired by Colin McRae's WRC rally exploits and featured a 2.0-litre Duratec RS engine with an advanced turbocharging system and oil-spray cooled pistons to achieve more power - which eventually peaked at 215bhp and 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds. The chassis was developed and a Quaife torque-biasing differential fitted to ensure optimal front-wheel drive tractability. Suspension was by uprated offset coil springs with Sachs Racing dampers whilst stopping power was provided by Brembo brakes. The cabin was competition-inspired and featured leather and Alcantara Sparco seats. The exterior of the car took a number of styling cues from the WRC rally car and even used custom 18-inch O.Z. Racing alloy wheels as a nod to its competition cousin.

This unrepeatable example was supplied by Evans Halshaw Ford of Preston to its first and only registered keeper on 1st November 2003 finished in Imperial Blue with the Sparco front seats trimmed in contrasting black and blue leather with Alcantara inserts. The rear seats are similarly trimmed and the handbrake and gear knob are finished in machined aluminium. The interior is further enhanced by the addition of carbonfibre to the gear-stick surround and the door cards have blue-trimmed inserts. The Focus was purchased new by a notable collector who immediately put it into heated storage, with the V5C showing zero previous registered keepers.

It's now presented to auction in exactly the condition that one would expect with a car that has covered just 21 miles from new, the paintwork untouched, the interior immaculate.

The history file contains the RS monogrammed book pack including the manuals and service book, the Evans Halshaw monogrammed key fobs are still attached to the two keys, the rear screen bears the supplying dealer sticker and the car sits on the original factory-supplied tyres.

We are very lucky to deal with a vast array of special cars, but this is up there with the best with unrepeatable mileage and undeniable time-warp condition. The “Fast Ford” market has always been led by low mileage, factory-original cars and none come better than this lovely Focus RS.