The second-generation Focus RS is the Focus that Ford originally claimed they would never build - a limited run 300bhp 'super-hatch'. But we're delighted they did and make no apology for being enthusiastic about this remarkable little car with its huge twin-blade spoiler at the back, aggressive body kit and ballistic performance from the turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder engine. Only 11,500 examples were built in a production run that lasted a little over three years, with just 4,000 finding homes in the UK. The RS may not have had four-wheel drive, but a combination of Ford's trick Revo-Knuckle front suspension, a Quaife limited-slip diff, and well-judged ESP did a great job of putting the power down and managing the torque-steer while still providing plenty of involvement. The chassis was stiffened by about 30% and bigger drive shafts, a wider track, lower ride height and a faster steering rack translated into remarkably civilised road manners. With 301bhp and a massive 324lbs ft available, the RS could hit 60mph in under 6.0 seconds and topped 160mph, all accompanied by a distinctive five-cylinder warble, plenty of turbo chatter and even the occasional pop and bang from the exhausts. And when you weren't on a charge, the RS was a polite and practical hatchback capable of returning 25-30mpg, easy to park, offering plenty of boot space and reasonably quiet at a constant speed. However, with its gaping grille, 19-inch wheels, flared arches, deep diffuser and a wing that would embarrass a Porsche Turbo, the RS left you in no doubt about its intentions.

Emerging from hibernation in our client’s private collection, this astonishing Focus RS has covered just 54 miles. Owned for over five years, it has been trailered to and from its MOT annually for the last few years and has also recently been serviced and a new cambelt fitted.

This example was owned by its first keeper for around five years. He was a farmer who bought it and then decided he didn’t want to get it muddy so put it in to dry storage until its first MOT in 2015. It was serviced in 2016 and still he hardly used it. Purchased by its second owner in 2017, he felt the same way, so, apart from its first few weeks as a Ford car, it's been dry stored for its entire life. 

Finished in Performance Blue, with 54 miles on the odometer, the car presents as new and there are no marks to find as one would expect. With performance Fords enjoying their day in the sun eternally and Ford having confirmed that there will not be another Focus RS going forward, this original example is surely as good as it gets and ready to be enjoyed by its next lucky keeper.