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 18inch O.Z. racing alloy wheels as a nod to its competition cousin.

The original bill of sale confirms that this smart example was supplied by Thames Valley Ford, Slough and registered to the first of four former keepers on 18th October 2003, with a Supaguard treatment before delivery. 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. Purchased by our vendor on 2nd September 2017 the car was then SORN'd on 26th September 2017 and has been parked alongside the vendor’s, ordered from new, Focus RS Mk3 ever since. The car was taxed on 14th July 2022 with the cambelt changed on 27th July 2022 by Perrys Ford. The history file notes that the car was used as intended up to October 2006 and probably consigned to second car status for high days and holidays thereafter covering less than 1,700 miles between September 2009 and July 2022. The current MOT is valid until 13th July 2023

Presented to auction with an odometer reading of 30,593 miles, at the time of cataloguing and with a history file that includes the aforementioned bill of sale, well stamped service book, sales literature, two keys, historical MOTs and maintenance receipts. We conclude that this car presents an excellent opportunity to purchase an important model with good drivers' mileage that has already been accepted by RS collectors and enthusiast-drivers alike.