One to Buy: 13,000 mile 2003 Ford Focus RS Mk1
Having replaced the sixth generation Escort with the Focus in 1998, Ford made its customers wait until late 2002 until deliveries of an RS-badged version began.
Very much inspired by Ford’s World Rally Championship iterations of the Focus, the RS was offered throughout Europe as a front-wheel drive three-door Hatchback in a limited run of 4500 units.
Significantly, Ford claimed 70% of the RS componentry was either new or re-engineered; the bodyshell, suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres, the engine, transmission, exterior and interior were all substantially modified to make this easily Ford’s most potent offering from its European range.
As has often been the case when it comes to Ford’s RS product line, the UK was a very stong market for the first generation Focus RS. From a production run of 4501 units, 2147 were right-hand drive cars bound for the United Kingdom
Today, a particularly fine example of the right-hand drive Focus RS is currently on offer at the 4 Star Classics showroom in Farnham, Hampshire.
First registered in March 2003, it’s had just four registered keepers from new and is showing 13,300 miles on the odometer. Finished in Imperial Blue Metallic with Black and Blue upholstery (the only colour combination offered on the first generation Focus RS), this superb low mileage example comes complete with its original book pack and is being offered fresh from a thorough mechanical inspection.
Reprinted below is 4 Star Classics’ description:
Specification
Mileage: 13,303
Year: 2003
MOT Expiry: 12 Months
Exterior Colour: Imperial Blue Metallic
Interior Colour: Blue & Black Leather / Alcantara
Top speed: 144
0-60mph: 6.3
BHP: 212
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Engine Capacity: 1988cc
Engine Configuration: Turbocharged Inline 4
Equipment
Imperial Blue paintwork, Blue and Black leather/Alcantara upholstery, 18-inch OZ Racing alloy wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, Sparco sports seats, Brembo brakes, Carbon fibre centre console, Push button start, Numbered plaque (1514), Leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, Sparco handbrake grip, Sparco pedals, Electric windows, Electric door mirrors, Tailored RS carpet mats.
Exterior
Having driven only 13k miles in the last 22 years the condition of this Mk1 Focus RS is first-rate. The Imperial Blue paintwork is exceptionally well presented, and after visually inspecting the whole car the only negatives to report are some light frontal stone chips and one or two small marks on the alloys.
This time warp example has led a sheltered life having always been carefully stored when not in use. There are no visible modifications and even finer details such as the plastic trims, rubber seals, lights, and windows are immaculate.
The car has just been fully checked over and serviced with new Michelin tyres all round, so she’s good to go.
Interior
Looking every bit the low mileage, the impressive as-new condition continues inside; it smells like a new car and we have struggled to find wear in any of the usual places.
The seat bolsters are spot-on with other commonly worn items such as the steering wheel and gear knob both in perfect order. The dashboard, fascia, and carbon fibre centre console are also blemish-free, and all the switchgear is pristine. The original Ford CD player remains in place and in the footwells the carpets are still protected by original RS overmats.
Engine & Transmission
Despite having driven so few miles the Focus is accompanied by a good maintenance history with 8 service stamps in the original booklet, the first 4 from the supplying main dealer.
For the new keeper’s peace of mind, we have just had a full mechanical inspection and service carried out by our trusted classic car workshop.
The previous service was completed less than 700 miles ago in September 2021 at Evans Halshaw Ford, and it included a timing belt change.
History File
This sublime example was first registered in March 2003, and in the hands of only four registered keepers it has driven just 13,303 miles from new. It was purchased from us by the current owner a few years back, and prior to his custodianship it was owned by a collector of very high quality, low mileage modern classics.
The accompanying History File is complete with the RS leather document wallet, all owner’s manuals, a raft of invoices, MOT certificates, a spare key, and the original service booklet with 8 entries at the following mileages: 3,708 – 5,206 – 5,847 – 6,280 – 9,292 – 12,371 – 12,610 – and most recently at 13,383 miles in May 2025.
