Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Silverstone Festival 2024 - Collectors' Car Sale on Saturday the 24th of August, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. 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 differential 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 six 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" wheels, flared arches, deep diffuser and a wing that would embarrass a Porsche Turbo, the RS left you in no doubt about its intentions.
The beautiful, Frozen White RS on offer here has been cherished and carefully stored since its purchase new by our vendor. It has covered just 10 miles in that time although this may go up slightly as the car is moved around the sale.
The Performance Fords on offer today from the ‘Focus on Ford Collection’ have remained in storage for a number of years but, despite having only covered delivery mileage, our vendors took the sensible decision to bring them to sale in the very best condition possible and fully ready to drive away. Their recommissioning has been carried out by the respected Tremona Garage and involved a meticulous inspection of each car, commencing with a check for contamination of fuel. Belts were checked as were the fuel pumps and ECUs, the brake system and all electrics were tested, all fluids replaced throughout with fresh oil, air and pollen filters, and new batteries were fitted in the cars as well as in the keys. Finally, once satisfied that the car was ready to be driven, they have been sensitively valeted to maintain the 'fresh from the showroom' look, so factory stickers and plastic trim covers remain in place and the cars have been cleaned to a standard one might expect at initial delivery. However, it will not have a current MOT as our vendor has chosen not to register the car on the MOT system, leaving that decision to its new owner.
NB: A full set of professional images to follow shortly.
