2003 Ford Focus RS - #0350 of 4,501 produced

Highlights

• Reportedly #0350 of 4,501 produced
• Comprehensive underside and engine bay restoration between 2022 and 2023, costing approximately £10,000
• Tasteful OEM+ specification with quality performance upgrades including AP Racing brakes, KW V3 coilovers and hybrid turbo
• No winter use since 2004
• Extensive history file accompanying the car
• Original leather RS folder and front mats retained

The Appeal

The Mk1 Ford Focus RS needs little introduction. Launched in 2002 as the first RS-badged Focus, it has conversely become celebrated as one of the marque's last truly 'wild' cars. Built in limited numbers and offered exclusively in Imperial Blue, these hot hatch motors boasted a sport-derived Quaife ATB differential, turbocharged 2.0-litre Duratec engine and aggressive bodywork - a formula that continues to impress a whole new generation of enthusiast.

This particular example, production number 0350, was first registered in January 2003 and has not been used in winter since 2004. The vendor states the car presents very well and has been meticulously looked after, and it comes with what is reported to be a comprehensive service history. The car has been thoughtfully upgraded to an OEM+ standard, featuring a hybrid turbo with boost controller producing approximately 300bhp, AP Racing six-pot front brakes with 355mm grooved discs, KW V3 coilovers and a Primary Designs full exhaust system.

Between 2022 and 2023, the car received an extensive underside and engine bay restoration costing approximately £10,000. This included engine removal with the bay and inner arches repainted, a new clutch assembly with reskimmed flywheel, gearbox synchro replacement, full brake refurbishment, new hoses throughout, powdercoated subframes and much more besides. The level of detail is impressive: bolts were either replaced or zinc-coated, and the charge-cooler box was redesigned and rebuilt by Radtech with welded rather than bonded joints.

The original leather RS folder and front mats - preserved at just 12,000 miles - are included, and the vendor reports that the bodywork and paint appear free from notable defects, with no damage or rust noted. For those seeking a well-sorted, carefully maintained Mk1 Focus RS with a comprehensive history and a no-expense-spared approach to upkeep, this is a compelling proposition.

History and Paperwork

• UK-market RHD car, first registered January 2003
• Production number 0350 of 4,501 produced
• Comprehensive service history with an extensive accompanying history file
• Original leather RS folder retained
• Original front mats preserved at 12,000 miles and retained
• Previous owner from 2004 to 2013 and again from 2020 to 2023 is contactable for further history
• Indicates 48,676 miles
• Personalised registration RS52RAD

Service History:

• 11/25 - Ashwell Garage - 48,656 miles
• 10/24 - Ashwell Garage - 48,538 miles
• 10/23 - Ashwell Garage - 48,505 miles
• 10/22 - Ashwell Garage - 48,435 miles
• 05/20 - Southwest Auto Services - 48,235 miles
• 03/20 - Southwest Auto Services - 48,204 miles
• 05/19 - RA Wait - 47,348 miles
• 05/18 - RA Wait - 46,388 miles
• 05/18 - JAM-Sport - 45,154 miles
• 03/16 - JAM-Sport - 42,107 miles
• 02/15 - JAM-Sport - 38,664 miles
• 05/12 - JAM-Sport - 32,451 miles
• 04/11 - Stanthorne Cars - 29,665 miles
• 06/10 - Stanthorne Cars - 28,8923 miles
• 03/09 - Stanthorne Cars - 27,167 miles
• 03/08 - Stanthorne Cars - 25,468 miles
• 01/07 - Pumabuild - 22,750 miles
• 01/06 - CD Bramall Ford - 20,003 miles
• 01/05 - RGR Garages LTD - 15,356 miles
• 01/04 - PJ Nicholls LTD - 11,106 miles

The Condition

• Handsome Imperial Blue livery
• Paintwork is clean and well-presented
• Bodywork is in good overall order with no obvious dents or dings
• Well-presented RS alloys
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres with minimal wear reported
• Underside is in good, solid order
• Seats and trim are in good condition
• Dashboard in fine fettle
• All instruments clean and legible

The Mechanics

• 1,988cc turbocharged straight-four petrol engine
• 5-speed manual transmission
• Hybrid turbo with boost controller, reported to be producing approximately 300bhp
• Primary Designs full exhaust system, including stainless manifold, 200-cell sports cat and exhaust
• AP Racing six-pot front brakes with 355mm x 32mm grooved discs
• New Ford rear discs, pads and handbrake cables fitted
• AP Organic clutch plate and release bearing fitted, flywheel reskimmed
• Gearbox checked with new synchros installed
• Charge cooler box redesigned and rebuilt by Radtech with welded joins
• New Roose water, ancillary and boost hoses throughout
• New water pump, alternator, starter motor, belts and pulleys
• Engine bay and inner arches repainted during 2022–2023 restoration
• Front and rear subframes removed, metalwork powdercoated, fixings zinc coated
• KW V3 coilovers removed, cleaned and checked with brand new KW springs and helper springs installed
• Polybushes installed throughout
• AP Racing six-pot front callipers professionally refurbished with new DS2500 pads and seals
• Rear callipers refurbished and recoated with OEM zinc coating
• Reported to be in fine, drivable condition

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