Mk3 Fiesta Si (still got), Mk3 Fiesta RS Turbo (still got)
FFSH, low miles... it's a peach
I have always been into fast Fords (I blame by dad as he owned a Mk1 Escort RS2000, Mk2 Escort Mexico and Mk2 Escort RS2000!). Once I started earning enough to treat myself to a higher end fast Ford, I narrowed it down to two options, the Mk1 Focus RS or the Mk2 Focus ST. In the end, it had to be the RS, due to the greater feel of heritage, the classic status, the investment potential and also the badge (yes, I'm an RS snob!).
I looked around for a good while for the right car, and finally stumbled on this one. It was exactly what I was looking for in that it was completely standard and unmolested, low mileage (45K, now on 47K), full Ford service history and only two previous owners before me (both of which I have the contact details of). My initial plan was to drive it and enjoy it, but the precious side soon kicked in (as it has with all the other cars I have previously owned!), and I have had it off the road for the past two winters slowly restoring it underneath so it is factory fresh.
I am keeping it original and have used all genuine Ford parts for the resto, as this will ensure it retains its value in the future (as standard cars are always command a premium against modified). All that is left to restore is from the front arches forward this coming winter, then just maintain it at the high standard I have been aiming for. I'm doing the restoration in 'sections' so it can be on the road during the summer months so I can drive and enjoy it.
That hasn't stopped a restoration though!
Almost everything about it! The way it drives and handles at seemingly any speed, the way it feels so well set up as a completely standard car (although 70 per cent of these cars are non-standard Focus, and Ford made a £4,000 loss on each of the 4,501 cars it sold as a result), and also the attention it gets from a wide mix of people. I also live close to the Peak District so it's great to go out for a blast on a summer evening and enjoy the car for what it was built to do. The feel and sound of the turbo kicking in is excellent, and always brings a smile to your face. I also like taking it to shows, the main one being Ford Fair at Silverstone, and chatting to fellow enthusiasts.
Things I hate:
The main thing really is fuel consumption. These cars can only be run on 97+ octane fuel, so each fill up requires a bank loan and they do drink the fuel if you are giving it some (about 15-18 mpg...). Also, the fear of leaving it in a car park or public place and coming back to it being damaged. With bumpers at £500 a piece and the usual nightmare of possible door dinks, its always a worry (although this is the same with any nice car I suppose).
Fuel consumption the biggest bugbear
The only necessary cost was a new charge cooler pump for £80 as the old one had stopped working. Other than that is has been the cost of a service including cambelt, then the full underside restoration (which I count as self-inflicted work/cost, although it could also be classed as preventative maintenance!).
Where I've been:
Out into the Peak District plenty of times, down to Northampton for a car show last May then to the Cotswolds in August for a long weekend including Ford Fair at Silverstone, and in the garage for two winters lying underneath it....
What next?
Drive it and enjoy it this summer, including the annual Ford Fair trip, then finish off the rest of the underside restoration this coming winter. After that I want to keep it and preserve it at the standard I am after whilst driving it and enjoying it every summer. I wouldn't want to sell it, although I have always had a hankering for a Mk1 Escort RS2000 in Olympic Blue, so who knows...