2008 Ford Focus ST-3 with 370bhp

Highlights 

• Fully rebuilt engine

• Numerous performance upgrades

• 371bhp (with dyno printout) 

• Substantial folder of receipts

• Fully resprayed

• Comprehensively rust protected

• In superb condition throughout

• Low mileage

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

Ford has been making souped-up versions of its everyday models for decades. Ever since the Lotus-tweaked Cortina back in 1963, fast Fords have perennially been a staple of the scene. From Capris and Cortinas to Escorts and Fiestas there's just something so right about a family Ford with an excitable engine and the Focus ST is no different.

Unveiled in 2005, the ST was Ford's hot hatch version of its Mk 2 Focus and it was an instant hit, mainly thanks to the 225bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder under its bonnet. Originally a Volvo engine, the boffins at Ford fettled it to include variable valve timing, added a lighter flywheel and tweaked the throttle. The result was a practical family hatchback that could hit 60mph from parked in about six-and-a-half seconds on its way to topping out at 150mph.

Harking back to the spicy Sierras and Escort Cosworths of the past, the Focus ST had just enough subtle muscular styling cues over the standard cars without appearing too lairy and the improved suspension and road holding meant it handled as well as it got off the line. Not only that but there was further scope for modification with many after market performance upgrades and tuning options available for the discerning power junky.

Speaking of performance increases, this particular 2008 example has been thoroughly modified throughout. An ST-3 to begin with, which is the highest spec level for the Mk2 Focus ST, this car has been completely and professionally rebuilt with many choice upgrades to not only boost power figures but also enhance how it drives.

Treated to an expensive full nut and bolt refresh from the ground up without compromise using original Ford parts (or the best available) the car has had a full engine rebuild, including fully forged pistons and rods, a modified block and an RS turbo, to name just a few upgrades. The engine has been further modified with numerous Focus RS and performance parts (not to mention the RS clutch and flywheel) and the BC Racing suspension is entirely new and fully adjustable. A full spec list can be found below but suffice to say, this is quite the car.

The exterior remains beautifully standard and the car presents superbly throughout. Fully resprayed and treated with POR-15 rust prevention and Waxoyl its a stunning example of the marque and comes complete with a huge history folder full of receipts as well as a long advisory-free MOT.

History and documentation

• 2008 model year

• Two keys

• Original book pack

• V5C present and correct

• Four former keepers

• In current ownership for ten years with only 10K miles covered in that time

• The vendor reports that a change in family circumstances has prompted the sale

• Substantial history folder full of receipts for parts and work carried out

• Dyno printout showing 371.9bhp

• Scorpion immobiliser

• Advisory-free MOT until 20/03/2026

• HPI clear

• 88,255 miles

Interior

• Black leather interior is in stunning condition

• Recaro seats are wearing well with only the usual light wear to the bolsters to note

• Black roof lining and door cards are in great shape

• Dashboard appears unmarked

• Steering wheel and gear knob are in fine fettle

• Gaiters remain unworn

• Carpets look to be clean and dry with minimal wear 

• We understand all gauges and switchgear to be fully functional

• The boot space is tidy and the factory parcel shelf is present

• Focus branded overmats are in good condition

• The engine bay presents well overall

Exterior

• Fully resprayed in mirror finish Sea Grey paint

• In exceptional condition

• No evidence of any damage or corrosion 

• The paintwork appears to be free from blemishes, marks, scratches and swirls

• All panel gaps are uniform

• Rear diffuser

• The underneath is in fine shape and has been fully treated with POR-15 anti-corrosion paint and Waxoyl, including the wheel arches

• Brand new Ford exhaust heat shields

• All glasswork remains undamaged

• New 18” Ford alloy wheels look to be free from any marks or kerb damage

• The vendor states that the Pirelli P Zero tyres are all brand new

• MS-RT mudflaps 

Mechanical

• 371bhp, 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Front-wheel drive

• Focus RS clutch and flywheel

• The vendor states that the rebuild cost approximately £25,000 and was carried out by a Bentley/Rolls-Royce technician

• The full engine spec includes the following:

Fully forged Wossner pistons and rods

Modified block

Focus RS turbo

3” Power Flow exhaust from the turbo back

Cylinder head gas flowed by A L Developments

Focus RS air filter box, oil filter housing, injectors, high pressure fuel pump, oil pump and oil cooler

Pro alloy intercooler

New boost pipes and turbo actuators

Focus RS MAP sensor, MAF sensor, fuel pressure sensor and crossover pipe

Racing spec main and big end bearings

Turbosmart recycling dump value and waste gate actuator

New Ford oil seals

Ford timing belt kit with water pump

Large bore hard boost pipes  

K&N air filter with twin intake

• The full suspension spec is as follows:

Fully adjustable BC racing coilovers (damping and height adjustment)

Rear suspension poly bushed 

Fully adjustable rear suspension arms 

26mm front and rear anti roll bars

Rear chassis stiffening bracket 

Front lower suspension arms poly bushed

Hard race front anti roll bar links

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

Having well and truly earned its place in the hot hatch hall of fame, the Focus ST not only ticks the performance box but also the price one too, being that much more affordable than some of the other, more headline grabbing models available. 

This car has the added bonus of being fully rebuilt with many choice upgrades, resulting in a really rather special ST-3 that absolutely delivers, both in terms of condition and sheer performance. In the words of the vendor this is one hell of a car, a statement that we would have to agree with.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Leeds, Yorkshire.