2003 Ford Focus RS 340bhp

Highlights 

• Dyno-proven 340bhp example (Sabre Tuning Stage 3)

• Significantly but tastefully modified

• In superb condition throughout

• Good service history and paperwork file

• Low mileage

Overview

Fast Fords will perennially be popular. Fact. From the very first Lotus Cortina and the all-conquering rally icons of the '70s to the Cosworth legends of the '80s and more modern iterations like the Focus and Fiesta RS models, not to mention the iconic GT40, there's just something about a spicy Ford – the working class hero done good – that remains an incredibly alluring concept. And speaking of the Cosworth-tweaked Fords of days gone by there was a collective hurrah when the Blue Oval bigwigs decided to dip their toes back into the Rallye Sport waters in 2002 with the release of the Focus RS – a spiritual successor to the revered Escort RS Cosworth and its famed “whale tale” aesthetic. 

A single colour, limited production model, it was certainly an exclusive proposition but it wasn't merely the car's scarcity that got juices flowing. A large part of its success was just how bloomin' good it was.  Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre Zetec engine, the Focus RS produced a heady 212bhp and could accelerate to 60mph from standstill in a little over six seconds before topping out at 144mph so it was no slouch. Laden with racing bits and bobs like Sachs dampers, lightweight wheels and a Quaife automatic torque biasing differential it certainly had the bite to match its bark too and it proved to be a huge success.

The RS would continue to be offered over the next couple of generations, such was its popularity, but many would argue that the original, first-gen Focus RS – like this particular example – is the OG and it remains a sought after model to this day. 

Presenting in excellent condition throughout, this 2003 car – build number 3501 – isn’t just a low mileage example with great history. It also benefits from a whole host of tasteful performance tweaks, making an already fast Ford even more exciting. From suspension and braking enhancements to a full exhaust and ECU remap that pushes peak power to a reported dyno-proven 340bhp, this is a particularly rapid RS and the full list of modifications can be found below.

Sold with a wealth of paperwork and a well documented history, it comes with most of the original parts should you wish to revert back to standard spec. A low mileage car complete with an advisory-free MOT, it's reportedly running well with recently refreshed suspension and no mechanical issues.

History and documentation

• 2003 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 31 May 2003

• In current ownership since 05 May 2025

• Previous owner had the car for 14 years

• Original book pack

• Two keys plus working RS alarm fob

• “RS” registration included

• Service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals (all using original Ford parts): annual standard service+odour filter at 8,728 miles (2004 – main dealer), annual standard service+spark plugs at 18,731 miles (2005 – main dealer), major service+spark plugs+odour filter at 25,425 miles (2006 – main dealer), annual standard service at 26,706 miles (2007), annual standard service+spark plugs+odour filter at 32,132 miles (2008)

• Vendor reports servicing at 42,683miles (cambelt and pulleys) and 50,500 miles and informs us that the previous owner serviced the car themselves

• The stated services and mileages are all invoiced and documented; the seller reports that there are more services invoiced but not with mileage recorded against them

• Six books worth of history showing invoices for parts and maintenance

• Paperwork for BC RM type coilovers 

• Invoice for suspension overhaul dated 10 Sep 2025

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 06 Oct 2026

• London ULEZ compliant

• 54,024 indicated miles

Interior

• Presents in excellent condition throughout

• Limited wear and tear commensurate with mileage

• No obvious scuffs, marks or tears in the upholstery

• Minimal wear on the steering wheel and gear stick

• Custom re-trimmed steering wheel in Nappa leather with embroidered build number

• Temperature gauge fitted

• Footwell lighting

• Door cards, carpets and dashboard remain in great shape

• Vendor reports that everything works as it should aside from the remote central locking (works on the key)

• Original stereo

• Racesafe 1kg Fire extinguisher present under front passenger seat

• Headlining is intact and has not sagged

• Boot space is clean and tidy

• Parcel shelf present and correct

• Air compressor included

• Engine bay looks to be clean and in very good condition

Exterior

• In exceptional condition overall

• No real dents, scratches, marks or blemishes apart from a tiny amount of rash on the rear arch, a little road rash on the front drivers side bumper, and a small touched-in stone chip on the bonnet

• Original Imperial Blue paintwork presents very well across all panels

• Panel gaps appear uniform

• Carbon fibre splitter, side vents, fog light surrounds and grille surround

• Angel eye led front lights

• US-spec rear light

• All glasswork looks to be free from any damage

• No obvious signs of any corrosion

• Number plates are both magnetic and have “If in doubt, flat out – Colin McRae” printed on them

• Factory OZ Racing 18” five-spoke alloy wheels have been refurbished in the original colour and as such present incredibly well with no signs of any kerb damage 

• Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 R tyres with plenty of life as reported by the vendor 

• Underneath appears to be solid and in good condition with just some light surface rust to the sill edges to note 

• Vendor reports the subframe is solid but could do with paint, the front wishbones and rear knuckles could do with a refurb in the not too distant future and the fuel line bracket also could do with being replaced

Mechanical

• 2.0-litre turbocharged Ford Zetec four-cylinder engine with a stage 3 remap to 340bhp by renowned specialist Sabre Tuning, with a dyno printout reportedly on file

• Poantworkz engine bay kit including battery cover, fuse box cover, brake fluid cover and coolant tank cover (reportedly signed by Jimmy McRae)

• Gold under bonnet protection, Red Bull custom engine cover, carbon intercooler cover, chrome cam cover and Ford racing chrome top mounts, number plaque 

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Front-wheel drive

• Sabre stage 3 remap

• 3” full custom exhaust with tubular Manifold

• Forged actuator and billet thermostat housing

• K&N air filter

• Full Sparco and Roose hoses

• Uprated fuel pump

• Sachs organic clutch kit 

• BC RM coilovers with camber adjustment and hard race rear camber and toe arms

• H&R anti roll bars

• Recently replaced rear suspension arms, subframe bolts, track rod ends and inner tie rods

• EBC drilled and grooved brake discs with Redstuff ceramic pads and Goodridge braided lines

• Suspension upgraded less than 100 miles ago but Included are the original suspensions parts

• New battery fitted may 2025

• No mechanical issues to report 

• The vendor informs us that the car is quick and handles superbly well, is so much fun to drive, starts and brakes well and sounds loud but has a deep tone with not pops or bangs 

Summary

Tastefully modified to a very high standard in order to provide a significant hike in performance without being obnoxious or compromising what makes these cars so great to drive in the first place, this Mk1 Ford Focus RS is a bit of a peach. In superb shape throughout and with plenty of history to back it all up it presents as an incredibly capable and really rather rapid representation of one of the best Fast Fords to ever grace tarmac. If you're after a significantly tweaked example that still retains all of its original charm and allure then look no further.

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 Worcester, Worcestershire.