FUTURE CLASSICS
Spend more than ten minutes on social media and you’ll see so-called Ford fans criticising the cars we love simply for being beyond their budgets.
But instead of trying to talk down prices of verified classics, why not invest in one of the many other fast Fords that are currently overlooked or still falling in value? There’s no shortage of suitable alternatives, from obvious sporting models such as the ST225 to immaculate examples of rapidlydisappearing everyday cars like the Mk3 Fiesta and Mk1 Mondeo.
Harry says, “We’ll be keeping an eye on the Focus RS. The basic principle is anything made in limited numbers for rallying and racing will be collectible.”
Most experts agree that the Racing Puma and first-generation Focus RS are guaranteed. Richard tells us, “We’ve got an 11,000-mile Mk1 Focus RS here. A chap bought the car and has never seen it; it’s purely an investment.”
But don’t necessarily expect to see massive returns in 20 years’ time. As Paul Linfoot points out, “The Mk1 Focus was the first of the breed where there are so many low-mileage cars around, so in future they won’t be as special. People didn’t buy RS500 Cosworths to store away.”
Indeed, it’s notable that the majority of Mk3 Focus RS special editions are changing hands without covering many miles. Chris says, “Heritage Editions are a sure bet. You cannot go wrong with any Ford RS where they made only 50. In threeto-five years they will make 20-to-30 per cent, even if you’re buying at the top of the market right now.”
Chris also rates the new Fiesta ST Performance Edition (600 built) and lowvolume colours of the regular Focus RS. “There were only 514 Stealth Grey and 667 Black from 7430 right-hand-drive Mk3s,” he says. “Personally I would love a Red Edition with sunroof.”
So will it become a rarity to see wellused Fords? Paul Thatcher’s everyday driver is a Red Edition, which he’s already modified – and to hell with the money men. He says, “It’s my car and I drive it. There’s no way I’d stash it away. I’m not going to live forever.”
Yet you don’t need to spend big bucks to bag a future classic. The Focus ST170 is widely tipped to make money, and is currently being subjected to the same fate suffered by so many Sapphire Cosworths a decade ago – being bought cheap to strip and use as an engine donor. Meanwhile, the Sierra XR4x4 is woefully undervalued, the Mondeo ST200 is suddenly being noticed, and the Escort Cabriolet is set to increase when supplies of tin-top XR3is dry up. The Focus ST500 is also a dead cert.
Richard’s advice is to grab a Mk5 or Mk6 Escort RS2000: “There’s plenty of scope in them but finding a good example is the thing – they’ve become rarer by getting run into the ground. Buy the best you can afford and you’ll see a better return.”
Chris also recommends the RS2000, and adds, “Fiestas are very good news – even standard Mk1s and Mk2s. The same goes for the Mk3 Escort, with people wanting to get into the Ford scene. Pumas will do well but you have to be careful of rust because they dissolve. And Cougars with good history are beginning to make money.”
As usual, though, if the past has taught us anything it’s that a Blue Oval badge guarantees a future following; with sporting credentials and low mileage, your money is safe.