MONDEO ST24 & ST200

The Mk1 and Mk2 Mondeos, while not being a common sight on the road today, were a sensation in the 1990s, fusing quality build and strong equipment levels with a broad variety of engine options. If you ticked the right box, you could get a V6! And when the Mondeo ST24 arrived in 1996, it took this platform and ran with it: used to introduce the ST badge to the Ford range, the 2.5-litre V6’s power remained at the same 167bhp as previous 24v models, but the ST24 also got half-leather seats, unique alloy wheels and, most importantly, the RSAP (Rallye Sport Appearance Pack) – a rakish bodykit to help it stand out. It was a delete option, but why would you…?

Also worthy of note is the ST200, which arrived in 1999. This evolved the ST24 concept, the ST200’s engine being an SVT-tuned version putting out 201bhp. It had a snarling exhaust and uprated, lowered suspension, 17in wheels, and you could get these Mondeos in racy Imperial Blue, which wasn’t possible with the ST24. These are rare beasts today too – 6,500 ST200s were built, and fewer than 1,000 survive today.

VITAL STATISTICS

MADE 1996-2000 PRICE WHEN NEW £19,190 PRICE NOW £500-£2500 POWER 167bhp (201bhp - ST200) TORQUE 162lb.ft (170lb.ft - ST200) TOP SPEED 139mph (141mph - ST200) 0-60MPH 8sec (7.8sec - ST200)