WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSURE?

Insurance group 34 means the Focus is affordable, but the RS badge and limited parts availability means most mainstream insurers won’t do you any favours – whether on your premium or in the event of a claim. It’s far better to seek a specialist broker for an agreed-value/ limited-mileage policy with added track day cover.

WHERE DO I FIND ONE?

Begin by contacting the Mk1 Focus RS Owners’ Club, where members almost certainly know of any suitable cars for sale; every Focus RS was uniquely numbered, and the online FRS Build List will include useful history of your prospective purchase. Classic and/or online auctions are a good source for the RS Mk1, as are specialist car dealers – especially for a concours example.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RUN?

It’s remarkably frugal if you take it easy, and components shared with the common-or-garden Focus cost peanuts. But drive hard or need RS-specific parts, and your bank balance will begin to hurt.

WILL VALUES RISE OR FALL?

At the time of writing they’re on the rise. But the Focus RS Mk1 was the first Ford bought by investors in large numbers, so low-mileage museum pieces might plateau when every collector owns one…

SHOULD I MODIFY IT?

A little. The RS drives superbly as standard, but comes alive with a Stage 1 remap, and a few Ghia/ST170 gadgets add a little luxury to the cabin.