EXTERIOR
Focus Mk1s like to rot, and the RS is no exception; even most cared-for examples have needed work. Luckily, most panels are shared with the regular three-door Focus, so they’re cheap to replace. RS-specific parts are the exact opposite, and large panels – such as the widened steel rear quarters – are no longer available new.
Look for corrosion around the doors, tailgate, fuel filler and sills – a particular problem area because muck gets trapped behind the bonded side skirts; removing the skirts usually reveals rot at the lower edges of the front wings. The solution is to use a standard Focus wing, cut off the bottom section and stitch it to the RS flared wheelarches.
Crucially, inspect the inner wheelarches, front and rear. Up front, you’ll need to remove the wheelarch liners and check for rotten inner wings, behind the struts. In the boot, peel back the carpeted sections and examine the floor, including beneath the back seat.
The bonnet is a standard Mk1 part, and may be rattling if its supports have separated from the underside; rebonding is an easy task. The RS front grille is expensive, easily broken, and sometimes swapped for a cheaper ST170 or Collection grille instead – so watch out.
RS headlamps were unique because they had chrome caps over the usual orange indicators; if needs be, carefully splitting a standard lamp apart allows you to convert it to RS spec with the caps. RS indicators are trickier to find – and even the retaining screws are silly money from Ford, but J9 Performance Parts now offer cheaper alternatives.
Imperial Blue paintwork was compulsory on every factory RS, so any other colour means the car has either been resprayed, wrapped or reshelled. Original paint always had an orange-peel finish, but it’s prone to stone-chips, so expect to see some signs of rectification. Front bumpers are rare (ensure they’re not fibreglass), as are splitters. Replacements are, of course, pricey.