KEY POINTS

IDENTITY

Beware of fakes and ringers. Before buying, be sure to contact the Mk1 Focus RS Owners’ Club and cross-check the car’s serial number with the online FRS Build List.

CONDITION

A ropey RS is easy to spot – if it’s been abused or neglected, the bodywork and interior will look tired, and crucial RS components could be missing, Unless it’s cheap, walk away.

BODY

Rotten RSs are worryingly common – especially around the sills, front wings and inner wheelarches. RS wings, rear quarters and front bumpers are rare and reassuringly expensive.

TEST DRIVE

Any Mk1 RS should feel alive – pin-sharp on corners and genuinely quick in a straight line. Avoid anything that feels floppy or sluggish to drive. If it’s not amazing, it’s not the car for you.

MILEAGE

Looking for the lowest-mileage Mk1 Focus RS out there? Be prepared to empty your wallet. The RS has been an investors’ favourite since it was new, so there are loads of concours contenders around, fighting for top money.