FOCUS ST500 2007

Sadly, the digits didn’t refer to bhp. Nor did they mean a Sierra RS500esque homologation special. Still, it was a limited-run fast Ford worthy of attention.

Based on the Focus ST3, the ST500 appeared in late 2007, available to 500 UK customers. All were finished in metallic Panther Black with silver stripes on the bonnet, roof and sides, to emulate the Le Manswinning GT40.

On top of the ST3’s standard kit (including ESP stability control, xenon headlamps, heated windscreen, electric ten-way adjustable leather Recaro front seats and Sony CD changer), the ST500 gained auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and solar-reflect windscreen. The seats were trimmed in scarlet leather, and special ST500 badging was added.

Mechanically, everything was stock Focus ST – meaning 222bhp from the turbo’d 2.5-litre, 20-valve Duratec engine.