The mk1 Ford Focus RS might steal the limelight but there’s another option if you’re looking for a hot hatchback based on the first-generation Focus: the ST170.

It’s fair to say the ST170 didn’t shine on its debut in 2002. Part of that was due to the increasingly exciting hot hatchbacks available at the time, following the EP3 Civic Type R that kicked the class through the 200bhp barrier, but in part, it seems, it was Ford’s decision to hold back the ST170 just a little given the RS was just around the corner.

Even so, the first hot Focus packed an excellent chassis and handsome styling, and slotted neatly into the space left by the short-lived Ford Racing Puma and alongside the concurrently-launched Mondeo ST220 - the early 2000s was a great time to be a fan of understated but otherwise excellent fast Fords.

As the Focus RS was launched, the sales stalled for the ST170 and production only ran for another couple of years.
But here is the thing, it becomes a rarer Ford because of this. Mixed together with it being better value for money at the time, we have a recipe for a classic collectible Ford.

So as escorts now cost more than everyone’s houses, the next classics must fall to the mk1 Focuses for sure. And what better way to kick off the collections by an ST170!

This ST170 finished in imperial blue was fully restored in 2022 inc full service, timing belt, tyres, alloys, paint detail, disks and pads, the list goes on and the bill topped £3000.
It has full service history which you would expect. 3 keys. Book pack. Paintwork is original with only minimal blemishes considering her age and a common documented clocks change at 22k. She shows 44k now meaning 66k in total.
Beautiful car and a must for anyone’s collection.