The Ultimate Ford Focus
Ford may have turned its back on making low-slung passenger cars (for now, at least), but anyone who’s followed the hot hatch scene knows the Blue Oval’s impact runs deep. Before the Mustang took over as Ford’s global performance face, models like the Escort RS Cosworth, Sierra RS500, and Focus RS built the brand’s reputation with enthusiasts.
The Ford Focus RS500 stands out as one of Ford’s most memorable examples. It was built as a farewell to the second-generation Focus RS, with only 500 units produced worldwide. These cars quickly became some of the most desirable modern Fords. Finding one is tough enough. Finding one that’s barely been driven is even rarer.
That’s what makes this 2010 Ford Focus RS500 for sale in the UK worth a closer look. The seller says it’s covered just 39 miles since new and still looks almost as fresh as the day it left the showroom, more than 15 years ago.
A Hot Hatch Built To End An Era
The Focus RS500 was more than just a cosmetic special. Ford TeamRS engineers took the standard Focus RS’s turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder and pushed it from 305 to 345 horsepower, with torque up to 339 lb-ft. That gave the RS500 enough punch to hit 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and reach a top speed of about 163 mph – all through the front wheels. Even better, it has a six-speed manual gearbox.
The extra power came from a bigger intercooler, a revised intake, an upgraded fuel pump, a larger exhaust downpipe, and new engine tuning. Ford kept the advanced front-wheel-drive setup, with RevoKnuckle suspension and a Quaife limited-slip differential, so the RS500 could actually use all that power.
Visually, the RS500 set itself apart with a matte black finish. Each car started as Panther Black, then got a 3M Scotchcal foil wrap at the factory. The one for sale still has its original wrap, which is rare now since many owners have replaced or removed theirs. The black wheels, red brake calipers, and RS500 badges are all still there too.
But There’s a Catch
Inside, the Focus RS500 got its own touches – red stitching, unique trim, and heavily bolstered Recaro seats. The seller says the interior of this car is unmarked, from the steering wheel to the floor mats. Even with just 39 miles, it’s been serviced regularly, including a cambelt change in 2024.
That kind of preservation explains the price. Listed in PistonHeads, the dealer wants £120,000, or about $163,000. It may sound like a huge ask for a Focus, but the RS500 is now more of a collector’s item than a hot hatch.
There’s a catch, though. Because the car is a 2010 model, it doesn’t yet meet our 25-year import rule, which generally prevents non-US-market vehicles from being legally imported until they reach 25 years of age. An exception exists under the NHTSA’s “Show or Display” program, which allows certain historically or technologically significant vehicles to be imported for limited use, though approval is granted only to select models.
For now, this ultra-low-mileage RS500 is a rare find for collectors. Whether it ever gets driven as intended, especially in the US, is another story.
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