Ford Focus ST170

[AndyGarton]

I bought this car a week ago via eBay, from a dealer who had taken it in as a part exchange, and I think I was very lucky to get it. It’s a one owner car, and has clearly been well looked after (and remains completely standard as far as I can tell), and a relatively low mileage, for a 14 year old car, of 75k. I’ve always liked the clean and compact look of the original Focus, and I also have fond memories of one I “owned” as my first company car back in the day (not an ST170, a 1.8 or 2 litre Zetec I think, can’t really remember) - the first relatively new car I owned, and also the first car I drove “enthusiastically” (I think the Focus, and the ST170 in particular, shows that front wheel drive can still be fun round corners!).

I bought it partly as a mini-project, in that I really enjoying the detailing process, and as such I’ve spent most of this week on stage one of the “refurbishment”, the exterior paintwork (which, while it had no real damage, did have the usual swirls and light scratches from poor washing technique) and wheels. The wheels are in pretty good condition generally (no kerbing), but the paint is bubbling up on the inside (I had all the wheels off for proper cleaning, to allow the arches/suspension to be done as well), so they’ll need a professional refurb soon. I’m delighted with the results of the machine polishing on the paint though - Imperial Blue really is a cracking colour, especially when swirls and scratches are eliminated. I’ve also done a few bits and bobs like fit new number plates, wheel centre covers, and badges.

My plans for the car are basically to keep it standard, maintain it in very nice condition (I’m going to tackle the interior and engine bay next), and enjoy driving it on nice days. I think the ST170 is a very underrated car - it doesn’t have much power, but that’s not really what it’s about (and it’s still not exactly slow anyway). The Focus RSs are now relatively silly money, yet the ST170 is still a bargain in my opinion, and stands a chance of increasing in value a bit in future I think.

[Mike1990]

That looks fabulous and well kept example, Imperial Blue is a great colour, much prefer it to Performance Blue and Spirit Blue that followed, think we’re on Deep Inpact Blue now.....

I reckon these will become quite sought after once all the nails die out.

Honestly that looks so fresh and modern still. Love it.

[Countdown]

That looks in fantastic condition OP and completely agree that they're underrated

[samoht]

That looks fantastic ! The three-door format, the colour and the detailing you've done really bring out the originality and cohesion of the original Focus shape.

[ambuletz]

That is one nice example, and in the best colour too, looks very tidy. I've always liked these as a 3dr.

[shalmaneser]

Looks great, I love these - especially 3 door in this colour! Wheels look great too, such a good bit of car design.

Any who, will look forward to seeing this updated.

[Ahbefive]

Brst colour and Recaros too. I like these but the gearing always seemed a bit poorly chosen.