There’s an inherent duality within this bagged Mk3 Focus RS – show and go, power and poise, it’s a piquant mix with tasty results.
One of the key facets of car modification is to rework your pride and joy to fit into your lifestyle. This can manifest itself in many ways; some people build race and rally replicas or homages in tribute to heroic drivers they’ve always admired. Others are committed to the lows, getting their ride as close to the tarmac as possible, and everyday speedhump mishaps be damned. Some compromise on sportiness to incorporate a little more practicality to suit their family routines. However the game plays out, these projects are companions to our day-to-day reality.
For Simon, the owner of this bagged Mk3 Focus RS, the fusion of show and go has always been paramount. He likes his cars fast and agile, but also with a show-worthy finish. And he’s no stranger either; way back in the day Fast Ford featured his Orion Turbo, and he’s owned a whole bunch of Fiestas of various generations including an ST150 which, yes, Fast Ford also featured a few years back. Safe to say this fella knows his stuff.
Simon’s car history
“I’ve always owned modified cars since I started driving – mainly Fords as that’s what I was brought up around,” he explains. “I’ve had my fair share…” Yep, he does seem to have ticked a lot of Blue Oval boxes. And when it came to the acquisition of this Mk3, well – it was actually the pandemic that sparked it all off. The devil makes work for idle hands, and all that. With the world shutting down and options for recreation limited, this serial Ford modder started to get some funny ideas.
“I was actually looking for a Mk2 RS originally,” Simon recalls. “After viewing a few and not finding the right one I’d sort of given up, but then my brother suggested I start looking at Mk3s instead. So I joined a couple of Facebook groups, and the day I was accepted into one group this car had just come up for sale! I contacted the fella straight away and, after a bit of back and forth, we agreed on a price. I then hopped in the car and went to view the RS in Wales.
At the other end, I was met by a lovely guy who was selling it; unfortunately he was having some back problems and was struggling to get in and out of the car, so he just had to part with it – and I could tell that he really, really didn’t want to. As soon as he opened up the garage I was like: take my money!”
Buying the Mk3 Focus RS
What was hiding behind that door was something truly impressive. Having covered a mere 7,000 miles, the Focus really did look like new; the former keeper had a made a few tasteful mods and only really used the car for going to shows, and consequently the condition inside and out was little short of astounding. Certainly the type of tidy blank canvas upon which Simon could apply his own particular brand of modifying prowess.
Now, it’s an interesting quirk of modern life that most people these days seem perennially ready to compromise. You might book a grubbier hotel for your holiday so that you can stay one day longer, or choose the own-brand cereal because it’s half the price even though it’s half as nice, or stick with your winter coat for another season even though it’s full of holes because you’re sure you’ll never find another one quite as comfy.
It’s true of a lot of modified cars too; you may fit panscraping static lows and a deafening straight-through exhaust because those things are cool, even though you know it totally compromises everyday usability. Perhaps you’ll unbolt the rear seats and wang in a rollcage, despite the fact that now there’s nowhere for the kids to sit. Life’s just one huge balancing act really, isn’t it? Ah, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Simon knows what he’s about, and is eager to show us how it’s done.
Tuning the bagged Mk3 Focus RS
“I was buzzing to own an RS, as I had always wanted one,” he grins. “I started to do bits to it after a few weeks, but the need for more power was the thing that was really niggling me, so a trip to Sabre Tuning was booked and the long list of Mountune upgrades began from there.”
The power upgrades have been comprehensive, and what resulted was a Stage 2 powerhouse serving up a solid and reliable 440bhp and 447lb.ft, more than enough to keep that heavy right foot satisfied.
Putting the Focus RS Mk3 on air ride
With power addressed, there was another serious element to consider: uniqueness. Because as much fun as it is to modify and upgrade a car, it’ll always be a little deflating if you end up with something the same as everybody else’s.
“I wanted to make it different, and one of my mates suggested putting it on air,” Simon continues. “That got me thinking, and after a bit of research the decision was made – and luckily I managed to find an entire kit for sale! So it was time for another road trip to go and collect all the bits, and a couple of weeks later and a few late nights after work it was on and fully working, thanks to help from James Fisher and my brother. I’m so glad I did go air, as the car just looks awesome slammed; it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it’s mine and I love it. Touch wood, I’ve had no problems with the car and the Air Lift system either.”
Interior modifications on the bagged Mk3 Focus RS
What’s really noticeable throughout the build is Simon’s attention to detail. No stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of finessing each individual aspect of the car, and his shopping list of parts must have been getting longer and longer throughout. Just take a look at the cabin, for example, and check out his enthusiasm for carbon fibre. It’s absolutely everywhere, subtle but insistent, from the steering wheel and handbrake to the door levers, gauge pod, gearknob, sills and all sorts.
Exterior modifications
It’s the same story across the car’s exterior, tasteful but striking, with Triple R Composites providing the front and side splitters, rear spats and diffuser, joined by a Maxton Design spoiler extension, Mountune spoiler wing splash, Autobeam sequential indicators, custom badging and various other niche accoutrements. It’s a greatest-hits of all the aftermarket has to offer, and it coalesces intelligently without looking overdone.
Conclusion
Sounds like he’s having difficulty leaving it alone then? “No, I think it’s done for the time being,” Simon laughs. “Now it’s just time to enjoy the car and get to as many shows as possible, as I’ve only actually done about 3,000 miles since I’ve owned it! But at the shows I attended through 2023 it had a great response and lots of nice comments – I’m looking forward to more in 2024.” You can catch Simon and his bagged Mk3 Focus RS on the Fast Ford stand alongside other modified Fords at this year’s Ford Fair.
That good karma, it goes in circles. Positivity never leaves a sour taste, and Simon’s infectious enthusiasm is sending good vibes across the RS community.
Photos: Ade Brannan.
Missed your chance to come along to Ford Fair? Well don’t miss out on our next event, it’s Trax Silverstone! With over 3000 cars set to be on display from a multitude of manufacturers, this one is not to be missed! For more information and tickets, visit the event website here.
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