2010 Ford Focus ST-3
Only 22,000 miles from new – a compelling addition to any serious collection

There are certain performance Fords which, with the benefit of hindsight, become obvious candidates for preservation. The Mk2 Focus ST is firmly entering that territory, and examples possessing the mileage, originality and provenance of ‘HF10 GFE’ are increasingly worthy of collector attention.

Registered in April 2010, this desirable ST-3 has covered a remarkably modest 22,295 miles from new. More importantly for the collector, it appears to have escaped the fate of so many of its contemporaries. Rather than being extensively modified or subjected to the hard use often associated with performance hatchbacks, it presents as an impressively original and carefully preserved example.

Its provenance is particularly appealing. The accompanying service book contains numerous Ford main-dealer stamps, principally from Hendy Ford, with later maintenance recorded by Keith Motors and Halfords Autocentre. The documented mileage progression supports the car's exceptionally low recorded mileage, while a previous auction listing records just 22,097 miles at the time of its earlier sale.

The accompanying paperwork goes considerably further than simply a stamped service book. The car retains its original Ford book pack and associated documentation, together with delightful pieces of period provenance including a Hendy Ford key fob and Hendy Ford assistance pack. Details such as these are easily separated from a car over the course of 16 years and their survival adds considerably to the sense that this is an unusually complete example.

Finished in white, ‘HF10 GFE’ retains the purposeful but relatively restrained appearance that made the Mk2 ST such a distinctive performance Ford. Its ST bodywork, honeycomb grilles, factory alloy wheels and discreet badging remain instantly recognisable, while the overall presentation is consistent with the car's exceptionally modest use.

The interior is similarly evocative of the period and retains the features associated with the desirable ST-3 specification. The ST steering wheel, aluminium-finished pedals and gearknob, dashboard-mounted auxiliary instruments, climate control and factory entertainment system combine to create one of the most distinctive fast-Ford cabins of its generation.

At the heart of the ST is arguably one of the principal reasons for its future collectability. Ford's 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine is an increasingly unusual configuration and gives the Mk2 ST a character quite unlike the four-cylinder hot hatchbacks which came before and after it. Developing approximately 225PS when new and coupled here to the essential six-speed manual gearbox, its distinctive five-cylinder soundtrack has become one of the defining characteristics of this generation of Focus ST.

For the Ford collector, originality is increasingly important. Mk2 STs were affordable performance cars for many years and consequently a significant proportion have been modified, remapped, cosmetically altered or simply used as intended over substantial mileages. Cars remaining close to factory specification with exceptionally low mileage and meaningful supporting provenance therefore occupy an increasingly interesting position.

‘HF10 GFE’ offers precisely that combination: just 22,295 recorded miles, desirable ST-3 specification, the charismatic five-cylinder turbocharged engine, manual transmission, extensive service history and a pleasing collection of original Ford and supplying-dealer material.

This is not simply another Mk2 Focus ST. It is the sort of exceptionally low-mileage, well-preserved and unusually complete example that deserves to be recognised as a genuine modern collectible. For an enthusiast assembling a collection of significant sporting Fords – particularly one charting the lineage from RS and XR models through to the modern ST era – ‘HF10 GFE’ would make a highly appropriate addition.