Ford Focus 2nd Gen

The second-generation Ford Focus represented a major split between the North American and European markets. While North America received a heavily facelifted version of the original platform, Europe got an all-new car based on the C1 platform shared with Volvo and Mazda. This European model is the basis for the cars collectors seek, offering superior dynamics and more advanced powertrains.

The collectibility of the second-gen Focus is almost entirely concentrated in its high-performance European variants. The Focus ST introduced a charismatic turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine from Volvo, delivering 225 horsepower and a distinctive soundtrack. The later Focus RS upped the ante to 305 horsepower from the same engine, adding a wild body kit and a trick RevoKnuckle front suspension to tame torque steer. These models, especially the RS, are considered modern classics for their raw, analog driving experience.

The market reflects this massive gulf between the standard cars and the performance icons. The vast majority of transactions are for standard sedans and hatchbacks, which are inexpensive daily drivers with little collector value. The high end of the market, however, is dominated by well-kept, low-mileage ST and RS models, with the RS commanding significant premiums that continue to climb.

Prices range from as little as $405 for basic models to nearly $34,000 for high-performance Focus RS examples.