IT'S DONE! Restoring my Ford Focus ST225 Mk2 - Update and the ST Story

In this video I feature all of the restoration work I've done to my unique and increasingly rare Focus ST1 Mk2 as I improve the car and return it to a more standard look. Also, as part of this update video, I do a quick run through of the Focus ST story.
I bought my Colorado Red Focus ST at a commercial car auction last year when it was looking pretty sorry for itself! If you haven't seen it, then check out my feature (link below) on buying the ST and my first drive. You'll see why I wanted this particular car... it has some very strange options being an ST1 and, in particular, one very rare and desirable option!
Buying my Focus ST link - • We buy a Ford Focus ST...
Also, if you fancy seeing a bit more about the Ford Focus then here's my feature on a Focus Mk1 Ghia I bought for just £200 - • £200 Ford Focus Mk1 2....
I hope you enjoy the update on my ST - thanks for watching and do drop me a comment with any questions, etc. as it's great to hear from your all. Also, subscribe for lots more fast Focus and fast Ford content!
--------- Video Content ---------
00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Focus ST into the Bodyshop
04:48 - Paintwork
05:21 - What has been done to the ST?
06:39 - The Focus ST Story
07:54 - ST Story: ST170 Mk1
09:34 - ST Story: ST225 Mk2
10:34 - ST Story: ST250 Mk3
12:03 - ST Story: ST275 Mk4
13:04 - More on the ST225 Mk2
15:46 - Inside my Focus ST
17:42 - Driving & thoughts on my Focus ST
20:27 - Wrapping up!

[@wody21]

What an exquisitely well made, informative video! I bought my mk2 Ford Focus ST (ST2, with many optional extras) with over 220k kms, from the first owner in 2020. Totally unmodified, and I'm going to keep it stock. It is in a great condition, independent of the milage. I love that car from the bottom of my heart. Clearing the air out on my background, the interesting thing is that I still managed to learn a lot of things from you, even though I have been invested in looking up details and facts about the lovely machine in question! The rarity of the cloth, sculpted rear bench was something new to me! Thanks again, I wish you happy many miles in your beautiful Focuses! :)

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment - really great to know you enjoyed the video. Your car sounds great and don't worry about the miles, the engine is strong and so long as it has been well maintained will keep going. Thanks for watching.

[@phil7301]

I had a ST2 in orange, just for a year to get over my marriage break up. I soon forgot about her as the focus was mind blowing, the last I knew, she was owned by a chap who ran the bright orange club. She was in fast Ford and is on you tube. One year of my life and I still smile looking back . Great video 😉👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment Phil. Sounds to me that you had a good car, and it is amazing how these special cars can be a useful and healthy distraction for some of life's challenges... I am glad you look back on your ST so fondly. Thanks for getting in touch and for watching, I hope you stay tuned to my Channel. 👍

[@richardhawley7726]

Great video. I have a black 2010 ST3 and love it.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment, I’m am so glad you enjoyed my video. I can completely understand you loving your Focus ST, they are brilliant. Keep hold of it and keep enjoying it. I hope you stay tuned to my Channel. 👍

[@richardhawley7726]

@cornishcarcollectors I love the stock sleeper look of the ST in the video. I also like the sleeper standard look too.

[@Hellndegenerates]

I've just sold mine, got a stage 3 pumaspeed Focus st mk 3.5 diesel. 278 bhp 580nm and 47mpg, 660 miles on a full tank.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. Sounds like you have replaced your Mk2 with something just as cool. Thanks for watching.

[@jaybooth9168]

Good to see the update on this car and glad my heater controls came in handy, thanks for the mention btw. I had a red 1 this time last year but it got wrote off while parked outside my house, now got a silver mk2 just cant keep away from them lol

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment - I was hoping you would see the video and get in touch. Thanks again for the heater control knobs and great to know you enjoyed seeing the progress. It is good to know you are still driving an ST. Thanks for watching and for the continued support.

[@bonk352]

I originally bought a moondust silver ST2 from new and was a great car and the 2.5 engine was phenomenal even in stock form. I kept this for 18 mths or so. Next, I bought a nearly new mk 2.5 two or three years later and kept it for around 7 years. I then decided to buy a used low mileage mk 3 ST 3, so went ahead and all was well despite me being aware there wasn't the 2.5 fitted. In hindsight I learnt over time that I'd actually slipped up with this car because despite the power and speed, it just didn't have the character that the mk 2 had. It looked the part, granted, and the tangerine scream paint was bang on. The cabin looked like a ST/Titanium X trim, so definitely high end. The seats looked excellent but were definitely on the smaller side compared to the mk 2/2.5. Although the driver's seat had electronic adjustment but it just didn't quite go low enough which was an unnecessary pain and was a shame. It was very economical though. Combined with a very hard which became more uncomfortable over time, I decided to sell around 18 mths later as the car became rather annoying. Ironically, last year I bought a 16 year old Focus ST mk 2 in moondust silver and despite some minor restoration, I haven't looked back!

[@thomo_4672]

I’ve just bought a 2010 electric orange Focus ST. Very clean example and is completely standard. I plan to keep it this way! Great video

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed my video. A standard, clean and ideally low miles Electric Orange Mk2 ST is the one to have - keep hold of it as you'll enjoy owning and driving it, and one day you'll sell it for more than you paid. Thanks for watching.

[@germalean88g77]

Hows it been after a couple of months! I'm currently looking for 1!

[@victorstoulm3356]

12:00 The you should mention that mk2 had actually ST Style under of Zetec S bagde where S was the same as S in ST badge

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. You are quite correct, I did miss out the Zetec-S. 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@victorstoulm3356]

@@cornishcarcollectors With this model, Ford actually disrespected ST FL because Zetec S sort of looked sportier than ST plus could have Quattro exhuast what is funny because they left empty spaces in the diffuser xD. I understand RS must have been sporty looking car but I really did not like Ford for making ST not really looking way sportier than standards so me and others had to put extra work on this car :)

[@jonbriggs5291]

Just subscribed on the back of your cosworth pickup post. Great video - massive fan of Focus STs having worked for Ford when they were released. As you say super rare spec with the Sunroof and those recaro rear seats... love it! Keep up the videos

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and for the sub, much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed the Sierra video, and really pleased you are a fan of the ST... I love it too! Thanks for watching.

[@scotthuxford9085]

Cant wait to see them together

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for watching mate. 👍

[@dunkhoughton175]

Love the colour combo

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and glad you like the colour... for me, I only wanted an ST in Colorado red with the cloth Recaros, and the rare rear bench is a bonus! Thanks for watching.

[@FleetAdmiral215]

Brilliant motors , loved mine back in the day

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment, I am glad you like my ST. Thanks for watching.

[@drasticmandem6383]

really looks good now 😍 I like what you have done with the rear diffuser aswell I think you've done an immaculate job mate. very well done she looks good

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the feedback on the work carried out on the ST (so far). The car does look great and I am so pleased to have it as part of my little collect; I do not see myself selling this car for lots of years. Thanks again for watching and do stay tuned as I will feature the ST and continue to feature my other Focuses (I have three). 👍

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

It lovely to see your enthusiam for your cars. It's sad and shocking to see rust holes like that on a 2007 vehicle.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment, it is great to know you enjoyed the video. Unfortunately the Focus is prone to a bit of rust, but I have this one under control. Thanks for watching.

[@danieldryden4246]

I’ve just bought a 2006 Sea Grey ST3. It’s rough around the edges, but I intend to tidy it up and help it grow old gracefully. Like you, I think they’ve hit their lowest market value and soon become an appreciating classic.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment Daniel and congratulations on your purchase. You have bought a nice car and, as you say, look after it and you'll have a very special car that should be climbing in value as opposed to losing but more importantly a rare and welcomed sight on the roads! Thanks for watching.

[@bonk352]

Indeed

[@davidwood4271]

I've got a mk 2 focus st, totally standard in black 🖤, love it 😍

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment David. I like the ST in black, sounds like you have a nice car. Thanks for watching.

[@JD-eq4dp]

Cracking motor in its day.. I had a 57 plate ST2 in black with the red and grey interior. I had the Mountune 260 bhp upgrade with the cat back exhaust. Sounded awesome and gave quite a kick in the pants when taking it over 4000rpm.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. Your ST sounds like it was an awesome car. I've really fallen for my ST and do not see it leaving my collection for a long time. Thanks for watching.

[@j4k3yyy]

Brilliant video. Recent got a mk2 ST3 in sea grey, absolutely love it. Driving from London back home to Cornwall this weekend. Looking forward to seeing more

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment, it is great to know you enjoyed the video. Well done on buying yourself an ST3; they're great cars, very special indeed... I love mine. I hope the drive back to Cornwall goes well and thanks for watching, I appreciate it.

[@j4k3yyy]

@@cornishcarcollectors drive back up to London was great. It's not too bad on fuel either I thought

[@stevejolley8876]

Should of ditched the rear defuser, standard looks miles better. Mk2 St's in standard form are becoming collectable especially the one's that have always been standard like mine😉. Good video

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and I do agree the standard defuser looks better... problem is, it will not accommodate the larger exhausts. I will purchase a standard rear bumper / defuser at some point and hold onto it, enabling me to return it to a standard look one day... for now though, I am really enjoying the way it sounds and drives. Your car sounds very nice. Thanks for watching.

[@stevejolley8876]

@@cornishcarcollectors I'd stick a standard exhaust back on too. Mine is a bit of a garage queen really only covered 12k miles but is really collectable now so only gets used on nice days in the summer

[@torque2695]

Great video, I bought my 07 ST3 in 2015 and I still love driving it today, she's very well looked after and just had all the underside stripped and powder coated and polybushed to keep her going for as long as possible. Still under 50,000 miles so you can tell she's my weekend toy. Very standard apart from cobra exhaust, and block mod etc. Keep up with any more updates please 😊

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and great to know you enjoyed the video. Your ST sounds fabulous - the low mileage cars will command strong money in the future, but equally it is good to know you are still driving and enjoying your car (that's what they're for). Thanks for watching.

[@emayteetee73]

Do you recommend Cobra exhausts? Milltek and Mongoose are the alternatives, I guess.

[@robstaples6649]

Nice to see the old 170 getting some mention. My estate is the only one I've seen on the road, and a daily /project. Not fast by modern standards, but a nice thing down a country road when the mood arises. Keep up the good work, now subscribed.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and the sub. I am a massive fan of the ST170 and have owned several, but never an Estate... which I think are fab! Good to know you are using and looking after yours - they were rare from new, but getting uber rare now! Thanks for watching.

[@stevecooper4442]

Seriously considering going back to an ST170

[@carlbayley9053]

Fantastic and professional insight into the focus st, i have a st3, panther black, its just a show car, i will be at ford fair this year all going well.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment Carl, I am really glad you enjoyed the video. Good to hear from a fellow ST owner and enthusiast... they are fantastic cars and will be strong money in the near future. Enjoy Ford Fair and if you make it to Simply Ford then I may see you there! Thanks for watching.

[@stephenevans9621]

I have a standard ST3 in white, I think I'll keep it that way>

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment Stephen, it is always good to hear from a fellow ST owner. Keeping them standard is absolutely the way to go as it retains the value in the car, not to mention they drive really well in standard spec. Thanks for watching and keep enjoying your ST.

[@davyfella]

I'm an exiled Cousin Jack now living in Australia and am now finding your vids. My 19 year old son has an Electric Orange mk2 XR5 turbo. Sadly, they were only available as a 5 door over here.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and for joining the Channel, I hope you enjoy the videos. I kind of wish they'd called the ST the XR5 here in the UK, as I am a big fan of the XR range and this is the spiritual successor. Thanks for watching.

[@bonk352]

These cars don't have to be only a three door

[@arthurdardalis]

Obviously the mk 2 was improved over the Mk1, I had a metallic grey Mk1 ST 170 fully specked, loved it. Best mod I did… converted the intake flaps to be fully open permanently, made a huge difference. Excellent Ford content, real pity that Ford will in effect no longer have any fast Ford’s, stupid decision that doesnt honour their glorious history

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. I like the ST170 in grey very much, nice car! Really great to know you are enjoying my videos. Stay tuned as there's a lot more to come... time is my only limiting factor!

[@michaelneill8428]

What a cracking car and a lovely colour I had a 57 plate black focus ST back in 2007 loved it. ❤

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment Michael, great to know you like the ST (I love it!). I think they look nice in black and it sounds to me like you had it from new? Must have been a real treat picking one up new. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelneill8428]

@@cornishcarcollectors brand new yes…I moved from a Williams Clio into the ST just wish I could have kept the Williams as they are such collector cars now

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Wow @@michaelneill8428 a Williams Clio... brilliant cars. I was fortunate enough to drive one several years ago. Crazy money today, but nice to have one in your car history.

[@michaelneill8428]

@@cornishcarcollectors cracking car really was. I always wanted one, mates had 16v clios back in the day and just loved the look of the Williams. Just wish I could have stored it and kept it 😔. You have an amazing collection. The Fords clinch it for me especially the RS’s ❤️

[@CortinasAndClassics]

I must admit I prefer the mk2 over the mk1, it's a much better looking car. Loving the seats in the red one.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and continued support. The seats are fantastic, and the rear "sculpted" seat trimmed in cloth is a real rarity. I couldn't choose between the Mk1 and Mk2, but I do think the Colorado Red really shows the Mk2 off nicely. Thanks for watching.

[@barnaby5896]

Bit late to this but, the reason they’re becoming so rare is because so many people are breaking them for parts, Its sad but at the end of the day its making mine worth more 😂

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. These Mk2 STs really are disappearing at a fast rate, they're already a rare sight on the roads today. As you say, good for current owners and anyone who wants one should act soon otherwise prices will climb. Thank you for watching, I appreciate it. Hope you stay tuned.

[@Ian-ig1oe]

Great car, great video.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment; really good to know you enjoyed the video - I appreciate it. The car is fabulous and will be hanging around for a long time, so please do subscribe as I’ll feature it again soon. Thanks for watching.

[@Ian-ig1oe]

I am subscribed, after all, there's no fanatic like a Ford fanatic. Keep up the good work Andy. Ian (Swanborough)

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Nice to hear from you Ian… and good to know you’re watching the videos. I’m still learning this KZbin thing with mixed results! 🤣 Got a few other Fords to come to the Channel, including something special I bought a few weeks ago, so stay tuned! 👍🏻

[@jasonarmstrong554]

A credit to you the car looks very well after a bit of tlc. Enjoy it 👍

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for your kind comments about the ST Jason, much appreciated. I really do enjoy this car and will continue to improve it, so do stay tuned if you enjoyed the video and update. Thanks for watching.

[@bonk352]

Whatever you do please don't sell the car!

[@Sorted7]

I’m pretty sure we must be related u know? I have an st225 and a brace of old rovers. Love the channel, keep up the good work

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and appreciate the support. I make the videos because I enjoy the cars and like to share them, so it's brilliant to know you enjoy the Channel and content... thank you. Ford and Rovers, we certainly are a rare (and a bit odd) breed. Thanks for watching - I've got lots more to feature over the coming weeks, months and years!

[@deejaybaldwin3838]

Just started watching your videos and love it, Do you have any ideas of doing an episode on the st170?

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and for working through my videos, I really appreciate it. I really like the ST170 and have referenced them in a few of my videos... I'd love to feature one properly, but will see what happens in the future as I tend to only (currently) features cars that I own, whether that be long or short-term. Would really like an ST170 again in the future, so stay tuned as if one comes my way then you can expect to see it on my Channel. Thanks for watching.

[@monty6545]

Great cars these are , the red really suits the ST and was my first choice but i bought a silver ST3 over 10 years ago and unfortunately it had to go when i bought the RS version . A real shame because in was a minter and had only done 31k miles .

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. Swapping your ST in for an RS will not have been a bad move, but I can understand you missing it. Thanks for watching.

[@jimmyjt16]

If you think the ST is good. You really need to try an RS mk2.😎

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. As you probably know from my Channel, I currently own as RS Mk1 and Mk3 but have not driven the Mk2... it is on the list. I am a big fan of the RS Mk2 styling and particularly like the car in Frozen White. I'll have one at some point in the future and for now I'll keep enjoying this ST. Thanks for watching, I hope you stay tuned. 👍

[@LCARS359]

yep, thats how i feel about my mk1 zx3 and my st, pity it took so long for us to get a real st across the pond and the rs for that matter.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment, it is always great to hear from anyone who is as passionate about the Ford Focus. A ZX3 Mk1, ST Mk2... all you are missing now is a Mk3 RS. Thanks for watching and do stay tuned as I will feature lots more on my Focus' and other Fords.

[@euanscotland]

Those cars are pure theatre compared to most new cars sold today. Smiles per gallon is sky high.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. I agree, the noise and performance are fabulous... all with the handling and looks to boot. Thanks for watching.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Mk2 will always be my favourite because of the 5 cylinder Volvo engine

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and I do agree, that in-line 5-cylinder engine performs and sounds amazing. I think it is the engine and handling that secures the Mk2 Focus ST (and RS obviously) as a nailed on future classic fast Ford... and deservingly so. Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to get in touch.

[@stevecooper4442]

I currently own a 2003 Jaguar XJ6 but have previously owned 2 Focus ST170. Due to fuel prices I'm considering replacing it with either an ST170 or ST225, both of which are more economical. What do you think?

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment Steve, your XJ6 is a cracking car and the Focus ST is a completely different proposition. Having owned both STs I’d go for the ST225 as they are a better car, but there’s something special about that Mk1 ST170. Thanks for watching.

[@benjaminsmith5342]

I told you I would subscribe when I seen you at ecp hope your all good mate

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for getting in touch Ben - I hope the Golf is going well. Thanks for watching and subscribing, I appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the videos. 👍🏻

[@benjaminsmith5342]

@@cornishcarcollectors yeah the videos are great bud really enjoy watching, the golfs alot better now mate no more exhaust blow hopefully wrap next week

[@gazzathelad]

Next cars to fly up in value. I’ve got 2 great investment for the future

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. Like you, I am certain these Mk2 STs are about to start really climbing in value... not that I bought mine as an investment, but it does help justify keeping it and all of my other cars. Hope you re enjoying your cars. Thanks for watching.

[@MK2.75FocusST]

Here's a resto but modified too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaXKcqSqlrZmq7s I must add, i'm adamant the Pre Face are the ones to keep safe 😉

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment, I'll take a look at the video. Thanks for watching.

[@theoneandonly9399]

Out of curiosity how much does a full respray cost

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment. Difficult question to answer really without knowing the condition and size of the vehicle, and the type of paint you have in mind. A simple blow-over with minimal / no body work could be as little as £2K and up to £8K for more considerable work. You can of course get into the tens of thousands if going for concours finish / bespoke paint. Hope this is useful and thanks for watching.

[@gocarts7180]

What exhaust system is on it andy?

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment - my ST has a full Piper exhaust system. Hope you enjoyed the video, thanks for watching.

[@MK2.75-Focus-ST]

Just wait a minute, did you really just say the MK3 ST was faster than the MK2 Focus RS?? You've definitely had no outings with a group of Fords 🤣 your 270 mk2 will pull on a standard mk3 so how on gods earth do you say that about the mk2 RS with a bigger turbo. I think you need to learn a bit in the more real world than looking at google figures

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment James. Of course, I do know the Focus RS Mk2 is faster than the Mk3 ST, but my point is that the RS Mk2 raised the bar for the ST to follow and the Mk3 ST is, in real world driving, just as quick (only half a second slower to 60mph). Thanks for taking the time to watch and get in touch, I appreciate it.

[@bonk352]

The Ford Focus mk 2 RS is the better car compared to the Mk 3 ST. It was also more expensive and was better styled and is already reaching modern classic status with some low mileage examples reaching around £35 - 50k plus. This car has charm, character and credibility. The mk 3 ST is a very good car in its own right but lacks that crucial character and credentials when compared to the mk 2 RS. However it is more practical and more economical where the Mk 2 isn't quite so, but the cabin is very spacious inside despite having a three door body shape which is impressive to say the least. I think they cracked it with that car.

[@shaunsnyman5107]

Never keep a st standard

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment, I hope you enjoyed the video. 👍

[@stuee_mk1stuee_mk169]

That engine bay is disgusting, please clean it.

[@cornishcarcollectors]

Thanks for the comment and you are quite right about the engine bay… it is an embarrassment! Thanks for watching; please do subscribe and I will get around to it in a future video. 👍🏻