ST220 Mondeo – The Time is Now

Last year, we wrote about the Ford Mondeo ST200. A Mk2 Ford Mondeo ST24 with more flair and a higher level of rarity, it had and continues to have ‘future classic’ written all over it. And that seems to be reflected in the values, as in just a year they have already started to climb considerably. Does that mean you’ve missed the boat? Not at all. The ST200 more than likely has some way to go in terms of building value. However, it does mean cheaper examples that are worth saving are getting thin on the ground. The solution? Buy the Ford Mondeo ST220 instead. Same energy, but more power and arguably a lot more fun.

If you want an ‘everyman’ performance car, there are two time-served camps in which to settle. There, is of course, Vauxhall and then there is Ford. The latter arguably produces the most passion as well as a greater following (though Vauxhall’s fanbase is hardly small). The blue oval is, after all, synonymous with our blue collars. And there is something very exciting about a hot version of an otherwise bland model. And Ford has significant form in this area. The RS models of the ’60s and ’70s were seemingly worlds away from the very cars they were based on. The same can be said of the XR models of the ’80s, and the later – and still current – ST versions carry the torch proudly. Ford is the master when it comes to making the normal… exclusive. Especially when performance is on the table.

And Ford has always been keen to offer this to the entire market. Other brands stop when the cars get bigger, but not Ford. You see, the clever people in Ford’s Marketing Department know that the need for a bigger car doesn’t mean the desire for something sporty goes away. You might have kids, you might need an estate, whatever, that doesn’t mean you have to buy something dull. Hence, Ford has always been keen to extend performance to its bigger models. Models like, say, the Mondeo. Normally a rep-pleasing motorway muncher, Ford has shown with aplomb that it could be a serious performer, too. Welcome to the world of the ST220.

An introduction to the Mondeo ST220

Launched in 2002, the Mondeo ST220 made arguably more of a statement than the ST24 before it. The ST24 was cool, and looked great with its meaty body kit and model specific alloy wheels, but the ST220 was something else. The lines were (and still are, we would argue) impossibly clean cut, the car looked sharp and slick. The subtle body kit would have sounded dull had it been explained to you, but in the metal (well, plastic) it looked incredible. More ground effect than fast and furious. Add in the diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels and you were left with a car which looked magnificent.

And it carried on inside, too. Leather was the order of the day, normally heated. There was optional Recaro trim, which extended to being offered in red, which looked incredible, especially in a silver car. Later cars could be fitted with navigation, but all models had electric everything (including seats) and digital climate control. The ST220 was a performance model, but it was also a flagship model. Ask any Ford engineer or designer of the time, and they’ll tell you that with this, they were most definitely shooting for typical German car buyers, too. And rightly so. The ST220 badge elevated the Mondeo, and gave it the kudos to park in a line of 5 Series Beemers and E Class Mercs.

Of course, it wasn’t just an exercise in the aesthetic. There was a performance element, too. In the case of the ST220, that meant a Duratec 30 V6 engine. An aluminium, 60-degree banked, DOHC 2,967cc naturally aspirated V6 straight out of the factory in Cleveland, Ohio. The engine itself was actually an early Porsche design, before being sold to Ford. In turn, it was then passed to Cosworth who helped with the cylinder heads. The result was 223bhp and 210lb ft. Then you have the slick Getrag six-speed transmission of later models, the lowered suspension, the tuneful exhaust and the grippy brakes. All in a chassis that, as any Mk3 Mondeo owner will tell you, is far better than it has any right to be. Proof, you say? Our Pollitt had (a diesel) one, look…

Sorry about the modifications, it was a different time.

What should I look out for? 

Abuse for the main. The Mk3 Mondeo was and still is a great car, as long as it’s looked after. It could crack 62mph in 6.6-seconds, and pretty much every ST220 has verified that at some point! However, the ones that are still on the road today have, by and large, been looked after – evidenced by the fact that they, you know, still exist. If a prospective ST220 has high miles, don’t be put off. This is what the car was built for. If it has decent history, you should be fine. If it has none, that’s the time to walk away. The engine is robust, and boasts a timing chain instead of a belt. However, they need regular oil and filter changes, otherwise the guides will eat themselves. You need to check for any smoke, as blue could be a sign of worn valves and/or seals. Check the function of the clutch, too. It’s dual mass on these, and expensive when it goes. Bank on spending about a grand.

The Mondeo of this era isn’t known for rust, but door bottoms can go. And it never hurts to have a look underneath, especially in the case of high-milers. Suspension matters, as the Mk3 is a big car. Listen for clunks and bangs as you drive. Steering and suspension should feel tight and direct, with no play. Also feel for vibrations. In Ford’s infinite wisdom, it made those lovely diamond-cut alloy wheels out of chocolate. There’s a reason Pollitt’s is on those aftermarket rims – a pothole on the M6 outright destroyed two of the stock ones. Check the tyres, too, as uneven wear can be indicative of damaged/failing suspension.

What are prices like? 

At the moment, not bad at all. A couple of grand will get you a project that has a current MOT. Probably with star ship mileage though. From four grand up, you’re in the sweet spot, as this part of the market will be full of the enthusiast owned cars that have been well looked after, or brought back from the brink of being driven/modified into oblivion. The more you pay, the lower the mileage will go. If you look at spending north of seven grand, you’ll be well in the ‘best of the best’ territory, with low miles, low owners and full history. If you want the estate version pictured above, bank on spending £500 more at the lower end and £1,500 more at the top. It was rarer, but also more desirable thanks to being more practical than a Swiss Army Knife.

Why should I buy one? 

It’s simple. You should buy a Ford Mondeo ST220 because they’re truly brilliant. Far better than they have any right to be, frankly. Sure, you’re going to get a measly 20mpg out of it, but that’s powerful, V6 life for you. You could buy the diesel ST TDCi like Pollitt had, which is still fun, but not nearly as much fun as that torquey, tuneful V6. Plus, you’re going to be buying an ST220 as a toy, not as your daily driver, so what does fuel economy matter? Look around, buy a good one, try and find a car with Recaro leather, stay away from early cars with the rubbish five-speed manual transmission, and you’ll be left with a brilliant car that will only go up in value. Old Fords don’t die, they just get more expensive – especially the fast ones.