Highlights

One of only 500 highly regarded FRPs built
Very well kept with extensive maintenance records
Engine, gearbox and suspension overhauled in 2017
1,500 miles since last service in December 2024
MOT valid to April 2027

The Appeal

The Ford Racing Puma, or FRP for short, is the sort of car that happens when the bean counters are sent to a locked, darkened room and the engineering team is allowed to let rip. When Ford wanted a road-going showcase for its motorsport and rally know-how, the Puma, widely rated as one of the best-handling cars of its era, was the obvious choice.

Just 500 were built, all allocated to the UK. Buyers simply ticked the ‘Racing Puma’ option to trigger a process that involved standard Pumas leaving the Cologne production line and heading to Tickford’s Daventry works. Amongst a host of racing-inspired tweaks, the cars got revised chassis settings plus bigger front and rear wings to encompass larger brakes and a wider track. The Zetec SE engine was dialled up to 153bhp thanks to new camshafts, a revised inlet manifold and a sports exhaust.

This very well-kept FRP has covered 61,000 miles from new and is in great order. A shuffle through the thick history file reveals why - during its life there has been a respray, extensive engine, gearbox and suspension overhaul and regular servicing up to 59,7000 miles in late 2024. Added reassurance is provided by the lengthy MOT, which is valid to April 2027.

Some 26-year-old hot hatches may be better known, but few are as capable and entertaining as the FRP. Any Fast Ford is a gem, but the Puma has extra sparkle. This example has the condition and provenance to appeal to enthusiasts.

Key Information

Mileage: 61,000 miles (supported by service history records, not warranted)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 13th April 2027 with advisories
Technical specs: 1,679cc 153bhp four-cylinder petrol, five-speed manual
Paperwork: Service history file with documented records, service book, various invoices, V5C, handbook, 1 key

Service history (further details in photos):

12/24 - 59,736 miles - Moorview Motors
09/21 - 57,534 miles - AT Engineering
07/19 - 57,048 miles - AT Engineering
06/17 - 54,721 miles - Allison Automotive
05/16 - 52,055 miles - Hartwell Ford
06/14 - 48,380 miles - Exminster Garage
01/11 - 46,522 miles - Vospers Ford
06/09 - 45,837 miles - Cridge Automotive
03/07 - 42,393 miles - RCP Services
02/03 - 30,283 miles - Hartwell Ford
11/01 - 19,206 miles - Maidenhead Ford
01/00 - 9,485 miles - Dagenham Motors

Notable maintenance:

08/19 - Powerflex suspension set
06/17 - head gasket, cylinder head, gearbox overhaul, new clutch, suspension refurbishment
2010 - respray

The Detail

Largely factory standard car in Ford Racing Blue with well-kept paintwork
Paintwork refreshed in 2010, as shown in invoices
Due to age and mileage, there are some light points to note to paintwork
17in Ford Racing multispoke alloys in good condition with light marks
Underside as shown with no structural advisories in MOT
Two-tone blue and black interior with Alcantara inserts and matching wheel
Sparco front seats in good order with very light wear to note
Original interior with factory radio/CD fitted

BEFORE YOU BUY

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