IXO Premium-X Tickford 1:43 Scale
2002-2003 Ford Focus RS Mk1
Imperial Blue Metallic
Left Hand Drive - LHD
TIC004
Limited production run of 1008 worldwide

This model has taken 3 years to come to fruition. Originally, it was commissioned as a corporate gift by Tickford Powertrain Test Ltd to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Focus RS which was the last large Tickford project, including all engine and vehicle development, calibration and finally build of all 4500 of them at a purpose built facility close the the Focus line in Saarlouis. 

However, the problems started with licencing issues from Ford, originally only granting a licence for the LHD Geneva show car which was hand built by Tickford at Rooksley, Milton Keynes. However, after the real cars 10th anniversary, Ford seemed to relax over the licensing and allowed both RHD and LHD versions.

Then came the further complication of the sale of Tickford Powertrain Test to Intertek, a really good move for the business securing the future of the Tanners Drive site, but Intertek were not interested in the model which left it completely in my hands.

But I am very pleased with the result. Unlike the earlier Tickford Capri, in consultation with the RS Owners Club, we decided that higher numbers would be required and so the model is diecast. The model is produced from a scan of an original car with additional reference to a delivery mileage example which has never been road registered and remains in a plastic bubble.

We also supplied everything we had in terms of pictures from the Tickford archive and several panels of Imperial Blue paint. When the pre-production prototype arrived, I was impressed. I am a long time collector of 1:43 cars across all brands and Premium-X really delivered on this model, the quality is easily a match for Minichamps.

So, there are 2016 RHD versions, 1008 LHD versions plus a further 504 that were specially ordered by the RS Owners Club. 300 of these will be released with build numbers, original number plates and signed certificates from the RSOC. The box on these models is printed with the RSOC logo. If you are interested in these special models, they are only available to RSOC members through the club so please contact them direct.

Supplied on black plastic plinth with printed model details with acrylic display case top in card open window box. So after 3 years, the model is finally here, and like waiting for buses, it arrived just a week after the 1:18 Otto resin version..! I waited 10 years for someone to make a model of the Mk1 RS and it looked like it would never happen so I made one myself and then 2 arrive at the same time.!

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