A random car park attendant once told us: "don't let anyone tell you you're a Ford. You're a Ferrari." Obviously we didn't start on the GT thing, but we did understand the sentiment.
However, not all the regular Fords are so undervalued - you only need look at how some classic fast Fords have appreciated for proof of that. But the quick Mondeos have not yet joined their predecessors. This despite cars like the ST220 seen here combining much of the fun that made so many love various Focuses and Fiestas, albeit with a practical side as well.
The lusty 3.0-litre V6 meant with 226hp and 210lb ft, which translated to 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds and 150mph. Guaranteed to make the kids, the dog, and the front passenger queasy in no time at all. The fuel economy was one the reasons fancy business executives moved on from the Mondeo, so there's a nice treat for future buyers to look forward to. However, they'll also get one of Ford's best chassis thrown into the bargain as well, the ST220 praised at launch for its finely honed dynamics - even with a big lump of V6 up front.
This Imperial Blue '220 hatch was registered in 2004, which means it still sneaks into a lower tax bracket - beat that, Ferrari. It remains completely standard too, perhaps a fortunate upside of the Mondeo's more mature fast Ford image. No ghastly bodykits or upgrades here! There not one but two service books full of stamps, a first aid kit and three keys. ST220s were always rare to begin with - you'll remember the Top Gear episode with the DB9, no doubt - so one that looks like this so many years later is a real find.
Although there are no decent pictures of the interior, the ad claims the black, heated Recaro seats "look barely worn", and the snap of the back appears to pay testament to that. With unmarked silver wheels alongside the trademark paint, it glistens in the sun as well as any GT ever could. Maybe.
At £4,000, it's hard to imagine a good ST220 ever being worth less. Never know, it could well prove to be an investment, seeing how those other fast Fords - including this car's ST200 predecessor - have appreciated in recent years. And even if doesn't, you'll be left with a brilliant fast car. Perhaps not a Ferrari, but a damn fine Ford nonetheless.
SPECIFICATION | FORD MONDEO ST220
Engine: 2,967cc V6 petrol
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 225@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 207@4,900rpm
MPG: 27.7
CO2: 245g/km
First registered: 2004
Recorded mileage: 118,541
Price new: £23,565
Yours for: £3,995
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