Background: First shown to the public at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show as the Puma ST160 Concept, the Ford Racing Puma was presented as more than just a styling exercise.

Ford emphasised that the car represented a direct transfer of knowledge and technology from its Puma race and rally programmes to a production model.

Development was led by Ford’s rally specialists at Boreham, with final conversions completed by Tickford in Daventry.

Production was originally planned for 1,000 examples, with 500 allocated to the German market and 500 for the UK.

In the end only 500 were built, all for British buyers.

Each car carried its own number engraved on the inlet manifold, a reminder of its exclusivity.

Although critically praised, sales were disappointing.

With a price tag of £23,000, the Racing Puma struggled against rivals that offered more power and stronger credentials at lower cost.

Ford also produced a dedicated Puma kit car that was designed specifically for rallying.

Hoping to b...