The Ford Fiesta ST500 was the final and rarest factory edition of the Mk6 Fiesta ST sold in Britain. Limited to 500 cars and finished exclusively in Panther Black, it combined the familiar 2.0-litre ST150 mechanical package with distinctive stripes, black wheels, red brake calipers and extra equipment.
This guide explains what made the ST500 different, its key specifications, how to identify a genuine example and what to inspect before buying one. It is written for enthusiasts researching the car rather than tracking a single vehicle for sale.
Ford Fiesta ST500 at a glance
| Model | Ford Fiesta ST500 |
|---|---|
| UK launch | 2008 |
| Production | 500 cars |
| Engine | 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Duratec petrol |
| Power | 150 PS (approximately 148 bhp) |
| Gearbox | Five-speed manual |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Original price | From £15,000 |
| Identifying colour | Panther Black metallic with silver bonnet and side stripes |
What was the Ford Fiesta ST500?
Ford introduced the ST500 in 2008 as a special run-out edition of the Mk6 Fiesta ST. The standard ST had already earned a following for its simple formula: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine, a close-ratio manual gearbox, firmer suspension and compact dimensions. The ST500 added exclusivity and equipment rather than more power.
Only 500 were offered in the UK. Contemporary launch information listed a starting price of £15,000 and described the special edition as a celebration of the Fiesta ST’s success. That limited production run is the key reason the ST500 now attracts interest beyond the ordinary ST150.
How is an ST500 different from a normal Fiesta ST?
- Panther Black metallic paint
- Silver U-shaped bonnet stripe and matching side graphics
- 17-inch, 11-spoke alloy wheels finished in black
- Red brake calipers, then a first for a production Fiesta
- Carbon-fibre-pattern interior trim
- Ebony leather heated seats
- Sony audio system
The bonnet graphic echoed the visual character of sporting Fords such as the Escort RS2000. Crucially, an ST500 was not a factory power upgrade: beneath the cosmetics and extra equipment, it used the same 150 PS 2.0-litre engine and core chassis specification as the regular Fiesta ST.
Engine, performance and driving character
The ST500 uses Ford’s 1,999cc Duratec four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 150 PS at 6,000rpm and 190Nm at 4,500rpm. It drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Period figures commonly quote 0–60mph in about 7.9 seconds and a top speed of around 129mph.
Those numbers were modest beside turbocharged rivals, but outright acceleration was not the whole appeal. The ST150 platform combined a short-shift gearbox, sports-tuned steering and lowered, stiffened suspension. Its naturally aspirated engine also delivers power in a predictable, progressive way that suits a small road car.
How rare is the Fiesta ST500?
The official production claim was 500 cars, making it substantially less common than the standard ST. However, “500 built” is not the same as “500 surviving”. Cars have since been written off, exported, modified or broken for parts, and online registration statistics can be affected by how model descriptions were recorded.
For that reason, treat any precise survivor figure as an estimate unless it is supported by current registration data. What can safely be said is that complete, original ST500s are scarce and becoming harder to replace.
How to identify a genuine ST500
Do not assume that a black Fiesta ST with stripes is automatically an ST500. Graphics and wheels can be copied, while original parts may also have been removed from genuine cars. Begin with the vehicle’s registration and VIN, then ask Ford or a recognised model specialist to confirm how the car was recorded when new.
- Check that the identity, registration documents and VIN all agree.
- Compare the paint, stripe layout, wheels, calipers and interior trim with period ST500 material.
- Look for evidence of repainting, replacement panels or accident repair.
- Ask for the original sales invoice, dealer paperwork and older photographs where available.
- Check whether removed factory parts are included with a modified car.
Ford Fiesta ST500 buying checklist
Age, maintenance and previous use matter more than a shiny first impression. Many ST150s have been modified or driven hard, so a thorough inspection is essential.
Body and underside
- Inspect sills, jacking points, floor edges, wheelarches and suspension mounting areas for corrosion or poor repairs.
- Look for uneven panel gaps, overspray and mismatched paint that may reveal accident damage.
- Check the silver graphics carefully. Replacement stripes can improve appearance but originality and correct placement may matter to collectors.
- Confirm that the black wheels are the correct design and inspect them for cracks, buckling and kerb damage.
Engine and gearbox
- Start the engine from cold and listen for persistent rattles, knocks or excessive valvetrain noise.
- Check for fluid leaks, overheating evidence and a consistent service history.
- Make sure the clutch takes up cleanly and the gearbox selects every ratio without crunching.
- Ask whether the intake, exhaust, engine mapping or other mechanical components have been altered.
Suspension, steering and brakes
- Listen for knocks over broken surfaces and check for uneven tyre wear.
- Confirm that the car tracks straight and that steering assistance feels consistent.
- Inspect discs, pads, brake hoses and calipers; a car used infrequently may suffer from sticking brakes.
- Check whether the suspension remains standard or has been lowered further.
Interior and equipment
- Inspect the leather seat bolsters for wear and test both heated seats.
- Check the Sony audio system, air conditioning, heated windscreen and every electrical control.
- Make sure the carbon-pattern trim and other ST500-specific pieces are present and undamaged.
Best advice: buy on condition, history and verifiable identity. An independent inspection is inexpensive compared with correcting structural corrosion, accident damage or a heavily altered car.
Original or modified?
The ST150 has a large tuning scene, and sympathetic upgrades can make an enjoyable car. The ST500 is different because its rarity is tied to its factory specification. A collector is therefore likely to prefer an unmodified example with its correct wheels, graphics, interior and documentation.
If you intend to use the car regularly, reversible improvements may be sensible. Keep every original component and document each change. Irreversible bodywork, missing special-edition parts and undocumented engine modifications can narrow the future market.
Is the Ford Fiesta ST500 a modern classic?
It has many of the ingredients: a limited factory run, a clear visual identity, a naturally aspirated engine, a manual gearbox and a place at the end of an established model generation. It is also usable enough to enjoy rather than merely display.
That does not guarantee rising values. Condition, originality, mileage, history and demand all influence an individual car. The strongest examples are likely to be those that remain recognisably ST500s and come with evidence supporting their identity and maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How many Ford Fiesta ST500s were made?
Ford announced a limited UK run of 500 cars.
Did the ST500 have more power than the ST150?
No. Its 2.0-litre Duratec engine retained the standard car’s 150 PS output. The special edition focused on appearance and equipment.
What colour was the Fiesta ST500?
It was offered in Panther Black metallic, accompanied by silver bonnet and side graphics.
What should I check before buying one?
Verify that it is a genuine ST500, inspect carefully for corrosion and accident repairs, test all equipment, check the service history and establish how far it has been modified.
Explore more rare and forgotten cars
The ST500 belongs to a disappearing generation of attainable performance cars. Continue with our Rare & Forgotten Cars guides, or read the detailed Ford Orion guide for another overlooked Ford story.
