I spent a lovely few hours at the S West/S Wales meet today in the company of 3 vt's (as well as another n/a and a Mk 1 Focus RS). Great sounds and sights of the cars were had.
Now, I can't stretch to a fettled vt but I found this while trawling the ads just now.
It's my favourite plate (year) and colour.
The question is, is it feasible to replace the bent valves, head gasket and get it going again or is 20vt belt breakage more involved?

There's a better version of the same ad on Gumtree . Car's only done 73k and it's advertised by a lady, who you can see reflected in one of the pics.

The exhaust valves are something like £20 each. Typically it's cheaper and easier to replace the whole engine if the belts have snapped.

There are a few specialists who can help source and fit replacement engines.

If you've suffered a belt failure, along with the head work I'd plan new big end shell bearings as it's common to see see crank failure due to them being damaged.

Thanks folks. That's made my mind up, it's back to reality for me, for now.

I would buy but not for that price fit s/hand engine with new clutch and belt kit

Don't forget transport costs