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86 Articles

Out and about with our band of Blue Oval-loving writers, photographers and illustrators. MIKE JOHNSON CONTRIBUTOR It’s alive! With the help of friend, Zak, the Fiesta’s new engine fires into life for the first time, but it wasn’t without its problems. Page 72. DAN BEVIS CONTRIBUTOR Dan dreams of heading to the south of France this summer behind the wheel of an XR3i Cabriolet. And why not? Page 31. ADE BRANNAN CONTRIBUTOR Adrian Hall’s always evolving his project cars, but he may have peaked with his latest incarnations which Ade captured this month. Page 78. How To Contact Us Telephone: 01959 541444 Email: classicford.ed@kelsey.co.uk Write to: Classic Ford, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding ME18 6AL, UK…

It won’t last of course, but as we’re putting this issue to bed, the sun’s out, the birds are chirping away, and in garages and lock-ups all over this land, dust sheets are being pulled off classic Fords in readiness for Spring and a return to the great open road. There isn’t much that can top a cracking roadtrip — especially if it’s in a classic Ford. Whether it’s a half-hour escape up the road one evening, or a weekend-long dash that involves at least one ferry crossing, the B-road is where it all comes together. And if you’re looking for a suitable end destination for that roadtrip, can we suggest the Classic Ford Show at Mallory Park Circuit on Sunday, June 7? Advance tickets for Europe’s biggest classic Ford event are…

Car: ex-Group A RS1600i Start condition: rolling shell Condition now: in final stages of rebuild Estimated date of completion: April 2020 Name: Guido Pitzen Age: 54 Job: motorsport engineer Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany If there’s anyone else out there more dedicated to finding, saving and rebuilding original Group A Mk3 Escort race cars then we’ve yet to meet them. Guido Pitzen aka Professor Futzemann has been rolling some incredible restorations out of his impressive home workshop near Cologne in Germany for some years now, ready to return to the historic race tracks of Europe, and we’ve been lucky enough to feature some of them. His latest project though, takes a slightly sideways step, for this former Group A RS1600i is not returning to the Nordschleife or Spa Francorchamps, at least in the current owner’s hands. Found and bought by…

THIS ISSUE Out and about with our band of Blue Oval-loving writers, photographers and illustrators. MIKE JOHNSON CONTRIBUTOR It’s alive! With the help of friend, Zak, the Fiesta’s new engine fires into life for the first time, but it wasn’t without its problems. Page 72. DAN BEVIS CONTRIBUTOR Dan dreams of heading to the south of France this summer behind the wheel of an XR3i Cabriolet. And why not? Page 31. ADE BRANNAN CONTRIBUTOR Adrian Hall’s always evolving his project cars, but he may have peaked with his latest incarnations which Ade captured this month. Page 78. How To Contact Us Telephone: 01959 541444 Email: classicford.ed@kelsey.co.uk Write to: Classic Ford, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding ME18 6AL, UK…

FORDFEST IS BACK!

FordFest, the end of season finale, now has a new home. This year the event moves to the superb Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire and will take place on Sunday, September 27 with a new organiser at the helm — Live Promotions. The move to a new home means fans will be able to enjoy a 0-60 sprint strip and a standing 1 km challenge, Ford-only Hot Rod head-to-head and Ford-only rally cars taking to the dedicated skid pan. Live Promotions are also promising thousands of club cars, a huge retail village, show and shine competitions and featured anniversary displays. Find out more or book your club stand or entry tickets at www.fordsfestshow.co.uk…

FORDFEST IS BACK!

Welcome It won’t last of course, but as we’re putting this issue to bed, the sun’s out, the birds are chirping away, and in garages and lock-ups all over this land, dust sheets are being pulled off classic Fords in readiness for Spring and a return to the great open road. There isn’t much that can top a cracking roadtrip — especially if it’s in a classic Ford. Whether it’s a half-hour escape up the road one evening, or a weekend-long dash that involves at least one ferry crossing, the B-road is where it all comes together. And if you’re looking for a suitable end destination for that roadtrip, can we suggest the Classic Ford Show at Mallory Park Circuit on Sunday, June 7? Advance tickets for Europe’s biggest classic…

CALLING ALL CLUBS! JOIN US AT THE CLASSIC FORD SHOW

There’s no better way to experience Classic Ford Show than having an allocated club area inside the show. As well as discounted entry tickets, club stand members can beat the traffic with access to the show hours before the public, and there are exclusive discounts on camping available, too. Club stands must have a minimum of five cars — to book your club stand go to www.classicfordshow.co.uk/club-ticket, or to register your club email classicfordshow@kelsey.co.uk or call 07375 554420. The Classic Ford Show takes place at Mallory Park Circuit on Sunday, June 7. For discounted advance tickets and track time go to: www.classicfordshow.co.uk…

CALLING ALL CLUBS! JOIN US AT THE CLASSIC FORD SHOW

your projects: escort rs1600i BAHN STORMER Your projects: Old RS1600i race cars don’t die, they just get turned into awesome road cars. At least if Guido Pitzen has anything to do with them... Words Simon Woolley Photos Ade Brannan Car: ex-Group A RS1600i Start condition: rolling shell Condition now: in final stages of rebuild Estimated date of completion: April 2020 Name: Guido Pitzen Age: 54 Job: motorsport engineer Location: North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany If there’s anyone else out there more dedicated to finding, saving and rebuilding original Group A Mk3 Escort race cars then we’ve yet to meet them. Guido Pitzen aka Professor Futzemann has been rolling some incredible restorations out of his impressive home workshop near Cologne in Germany for some years now, ready to return to the historic race…

BULLITT MUSTANG SELLS FOR RECORD £2.88M

FRONTEND YOUR EYE ON THE WORLDWIDE CLASSIC FORD SCENE BULLITT MUSTANG SELLS FOR RECORD £2.88M Arguably the most famous movie car of all time is now also one of the most expensive. The original Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT Fastback, driven by Steve McQueen in the iconic movie Bullitt, sparked a bidding war to sell for $3.74m (£2.88m) at Mecum’s sale in Florida, USA on January 10. The no-reserve auction took place in front of a huge crowd at the Osceola Heritage Park, with bidding started at a mere $3500 because that’s the figure it raised the only two times it had been sold previously – most recently in 1974. This quickly climbed, though it looked as if $2.55m was the ceiling until a burst of bids saw it climb…

BULLITT MUSTANG SELLS FOR RECORD £2.88M

BULLITT MUSTANG SELLS FOR RECORD £2.88M

Arguably the most famous movie car of all time is now also one of the most expensive. The original Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT Fastback, driven by Steve McQueen in the iconic movie Bullitt, sparked a bidding war to sell for $3.74m (£2.88m) at Mecum’s sale in Florida, USA on January 10. The no-reserve auction took place in front of a huge crowd at the Osceola Heritage Park, with bidding started at a mere $3500 because that’s the figure it raised the only two times it had been sold previously – most recently in 1974. This quickly climbed, though it looked as if $2.55m was the ceiling until a burst of bids saw it climb up beyond $3m. The final $3.4m hammer figure (plus 10 per cent premium) saw the car…

BULLITT MUSTANG SELLS FOR RECORD £2.88M

FORDFEST IS BACK!

FORDFEST IS BACK! FordFest, the end of season finale, now has a new home. This year the event moves to the superb Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire and will take place on Sunday, September 27 with a new organiser at the helm — Live Promotions. The move to a new home means fans will be able to enjoy a 0-60 sprint strip and a standing 1 km challenge, Ford-only Hot Rod head-to-head and Ford-only rally cars taking to the dedicated skid pan. Live Promotions are also promising thousands of club cars, a huge retail village, show and shine competitions and featured anniversary displays. Find out more or book your club stand or entry tickets at www.fordsfestshow.co.uk…

FORDFEST IS BACK!

Terminally-rotten old Fords Reader, Kevin Greenwood has spent much of the winter dodging the UK weather by travelling around south-easy Asia, but despite being distracted by the sights and sounds, his classic Ford radar was firmly switched-on, with Kevin clocking this critter in Kanchanaburi in the west of Thailand. Over to Kev: “As you can see, this Escort has seen better days, and it’s been fitted with strange rear lights, but it’s more than saveable.” Spotted an unloved Ford on your travels? Email photos and details of your find to classicford.ed@kelsey. co.uk or you can write to us at the address over on page 5.…

CALLING ALL CLUBS! JOIN US AT THE CLASSIC FORD SHOW

CALLING ALL CLUBS! JOIN US AT THE CLASSIC FORD SHOW There’s no better way to experience Classic Ford Show than having an allocated club area inside the show. As well as discounted entry tickets, club stand members can beat the traffic with access to the show hours before the public, and there are exclusive discounts on camping available, too. Club stands must have a minimum of five cars — to book your club stand go to www.classicfordshow.co.uk/club-ticket, or to register your club email classicfordshow@kelsey.co.uk or call 07375 554420. The Classic Ford Show takes place at Mallory Park Circuit on Sunday, June 7. For discounted advance tickets and track time go to: www.classicfordshow.co.uk…

CALLING ALL CLUBS! JOIN US AT THE CLASSIC FORD SHOW

BACK IN THE DAY

5 YEARS AGO APRIL 2015 With Spring just around the corner, the April 2015 issue’s Weekend Warriors theme was perfect timing with four classic feature cars built for the Sunday morning blast. Elsewhere, we caught up with the Tuesday Night Club — a great group of mates who rented a huge lock-up to work on their projects on — you guessed it — Tuesday nights... 10 YEARS AGO APRIL 2010 When it comes to completing project cars, Classic Ford’s track record isn’t great which is why it often takes someone else to get them done and on the road. As was the case with Jon Betts’ Essex V6-powered Mk1 Escort SuperSpeed tribute, sold as an incomplete project to Neil Argrave who promptly finished it off, and a great job he, too! Complete your collection of Classic…

BACK IN THE DAY

RUSTY CORNER Terminally-rotten old Fords Reader, Kevin Greenwood has spent much of the winter dodging the UK weather by travelling around south-easy Asia, but despite being distracted by the sights and sounds, his classic Ford radar was firmly switched-on, with Kevin clocking this critter in Kanchanaburi in the west of Thailand. Over to Kev: “As you can see, this Escort has seen better days, and it’s been fitted with strange rear lights, but it’s more than saveable.” Spotted an unloved Ford on your travels? Email photos and details of your find to classicford.ed@kelsey. co.uk or you can write to us at the address over on page 5.…

WHERE TO GO IN MARCH

Classic Car & Restoration Show When: Friday to Sunday, March 27-29 Where: NEC, Birmingham UK What’s going on: The Classic Car & Restoration Show is a great way to kick-start the classic car season – with the indoor venue making it weather-proof. The event brings together 1000 cars on display, 250 exhibitors and autojumblers including restoration companies, services providers and product suppliers; car auction, celebrities, car competitions and practical workshops on restoration skills. The highlights are the 150 club stands where the majority work on a number of projects over the weekend, with a view to getting them up and running by the end of the show. Find out more: www.necrestorationshow.com…

WHERE TO GO IN MARCH

BACK IN THE DAY

BACK IN THE DAY From the Classic Ford archives 5 YEARS AGO APRIL 2015 With Spring just around the corner, the April 2015 issue’s Weekend Warriors theme was perfect timing with four classic feature cars built for the Sunday morning blast. Elsewhere, we caught up with the Tuesday Night Club — a great group of mates who rented a huge lock-up to work on their projects on — you guessed it — Tuesday nights... 10 YEARS AGO APRIL 2010 When it comes to completing project cars, Classic Ford’s track record isn’t great which is why it often takes someone else to get them done and on the road. As was the case with Jon Betts’ Essex V6-powered Mk1 Escort SuperSpeed tribute, sold as an incomplete project to Neil Argrave who…

BACK IN THE DAY

FRONTEND What’s On All the must-attend classic Ford shows and events for February and March — and a taster of what’s coming up, too. FEBRUARY Race Retro February 21-23 Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, UK www.raceretro.com Small Ford Show February 23 National Motor Museum, Birdwood, South Australia http://rsownersclubsa.net MARCH All Ford Day When: March 1 Where:Wharepai DomainTauranga, New Zealand www.fordmusclecars.org.nz Malvern Drive-In Classic Car & Motorcycle Autojumble March 8 Three Counties Showground, Malvern UK www.classicshows.org Classic Ford Spring issue on sale March 20 https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/CFD Techno Classica Essen March 25-29 Messe Essen, Essen Germany www.siha.de Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show March 27-29 NEC, Birmingham UK www.necrestorationshow.com Goodwood Members’ Meeting March 28-29 Goodwood Circuit, Chichester, UK www.goodwood.co.uk APRIL All Ford Day When: April 5 Where: Smails Farm, Takapuna, New Zealand www.allfordday.co.nz Malvern…

FEBRUARY Race Retro February 21-23 Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, UK www.raceretro.com Small Ford Show February 23 National Motor Museum, Birdwood, South Australia http://rsownersclubsa.net MARCH All Ford Day When: March 1 Where:Wharepai DomainTauranga, New Zealand www.fordmusclecars.org.nz Malvern Drive-In Classic Car & Motorcycle Autojumble March 8 Three Counties Showground, Malvern UK www.classicshows.org Classic Ford Spring issue on sale March 20 https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/CFD Techno Classica Essen March 25-29 Messe Essen, Essen Germany www.siha.de Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show March 27-29 NEC, Birmingham UK www.necrestorationshow.com Goodwood Members’ Meeting March 28-29 Goodwood Circuit, Chichester, UK www.goodwood.co.uk APRIL All Ford Day When: April 5 Where: Smails Farm, Takapuna, New Zealand www.allfordday.co.nz Malvern Festival Of Transport April 6 Three Counties Showground, Malvern UK www.classicshows.org Wheels Day April 10 Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot, UK www.wheelsday.net The Big Capri Takeover April 11 Joyland Family Diner, Great Yarmouth UK www.joyland.org.uk/american-diner The Easter Motor Show April 12-13 Weston Park, Telford UK www.classicshows.org Classic Ford May issue on sale April 17 https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/issue/CFD Drive It…

NEW YEAR, ALL THE GEAR

1. RP-1 BRAKE PADS Price: tbc EBC Brakes debuted its new, flagship race and track day brake pads at Autosport. Two years in the making, EBC claim the carbon kevlar pads are capable of temperatures and stability rarely seen in performance brakes, and offer longer wear life under race conditions, and stable and repeatable braking lap after lap. The pads feature stainless steel back-plates, and are currently available for various Wilwood and AP Racing callipers, with the application list increasing all the time. From: EBC Brakes, https://ebcbrakes.com 2. FAST ROAD-SPEC FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLIES Price: €990.68 Why build up a pair of struts when you can buy them complete and ready to bolt on? That’s what Gp4 Fabrications is thinking with it’s brand-new, complete adjustable platform struts (complete with new stub axles) which come assembled with Bilstein…

NEW YEAR, ALL THE GEAR

WHERE TO GO IN MARCH

WHERE TO GO IN MARCH Classic Car & Restoration Show When: Friday to Sunday, March 27-29 Where: NEC, Birmingham UK What’s going on: The Classic Car & Restoration Show is a great way to kick-start the classic car season – with the indoor venue making it weather-proof. The event brings together 1000 cars on display, 250 exhibitors and autojumblers including restoration companies, services providers and product suppliers; car auction, celebrities, car competitions and practical workshops on restoration skills. The highlights are the 150 club stands where the majority work on a number of projects over the weekend, with a view to getting them up and running by the end of the show. Find out more: www.necrestorationshow.com…

WHERE TO GO IN MARCH

For the ultimate roadtrip you need the ultimate set of high-performance yet era-correct tyres, and thanks to Longstone Classic Tyres you could be in with a chance of winning a set of five Pirelli Cinturato CN36s worth up to £599! The Pirelli Cinturato CN36 is a classic radial tyre originally introduced in 1968 and subsequently fitted to many sporting Ford of the 1970s — so perfect for your on-point Escort, Capri or Cortina restoration. Now reintroduced, Pirelli has ensured it complements the chassis design of these cars — lightweight rear-wheel-drive Fords with progressive handling. Longstone Classic Tyres are giving away a set of five CN36s, in either 185/70VR13 or 175/70VR13 to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning, simply correctly answer the question below then head to our…

“I OFFERED TO BUY IT, GOT IT AT A GOOD PRICE AND THAT WAS IT I’D LANDED MYSELF A FIESTA PROJECT!” There are a number of criteria that can imbue a car with an adventurous vibe, usually in the area of the traditional grand-tourer: squidgy seats, mattress-like suspension, high-end audio. But not this Fiesta. Look at it from dead-on rear, and what do you notice? No, not the wide track, or the fat rubber, or the rollcage… it’s the fact that it’s only got one seat. Marc Rennie is on a very personal mission with this project. Indeed, the Fiesta is a journey of discovery in itself: “I’ve never really modified my road cars, beyond suspension and wheels,” he muses. “And yet this car’s been pretty much an entire modification from start…

That flawless and millimetre-perfect finish is thanks to an incredible amount of careful prep-work. “There were hours of sanding it smooth, getting ready for the paint stage,” Marc recalls. “My parents-in-law were living abroad by this time, and I had to plan how I was going to paint the car… I didn’t really want to spray it in my father-in-law’s garage and get overspray everywhere, so I built a tent in his front garden. To this day, he is unaware this happened! I primed the body there and spent a good week rubbing it down ready for paint. I even had my wife rubbing down the car!”…

NEW YEAR, ALL THE GEAR

PRODUCT THE LATEST, GREATEST BITS FOR YOUR CLASSIC FORD NEW YEAR, ALL THE GEAR Our pick of the products from Autosport International 1. RP-1 BRAKE PADS Price: tbc EBC Brakes debuted its new, flagship race and track day brake pads at Autosport. Two years in the making, EBC claim the carbon kevlar pads are capable of temperatures and stability rarely seen in performance brakes, and offer longer wear life under race conditions, and stable and repeatable braking lap after lap. The pads feature stainless steel back-plates, and are currently available for various Wilwood and AP Racing callipers, with the application list increasing all the time. From: EBC Brakes, https://ebcbrakes.com 2. FAST ROAD-SPEC FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLIES Price: €990.68 Why build up a pair of struts when you can buy them complete…

NEW YEAR, ALL THE GEAR

Body 1981 1.1 shell, fibreglass wide-arch kit, skinny bumpers, fibreglass bonnet, polycarbonate windows. Paint: Frozen White Engine 2-litre Zetec Black Top, Dunnell cams, competition valve springs, lightweight adjustable cam pulleys, bottom end lightened and balanced with clutch assembly, Suzuki GSX-R600 throttle bodies with ST170 manifold, Emerald R6 ECU, Revotec cooling fan, Fiesta RS Airtec radiator, Magnecor competition HT leads, Facet priming pump, Bosch 044 fuel pump, 1-gallon Ralloy fuel tank, 1-litre swirl pot, Sytec fuel pressure regulator, Varley Red Top lightweight battery, modified Vibra-Technics engine mounts Transmission Five-speed BC gearbox with Quaife gearset, Tran-X differential, RS Turbo clutch assembly Suspension GAZ coil-overs, fully adjustable lower arms, competition spherical top struts Brakes XR2 discs and callipers with Mintex 1144 pads Wheels 7.5x13 inch JBW RS wheels, 7.5/20.0 (front) and 7.2/20.0 (rear) Avon A15 soft-compound slicks Interior Sparco Junior bucket seat, OMP HANS six-point harness,…

WIN! A set of classic Pirelli Cinturato tyres courtesy of Longstone! For the ultimate roadtrip you need the ultimate set of high-performance yet era-correct tyres, and thanks to Longstone Classic Tyres you could be in with a chance of winning a set of five Pirelli Cinturato CN36s worth up to £599! The Pirelli Cinturato CN36 is a classic radial tyre originally introduced in 1968 and subsequently fitted to many sporting Ford of the 1970s — so perfect for your on-point Escort, Capri or Cortina restoration. Now reintroduced, Pirelli has ensured it complements the chassis design of these cars — lightweight rear-wheel-drive Fords with progressive handling. Longstone Classic Tyres are giving away a set of five CN36s, in either 185/70VR13 or 175/70VR13 to one lucky reader. To be in with a…

Have classic Ford, will travel far. That’s a practice we’ve always preached at Classic Ford, and helped many make a reality, too — our Classic Ford Tours have been running for an incredible 22 years (see page 44) and hundreds of you have joined us on them. Whether it’s the breakfast run, or a continental dash, there’s nothing quite like a roadtrip in your Ford. Sure, there’s a great deal of satisfaction — and fun — in the build or restoration but when push comes to shove, it’s pretty pointless owning one if you’re not going to use it. So with our favourite time of the year approaching, we’ve selected five routes to help get you out there — from a straightforward afternoon’s run in mid-Wales to a four-day blast…

IMMACULATE CONCEPT

It’s a truth often told that there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Naturally, we’d rather you left the felines alone and focused on building cool old Fords instead, and that’s precisely what Chris Bailey’s been up to with this 1971 two-door. Now, much like with our furry chums, there are many approaches to take with a Mk1 Escort, but it’s fair to say that Chris (channelling his years of expertise, and holding the reins at RetroTek Racing) has carved his own path here. “It’s not replicating any specific car; this is my idea of how I could build a modern yet retro-inspired take on a classic while still looking relatively stock at first glance,” he explains. “I appreciate the concours scene, but I was never wanting a replica…

IMMACULATE CONCEPT

HIDDEN PLEASURES

Some of the most ingenious modifications in this car are the ones that you’d never see. When installing the engine in that silky-smooth bay, Chris was careful to hide away all the wiring, as well as tucking the battery out of sight and creating a custom fuse/relay holder. “The engine’s wiring loom is a brand new and completely bespoke motorsport/aerospace-grade setup,” he says. “This was made to my specification using a local company, Motorsport Electrical Products. We worked together to make the outward appearance look stock, but under the skin it’s all new and has some pretty modern ideas — for example, the speaker wiring is all built-in, and I intend to build a console with sat-nav incorporated.”…

MK1 FIESTA One VISION Marc Rennie’s searing pocket-rocket sets a new standard for topflight Fiesta builds. With the encouragement of his Ford-loving friends, he’s built the no-compromise Mk1 of his dreams. Photos Adrian Brannan Words Daniel Bevis “I OFFERED TO BUY IT, GOT IT AT A GOOD PRICE AND THAT WAS IT I’D LANDED MYSELF A FIESTA PROJECT!” There are a number of criteria that can imbue a car with an adventurous vibe, usually in the area of the traditional grand-tourer: squidgy seats, mattress-like suspension, high-end audio. But not this Fiesta. Look at it from dead-on rear, and what do you notice? No, not the wide track, or the fat rubber, or the rollcage… it’s the fact that it’s only got one seat. Marc Rennie is on a very personal…

Body 1971 1300 two-door shell, fully restored, RS wings, custom carbon front arch liners, new-old-stock works/Imp indicator/ sidelights. Paint: Sebring Red with stripes and lettering painted on and lacquered, plus XPEL paint protection Engine 2-litre Zetec, Jenvey 45 mm throttle bodies, Retro Ford 2.5 inch stainless exhaust system, Retro Ford alloy sump, ARP rod bolts, lightened flywheel, BDA repro rocker cover, Bosch fuel pump, Teflon-lined -6 hoses throughout, alloy radiator with BDA-style top hose and silicone hoses on cooling side, stock fuel tank modified for fuel injection, bespoke motorsport/aerospace-grade wiring loom, custom fuse/relay holder with hidden wiring, hidden battery. Power: 188 bhp, 162 lb.ft Transmission Mazda six-speed manual with Ford mounting points, hydraulic Ford clutch, custom single-piece propshaft, modified Escort Automatic transmission tunnel (to accommodate bellhousing and clear slave cylinder), 3.7 Capri-ratio Atlas axle with…

IT’S BETTER WITH FRIENDS

The Classic Ford Tour Our annual tour, organised by Scenic Car Tours, takes in a different route and location every year, but for 2020 we return to Jersey for it’s world-renowned International Motoring Festival. Featuring a heady mix of classic motorsport action, top-notch displays and a festival atmosphere, the island gives itself over to the lure of four — and two wheels — over the weekend, and this year we’re forming part of it. As well as superb road runs (this year put together by tour regular and classic Ford nut, Paul Brown), the Classic Ford Tours are above all about getting together with likeminded Ford fans and having a great time. Prices start from £399 per person for the four-day, three-night tour from June 4-7. To reserve your place, call…

IT’S BETTER WITH FRIENDS

WHITE GOLD THAT PERFECT PAINT That flawless and millimetre-perfect finish is thanks to an incredible amount of careful prep-work. “There were hours of sanding it smooth, getting ready for the paint stage,” Marc recalls. “My parents-in-law were living abroad by this time, and I had to plan how I was going to paint the car… I didn’t really want to spray it in my father-in-law’s garage and get overspray everywhere, so I built a tent in his front garden. To this day, he is unaware this happened! I primed the body there and spent a good week rubbing it down ready for paint. I even had my wife rubbing down the car!”…

Tech Spec Body 1981 1.1 shell, fibreglass wide-arch kit, skinny bumpers, fibreglass bonnet, polycarbonate windows. Paint: Frozen White Engine 2-litre Zetec Black Top, Dunnell cams, competition valve springs, lightweight adjustable cam pulleys, bottom end lightened and balanced with clutch assembly, Suzuki GSX-R600 throttle bodies with ST170 manifold, Emerald R6 ECU, Revotec cooling fan, Fiesta RS Airtec radiator, Magnecor competition HT leads, Facet priming pump, Bosch 044 fuel pump, 1-gallon Ralloy fuel tank, 1-litre swirl pot, Sytec fuel pressure regulator, Varley Red Top lightweight battery, modified Vibra-Technics engine mounts Transmission Five-speed BC gearbox with Quaife gearset, Tran-X differential, RS Turbo clutch assembly Suspension GAZ coil-overs, fully adjustable lower arms, competition spherical top struts Brakes XR2 discs and callipers with Mintex 1144 pads Wheels 7.5x13 inch JBW RS wheels, 7.5/20.0 (front) and…

BLOOD AND THUNDER

Look at the way this Zephyr sits. Glorious, isn’t it? A magnificent specimen of Ford of Britain’s Americanised styling of the 1950s, resplendent in its trademark two-tone paint. Its gait is elegant yet purposeful, something exaggerated no end when you double-take at the rear wheels and realise that they’re full-on dragster-spec, each one a clear foot across and shod in Hoosier Pro Streets specifically formulated for smokeshows. Indeed, the whole car is full of Easter eggs for aficionados; those paint colours didn’t come out of the factory that way back in 1959, you’re actually looking at a more modern Ford Diamond White juxtaposed with a racy Ferrari red. And that simmering malevolence of performance is backed up by what’s going on under the skin. No, of course, the acreage of…

BLOOD AND THUNDER

IT’S EVOLUTION, BABY

Plans? Oh yes, Darren’s got plans. The chassis will be receiving a sophisticated makeover with the addition of a new independent front end set-up, while under the bonnet he’ll be junking the juicy carb in favour of a fuel-injection system. Water/ meth injection also figures in the plan — this is an arrangement whereby an atomised mixture of water and methanol is injected into the intake, reducing charge temperatures as well as providing an octane boost. And it’s not all about hair-on-fire thrust — the interior will be treated to a full red leather retrim too. There’s a lot in the pipeline for this Zephyr; it seems that after eight years of ownership, Darren’s still just warming up!…

Body 1959 Mk2 Zephyr, standard shell with sunroof, wheel tubs. Paint: Ferrari Red and Ford Diamond White Engine 347ci Windsor V8 (based on 1969 302ci block), 8.4:1 compression ratio, twin Precision turbos (10 psi), ported AFR aluminium heads, Ford Racing rocker covers, Comp Cams, Quick Fuel 750cfm carburettor, Scat crank, Scat H-beam rods, JE pistons, mains stud kit, Summit Racing gear drive, Mellings oil pump, Moroso sump, electric water pump, PWR radiator, Mallory distributor, MSD Blaster coil, twin Bosch 077 fuel pumps, Aeroflow 1000 regulator, 3 inch manifolds, twin wastegates, twin BOVs, twin screamer pipes, twin 4 inch exhaust system, battery and fuel cell in boot Transmission C6 three-speed auto, manual shift kit, 9 inch locker diff Suspension Front: standard struts with uprated inserts and Spal springs. Rear: four-linked, Panhard rod Brakes Front: Wilwood four-pot callipers with drilled and…

ROADTRIP ESSENTIALS

ROAD TRIP MANUAL How much: £22.99 Want to really stretch your classic Ford’s legs? Haynes’ excellent new Road Trip manual is packed with inspiration and expert advice for organising and driving roadtrips abroad, whether you’re popping over to Germany for a circuit tour, tackling the Swiss Alpine passes, driving the classic routes of North America, or even considering South American and African trips, with 50 routes, maps, planning notes and tips on navigation and driving in the various countries featured. Available from: www.haynes.com TYRE SERVICE KIT How much: £12.50 The kit contains all you need to help keep your classic Ford’s tyres in top condition — a traditional analogue gauge calibrated from 0 to 100 psi, together with a tread depth gauge, valve cleaner and chrome valve caps, all neatly fitting inside a period tin . Available…

ROADTRIP ESSENTIALS

HIT THE ROAD Five awesome roadtrips — in the UK and beyond — to experience in 2020 in five different classic Fords. Let’s do this! Have classic Ford, will travel far. That’s a practice we’ve always preached at Classic Ford, and helped many make a reality, too — our Classic Ford Tours have been running for an incredible 22 years (see page 44) and hundreds of you have joined us on them. Whether it’s the breakfast run, or a continental dash, there’s nothing quite like a roadtrip in your Ford. Sure, there’s a great deal of satisfaction — and fun — in the build or restoration but when push comes to shove, it’s pretty pointless owning one if you’re not going to use it. So with our favourite time of…

INHERITED STEALTH

So many petrolheads remember the family cars that shaped childhoods. We rote-learned the numberplates, soaped up the bodywork on a Sunday and dreamed of the day we’d have wheels of our own… Jeff Smith is just the same: he was entranced from the very first time his Dad drove home in a 1973 Mk3 Cortina L. “I just loved it,” he remembers. “Dad used to spend hours polishing it, then I went on a mechanics’ course as a teenager and learnt how to pull out, rebuild and reinstall its Pinto engine.” Four decades later, he’s still not finished with that engine bay… You see, while most of us wave goodbye to the machines that provided our earliest automotive milestones, Jeff has stuck by the Cortina. He learnt to drive in the…

INHERITED STEALTH

FORD’S SIX-CYLINDER

For British buyers, the Mk3 Cortina range topped out with the 2000E and its 2-litre, four-cylinder Pinto. Enterprising racer, Jeff Uren filled the go-faster niche with his Essex V6-powered Cortina Savage creations but some markets did receive official six-cylinder Cortinas. Australia equipped the family saloon with the 3.3 and 4.1 litre straight-six engines from the larger Falcon model, while South Africa followed the same route as our feature car and fitted 2.5 and 3-litre variants of the Essex V6, creating the Big Six (above).…

FORD’S SIX-CYLINDER

IMMACULATE CONCEPT

MK1 ESCORT IMMACULATE CONCEPT RetroTek’s Chris Bailey could have built an RS-replica or a rally car with his two-door 1300 project. But he does that all day for his customers; for his own project, he wanted to create a road-trippin’ Escort GT like no other. Words Daniel Bevis Photos Adrian Brannan It’s a truth often told that there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Naturally, we’d rather you left the felines alone and focused on building cool old Fords instead, and that’s precisely what Chris Bailey’s been up to with this 1971 two-door. Now, much like with our furry chums, there are many approaches to take with a Mk1 Escort, but it’s fair to say that Chris (channelling his years of expertise, and holding the reins at RetroTek…

IMMACULATE CONCEPT

HIDDEN PLEASURES

HIDDEN PLEASURES THE OUT-OF-SIGHT TECH Some of the most ingenious modifications in this car are the ones that you’d never see. When installing the engine in that silky-smooth bay, Chris was careful to hide away all the wiring, as well as tucking the battery out of sight and creating a custom fuse/relay holder. “The engine’s wiring loom is a brand new and completely bespoke motorsport/aerospace-grade setup,” he says. “This was made to my specification using a local company, Motorsport Electrical Products. We worked together to make the outward appearance look stock, but under the skin it’s all new and has some pretty modern ideas — for example, the speaker wiring is all built-in, and I intend to build a console with sat-nav incorporated.”…

Body 1973 Mk3 Cortina L, front wing and rear arch repairs, Wipac spotlights, Halogen headlight conversion instead of sealed beam, bullet mirrors aftermarket, mudflaps. Paint: Copper Bronze Metallic Engine 3-litre Essex V6 with K&N air filter, 38DGAS Weber carburettor, electronic ignition, Burton Power Capri sport exhaust manifolds, metal timing chain gear, custom alloy rocker covers, polished aluminium radiator Transmission Type 5 four-speed manual gearbox, 2.3 Cortina differential and GKN Driveline Services custom one-piece propshaft Suspension Front: uprated coil springs, uprated dampers, Mk5 2.3 Cortina power steering system. Rear: uprated coil springs, uprated dampers, anti-roll bar. Full rebush with extensive polybushing Brakes Front: Mk5 2.3 Cortina brake discs and callipers with EBC Brakes Ultimax 2 pads. Rear: drums. Land Rover master cylinder Wheels and Tyres 6x14 inch chrome Cyclones, 185/60/14 tyres Interior Mk3 L with original optional extra GXL interior Thanks To my stepson, Robbie, my brother Andrew for…

Tech Spec Body 1971 1300 two-door shell, fully restored, RS wings, custom carbon front arch liners, new-old-stock works/Imp indicator/ sidelights. Paint: Sebring Red with stripes and lettering painted on and lacquered, plus XPEL paint protection Engine 2-litre Zetec, Jenvey 45 mm throttle bodies, Retro Ford 2.5 inch stainless exhaust system, Retro Ford alloy sump, ARP rod bolts, lightened flywheel, BDA repro rocker cover, Bosch fuel pump, Teflon-lined -6 hoses throughout, alloy radiator with BDA-style top hose and silicone hoses on cooling side, stock fuel tank modified for fuel injection, bespoke motorsport/aerospace-grade wiring loom, custom fuse/relay holder with hidden wiring, hidden battery. Power: 188 bhp, 162 lb.ft Transmission Mazda six-speed manual with Ford mounting points, hydraulic Ford clutch, custom single-piece propshaft, modified Escort Automatic transmission tunnel (to accommodate bellhousing and clear…

GRAN TURISMO 4 I was reading through your November 2019 edition and the last bit of your editorial struck a chord with me. A few years ago I did what you had the urge to do, and tracked down a Mk3 GT4. There aren’t many of them about, but you have inspired me to get the restoration work started, so hopefully I’ll be stripping it down and the metalwork will start next month. Joe Diamond UK That’s great news, Joe. Best of luck with the Capri’s rebuild! Missing Thanks Thanks for running the feature on my Taunus TC in the March issue, but you forgot to include the people I wanted to say thank you to for their help with the car! So, thank you to: my friends Svein-Erik and Sven in Norway for their excellent welding/tinning…

IT’S BETTER WITH FRIENDS

IT’S BETTER WITH FRIENDS Don’t want to go it alone? Here are five organised roadtrips with convoy potential. The Classic Ford Tour Our annual tour, organised by Scenic Car Tours, takes in a different route and location every year, but for 2020 we return to Jersey for it’s world-renowned International Motoring Festival. Featuring a heady mix of classic motorsport action, top-notch displays and a festival atmosphere, the island gives itself over to the lure of four — and two wheels — over the weekend, and this year we’re forming part of it. As well as superb road runs (this year put together by tour regular and classic Ford nut, Paul Brown), the Classic Ford Tours are above all about getting together with likeminded Ford fans and having a great time.…

IT’S BETTER WITH FRIENDS

Know this ADD LIGHTNESS

Don’t worry, we’re not about to suggest attending the local Zumba class and start shaking your booty like a Polaroid picture. What we’re really interested in here is finding that perfect weight-loss programme for your classic Ford. And why’s that? To improve not just performance, but your handling, too. When you think about it, shedding pounds is perhaps even more important for performance than tuning itself. In the real world it’s exactly the same as gaining horsepower… and God knows we’ve all spent plenty of cash over the years trying to gain some extra grunt on our projects, right? So, that’s why this month we’ve mostly been thinking about fighting that flab and freeing up some healthy, usable power. So without further ado, here’s some tips to get you fighting fit. Powertoweight: thescience We…

Know this ADD LIGHTNESS

BLOOD AND THUNDER

MK2 ZEPHYR BLOOD AND THUNDER Beneath its blood-red flanks, this big-power Zephyr is bringing the thunder from Down Under with its force-induced V8 rumble. Words Daniel Bevis Photos Ben Hosking Look at the way this Zephyr sits. Glorious, isn’t it? A magnificent specimen of Ford of Britain’s Americanised styling of the 1950s, resplendent in its trademark two-tone paint. Its gait is elegant yet purposeful, something exaggerated no end when you double-take at the rear wheels and realise that they’re full-on dragster-spec, each one a clear foot across and shod in Hoosier Pro Streets specifically formulated for smokeshows. Indeed, the whole car is full of Easter eggs for aficionados; those paint colours didn’t come out of the factory that way back in 1959, you’re actually looking at a more modern Ford…

BLOOD AND THUNDER

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta

What’s been done this month: Fitted the braided brake lines, bodged the wiring to get it to fire up, fired it up, realised why it’s called a ‘boom tube’ exhaust... Next on the to-do list: Redo the wiring loom, start putting it all back together for the last time, buy some ear defenders Thanks to: Zak at Power Engineering for helping me out, 01895 255699 Think Automotive for the brake lines, 020 8568 1172, www.thinkauto. com Ignition Advantages for the MAP sensor, 07788 848180 There are many big milestones to achieve when building up a project car. For example, when the car returns from the bodyshop after a fresh respray or the point when the new engine is finally mounted up inside the bay. Or when you manage to turn the key and hear the engine make the…

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta

CAN’T GAUGE Q I’m in the fourth year of restoring my 1978 Mk2 Mexico and it’s nearly finished. The problem is I’ve put my clocks back in and the petrol gauge will not go over halfway, even when it’s full, and I have no temperature gauge at all. I’ve replaced the sender with a genuine Ford one but it still doesn’t work. I’ve rebuilt the 1.6 Pinto but don’t know what temperature it’s running at. Could you tell me if the instrument cluster is broken or is it something else? Simon Jackson UK A The most likely reason is that the instrument voltage stabiliser (Ford calls it a voltage divider) has either failed or partly failed. The stabiliser gives a constant voltage (between 9 and 10 volts) to the fuel and temperature gauges…

IT’S EVOLUTION, BABY

IT’S EVOLUTION, BABY DARREN’S BIG PLANS Plans? Oh yes, Darren’s got plans. The chassis will be receiving a sophisticated makeover with the addition of a new independent front end set-up, while under the bonnet he’ll be junking the juicy carb in favour of a fuel-injection system. Water/ meth injection also figures in the plan — this is an arrangement whereby an atomised mixture of water and methanol is injected into the intake, reducing charge temperatures as well as providing an octane boost. And it’s not all about hair-on-fire thrust — the interior will be treated to a full red leather retrim too. There’s a lot in the pipeline for this Zephyr; it seems that after eight years of ownership, Darren’s still just warming up!…

“BOTH ESCORTS HAVE BEEN MODIFIED TO AN IMMENSELY HIGH STANDARD AND TO A DEGREE IT WOULD’VE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE JUST A FEW YEARS AGO” You’ll struggle to find a better visual representation of the sheer versatility of the Mk2 Escort formula than the two cars shown here, both the product of Adrian Hall. The box-arched black car will likely need no introduction to longtime mag readers, but it says much about the flexibility of the concept of the modified Mk2 that it shares so much with the example it’s sat next to; one more restrained by several orders of magnitude, and yet every bit as compelling in its own right. First things first though, let’s underscore the most important thing before we go any further — namely that these are both…

Tech Spec Body 1959 Mk2 Zephyr, standard shell with sunroof, wheel tubs. Paint: Ferrari Red and Ford Diamond White Engine 347ci Windsor V8 (based on 1969 302ci block), 8.4:1 compression ratio, twin Precision turbos (10 psi), ported AFR aluminium heads, Ford Racing rocker covers, Comp Cams, Quick Fuel 750cfm carburettor, Scat crank, Scat H-beam rods, JE pistons, mains stud kit, Summit Racing gear drive, Mellings oil pump, Moroso sump, electric water pump, PWR radiator, Mallory distributor, MSD Blaster coil, twin Bosch 077 fuel pumps, Aeroflow 1000 regulator, 3 inch manifolds, twin wastegates, twin BOVs, twin screamer pipes, twin 4 inch exhaust system, battery and fuel cell in boot Transmission C6 three-speed auto, manual shift kit, 9 inch locker diff Suspension Front: standard struts with uprated inserts and Spal springs. Rear:…

UNSPRUNG HEROES

MANUFACTURER SUPPORT That Adrian has been building the black track car over such a long, three-decade-long span of time means that both he and the car have seen the wider Ford and club motorsport scene change beyond all recognition. One of the key ways is technology, which stands to reason; after all, who reading this is still waxing lyrical about the state-of-the-art damper tech we first utilised three decades ago? The result is that Adrian has found himself pairing with a string of firms with towering reputations within their respective markets. Both 3J Driveline (the firm will be the car’s principle sponsor in 2020) and Nitron Racing Systems (“As good as Ohlins, but at a fraction of the price”) are on board, and both have either tailored their respective offerings to…

UNSPRUNG HEROES

ROADTRIP ESSENTIALS

Hit the road ROADTRIP ESSENTIALS Heading out? Make like a Cub Scout and be prepared for any eventuality with these. ROAD TRIP MANUAL How much: £22.99 Want to really stretch your classic Ford’s legs? Haynes’ excellent new Road Trip manual is packed with inspiration and expert advice for organising and driving roadtrips abroad, whether you’re popping over to Germany for a circuit tour, tackling the Swiss Alpine passes, driving the classic routes of North America, or even considering South American and African trips, with 50 routes, maps, planning notes and tips on navigation and driving in the various countries featured. Available from: www.haynes.com TYRE SERVICE KIT How much: £12.50 The kit contains all you need to help keep your classic Ford’s tyres in top condition — a traditional analogue gauge…

ROADTRIP ESSENTIALS

Body Semi-spaceframed Mk2 Escort with fully triangulated integral roll-cage, carbon fibre rear wing, front splitter, roof, wheel arches and doors, floor, transmission tunnel and dashboard, polycarbonate windows all round Engine Honda F20C all-alloy twin-cam 16-valve with standard crankshaft, Skunk con-rods and CP pistons, Super Tech valves with uprated valve springs, Cosworth head gasket, P-Fab turbo manifold with Garrett GTX3076 turbo and Tial 44 mm wastegate, Dynamic 1000cc injectors, switchable boost map. Power: 450 bhp at 1.2 bar or 500 bhp at 1.5 bar Transmission Sadev SCL82 six-speed sequential gearbox, English axle with 3J Driveline LSD with 18-spline halfshafts Suspension Front: Nitron Racing Systems three-way adjustable uprights with custom TCAs and compression struts, adjustable bladed ARB Rear: Nitron Racing Systems three-way adjustable uprights with five-linked rear end and bladed ARB Brakes Front: AP four-pot callipers with 330 mm discs, braided lines,…

INHERITED STEALTH

HOMEBUILT HERO INHERITED STEALTH Original panels, a 3-litre V6, and 42 years of father-son ownership make this Mk3 Cortina a softly-spoken family legacy. Words Emma Woodcock Photos Adrian Brannan So many petrolheads remember the family cars that shaped childhoods. We rote-learned the numberplates, soaped up the bodywork on a Sunday and dreamed of the day we’d have wheels of our own… Jeff Smith is just the same: he was entranced from the very first time his Dad drove home in a 1973 Mk3 Cortina L. “I just loved it,” he remembers. “Dad used to spend hours polishing it, then I went on a mechanics’ course as a teenager and learnt how to pull out, rebuild and reinstall its Pinto engine.” Four decades later, he’s still not finished with that engine…

INHERITED STEALTH

Body Mk2 Escort bodyshell with all steel panels, widened arches Engine Honda F20C all-alloy twin-cam 16-valve with standard bottom end, Garrett GTX3076 turbo with P-Fab ‘ram horn’ turbo manifold, 50 mm Tial wastegate with Dynamic 1000cc injectors. Power: 400 bhp at 1 bar Transmission Standard Honda S2000 six-speed gearbox, uprated clutch, English axle with 3J Driveline LSD with 18-spline halfshafts Suspension Front: Nitron Racing Systems uprights with custom TCAs, compression struts and adjustable ARB Rear: Nitron Racing Systems dampers, custom leaf-springs with A-frame link bars and ARB Brakes Front: AP four-pot callipers, solid discs, braided lines Rear: AP single-pot callipers, solid discs Wheels Front: 7x13 inch Compomotive ‘turbo vents,’ 75x50x13 tyres Rear: 9x13 inch Compomotive ‘turbo vents,’ 195x45x13 tyres Interior Factory Betacloth trim, RS three-spoke steering wheel, Honda S2000 digi-dash and Link ECU Thanks Maidstone Sports Cars (01622 890233, www.maidstonesportscars.co.uk), 3J Driveline (01926 854119, www.3jdriveline.com),Nitron Racing Systems (01993 849449,…

FORD’S SIX-CYLINDER

FORD’S SIX-CYLINDER For British buyers, the Mk3 Cortina range topped out with the 2000E and its 2-litre, four-cylinder Pinto. Enterprising racer, Jeff Uren filled the go-faster niche with his Essex V6-powered Cortina Savage creations but some markets did receive official six-cylinder Cortinas. Australia equipped the family saloon with the 3.3 and 4.1 litre straight-six engines from the larger Falcon model, while South Africa followed the same route as our feature car and fitted 2.5 and 3-litre variants of the Essex V6, creating the Big Six (above).…

FORD’S SIX-CYLINDER

CONTACT Autosport International www.autosportinternational.com…

Tech Spec Body 1973 Mk3 Cortina L, front wing and rear arch repairs, Wipac spotlights, Halogen headlight conversion instead of sealed beam, bullet mirrors aftermarket, mudflaps. Paint: Copper Bronze Metallic Engine 3-litre Essex V6 with K&N air filter, 38DGAS Weber carburettor, electronic ignition, Burton Power Capri sport exhaust manifolds, metal timing chain gear, custom alloy rocker covers, polished aluminium radiator Transmission Type 5 four-speed manual gearbox, 2.3 Cortina differential and GKN Driveline Services custom one-piece propshaft Suspension Front: uprated coil springs, uprated dampers, Mk5 2.3 Cortina power steering system. Rear: uprated coil springs, uprated dampers, anti-roll bar. Full rebush with extensive polybushing Brakes Front: Mk5 2.3 Cortina brake discs and callipers with EBC Brakes Ultimax 2 pads. Rear: drums. Land Rover master cylinder Wheels and Tyres 6x14 inch chrome Cyclones,…

classic ford letters MAILBOX YOUR LETTERS, EMAILS & SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS GRAN TURISMO 4 I was reading through your November 2019 edition and the last bit of your editorial struck a chord with me. A few years ago I did what you had the urge to do, and tracked down a Mk3 GT4. There aren’t many of them about, but you have inspired me to get the restoration work started, so hopefully I’ll be stripping it down and the metalwork will start next month. Joe Diamond UK That’s great news, Joe. Best of luck with the Capri’s rebuild! Missing Thanks Thanks for running the feature on my Taunus TC in the March issue, but you forgot to include the people I wanted to say thank you to for their help…

Replace A-panels

They’re not as young as they used to be, so it’s not surprising that neglected classic Fords usually suffer from serious structural corrosion. Areas that rot and rust really love are the ones at the back of the front wing cavities, natural targets for the salt and mud thrown up by the wheels. This unwanted rubbish lands on the splash panels, bases of the front door support pillars and the A panels just ahead of them. To check the extent of the damage, wire-brush off any mud and use a strong light to look under the front wings. Check the areas from inside the car too, by lifting the floor coverings and removing the kick trim panels on each side of the front footwells. If you can see mud and rusty holes…

Replace A-panels

Many readers will be aware of the fire that devastated the Widnes premises of long-running specialist, GS Escorts (GSE) last October. With 90 per cent of its stock lost along with tools, machinery and a couple of cars, the average business owner may feel like giving up in such a situation, but Graeme Worthington and his team weren’t going to let that stop them and within an incredibly short space of time they’re back in business at new premises in nearby Runcorn. To show their thanks for the overwhelming amount of customer support they’ve received, GS Escorts held an open day in early January which in turn was attended in huge numbers by their appreciative customers. It gave us chance to have a look around some of GSE’s previous creations in…

THE BODY AND PAINT SIDE

JV RESTORATIONS JV Restorations (07817 555236) first became associated with GSE around four years ago when Graeme asked JV proprietor, John Vagianos if he was able to restore a couple of Escort shells for customers. “JV had been trading since 1999 and I was impressed by the standard of their work. As they were located right next door, it made sense to be able to pass any metalwork, fabrication, prepping and paintwork services on to them for our customers, “ Graeme explains. “We could supply the parts and panels and carry out the remainder of a full, ground-up rebuild effectively all on one site.” Luckily, JV managed to escape the fire last year, but are set to move into premises in Runcorn very soon right next to GSE, continuing their successful…

THE BODY AND PAINT SIDE

TIM HOLMES With last year’s Classic Ford Show only two weeks away, Tim Holmes left Graeme and his team with a very tight deadline to rebuild his Escort. The bare shell had already been restored and resprayed, but the remainder of the build was left for GSE to carry out. This included fitting the 2-litre Pinto, twin 45 Webers, the wiring, lights, suspension, bushes, brakes, gearbox, flywheel and the rest! With 135 bhp on tap, a beaming Tim was able to make it to the Classic Ford Show in his freshly-built Mk1 just in the nick of time!…

SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4

“ARRIVING IN 1990, THE SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4 OWED ITS EXISTENCE TO FORD’S MOTORSPORT AMBITIONS” Like many of its RS predecessors, the Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 owed its existence to Ford’s motorsport ambitions. Born out of the manufacturer’s desire to literally keep up with rally rivals, the all-wheel drive Sierra arrived in road-going form in January 1990. To the uninitiated, the new Cosworth didn’t look that different to the outgoing, rear-wheel-drive version, the 4x4 sharing the same four-door bodyshell and Ghiabased interior. Those who gave the latest Cosworth a second glance might have noticed the new, vented bonnet and a smattering of 4x4 badges, but, of course, the real differences were under the skin. To give the Cosworth a fighting chance in world-class rallying, Ford hung an adapted version of the Sierra XR4x4’s Ferguson…

SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4

Know this ADD LIGHTNESS

CF TECH IMPROVING YOUR CLASSIC FORD JUST GOT EASIER Know this ADD LIGHTNESS Get your classic Ford in trim ready for the summer months with our guide to losing weight — and improve its performance in the process. Words Jamie Burr Don’t worry, we’re not about to suggest attending the local Zumba class and start shaking your booty like a Polaroid picture. What we’re really interested in here is finding that perfect weight-loss programme for your classic Ford. And why’s that? To improve not just performance, but your handling, too. When you think about it, shedding pounds is perhaps even more important for performance than tuning itself. In the real world it’s exactly the same as gaining horsepower… and God knows we’ve all spent plenty of cash over the years…

Know this ADD LIGHTNESS

Body Four-door saloon, pressed steel monocoque Engine 1993cc, four cylinders, in-line, four valves per cylinder, twin belt-driven overhead camshafts, cast iron block, cast aluminium cylinder head, Weber-Marelli fuel injection, GarrettT03B turbocharger. Power: 220 bhp @ 6250 rpm, 214 lb.ft torque @ 3500 rpm Gearbox Ford MT75, five-speed manual Suspension Front: independent, by coil springs, MacPherson struts, telescopic dampers, 30 mm anti-roll bar Rear: independent, by semi-trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, 18 mm anti-roll bar Steering Rack-and-pinion (power-assisted), 2.4 turns lock-to-lock Brakes Hydraulic with vacuum servo assistance andTeves ABS Front: 282 mm vented discs Rear: 274 mm vented discs Wheels and tyres 7x15 inch alloy wheels, Bridgestone ER90 205/50 ZR15 tyres Performance Max speed: 144 mph 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds Price when launched £24,995 Thanks Gideon Mayers NEXT MONTH SIERRA RS500…

TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE

Eric Jackson and Ken Chambers skirt around the Sydney Harbour bridge in September 1963 in their pre-production Corsair GT. Halfway into their attempt to journey around the world in 40 days, this mammoth roadtrip was a publicly stunt dreamt up by Ford’s then PR guru, Walter Hayes to help promote the launch of the new Corsair. Did they manage it? Almost... — after a head-on with a water buffalo in India, and breaking the axle in Iran after being forced off the road, the duo eventually made it back to the UK in 43 days and 5 hours, covering 29,991 miles through 13 countries.…

TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta

classic ford’s project cars Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta It’s landmark moment in Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta rebuild as the new engine fires up for the first time — though not without putting up a fight. What’s been done this month: Fitted the braided brake lines, bodged the wiring to get it to fire up, fired it up, realised why it’s called a ‘boom tube’ exhaust... Next on the to-do list: Redo the wiring loom, start putting it all back together for the last time, buy some ear defenders Thanks to: Zak at Power Engineering for helping me out, 01895 255699 Think Automotive for the brake lines, 020 8568 1172, www.thinkauto. com Ignition Advantages for the MAP sensor, 07788 848180 There are many big milestones to achieve when building up a project car.…

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta

EXPERT CLINIC TROUBLE WITH YOUR FORD ? SEND IN YOUR QUERY AND WE'LL SORT IT OUT CAN’T GAUGE Q I’m in the fourth year of restoring my 1978 Mk2 Mexico and it’s nearly finished. The problem is I’ve put my clocks back in and the petrol gauge will not go over halfway, even when it’s full, and I have no temperature gauge at all. I’ve replaced the sender with a genuine Ford one but it still doesn’t work. I’ve rebuilt the 1.6 Pinto but don’t know what temperature it’s running at. Could you tell me if the instrument cluster is broken or is it something else? Simon Jackson UK A The most likely reason is that the instrument voltage stabiliser (Ford calls it a voltage divider) has either failed or…

MOTORSPORT CLASSIC FORDS FLAT-OUT ON THE STAGE, STRIP AND TRACK East is East With the performance capabilities of the venerable YB tested and found wanting, serial Escort-tweaker Adrian Hall opted to look to the Far East for engine inspiration for his Mk2 track stars. Words Jamie Arkle Photos Adrian Brannan “BOTH ESCORTS HAVE BEEN MODIFIED TO AN IMMENSELY HIGH STANDARD AND TO A DEGREE IT WOULD’VE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE JUST A FEW YEARS AGO” You’ll struggle to find a better visual representation of the sheer versatility of the Mk2 Escort formula than the two cars shown here, both the product of Adrian Hall. The box-arched black car will likely need no introduction to longtime mag readers, but it says much about the flexibility of the concept of the modified…

UNSPRUNG HEROES

UNSPRUNG HEROES MANUFACTURER SUPPORT That Adrian has been building the black track car over such a long, three-decade-long span of time means that both he and the car have seen the wider Ford and club motorsport scene change beyond all recognition. One of the key ways is technology, which stands to reason; after all, who reading this is still waxing lyrical about the state-of-the-art damper tech we first utilised three decades ago? The result is that Adrian has found himself pairing with a string of firms with towering reputations within their respective markets. Both 3J Driveline (the firm will be the car’s principle sponsor in 2020) and Nitron Racing Systems (“As good as Ohlins, but at a fraction of the price”) are on board, and both have either tailored their…

UNSPRUNG HEROES

Tech Spec Body Semi-spaceframed Mk2 Escort with fully triangulated integral roll-cage, carbon fibre rear wing, front splitter, roof, wheel arches and doors, floor, transmission tunnel and dashboard, polycarbonate windows all round Engine Honda F20C all-alloy twin-cam 16-valve with standard crankshaft, Skunk con-rods and CP pistons, Super Tech valves with uprated valve springs, Cosworth head gasket, P-Fab turbo manifold with Garrett GTX3076 turbo and Tial 44 mm wastegate, Dynamic 1000cc injectors, switchable boost map. Power: 450 bhp at 1.2 bar or 500 bhp at 1.5 bar Transmission Sadev SCL82 six-speed sequential gearbox, English axle with 3J Driveline LSD with 18-spline halfshafts Suspension Front: Nitron Racing Systems three-way adjustable uprights with custom TCAs and compression struts, adjustable bladed ARB Rear: Nitron Racing Systems three-way adjustable uprights with five-linked rear end and bladed…

Tech Spec Body Mk2 Escort bodyshell with all steel panels, widened arches Engine Honda F20C all-alloy twin-cam 16-valve with standard bottom end, Garrett GTX3076 turbo with P-Fab ‘ram horn’ turbo manifold, 50 mm Tial wastegate with Dynamic 1000cc injectors. Power: 400 bhp at 1 bar Transmission Standard Honda S2000 six-speed gearbox, uprated clutch, English axle with 3J Driveline LSD with 18-spline halfshafts Suspension Front: Nitron Racing Systems uprights with custom TCAs, compression struts and adjustable ARB Rear: Nitron Racing Systems dampers, custom leaf-springs with A-frame link bars and ARB Brakes Front: AP four-pot callipers, solid discs, braided lines Rear: AP single-pot callipers, solid discs Wheels Front: 7x13 inch Compomotive ‘turbo vents,’ 75x50x13 tyres Rear: 9x13 inch Compomotive ‘turbo vents,’ 195x45x13 tyres Interior Factory Betacloth trim, RS three-spoke steering wheel, Honda…

MOTORSPORT CLASSIC FORDS FLAT-OUT ON THE STAGE, STRIP AND TRACK WORLD OF SPORT Thousands headed to Autosport International to banish the New Year blues last month. These are the classic Ford-shaped highlights. Words and Photos Simon Woolley CONTACT Autosport International www.autosportinternational.com…

Replace A-panels

How to Replace A-panels It’s a guaranteed rot-spot on most ’60s and ’70s Fords, so follow along as we replace rusty metal for fresh on a Mk1 Escort. They’re not as young as they used to be, so it’s not surprising that neglected classic Fords usually suffer from serious structural corrosion. Areas that rot and rust really love are the ones at the back of the front wing cavities, natural targets for the salt and mud thrown up by the wheels. This unwanted rubbish lands on the splash panels, bases of the front door support pillars and the A panels just ahead of them. To check the extent of the damage, wire-brush off any mud and use a strong light to look under the front wings. Check the areas from…

Replace A-panels

THE SPECIALIST GS ESCORTS After a devastating fire late last year, GS Escorts are back up and running in record time thanks to a huge amount of support. We head along to the open day to help celebrate. Words Jon Cass Photos Jon Cass, Adrian Brannan Many readers will be aware of the fire that devastated the Widnes premises of long-running specialist, GS Escorts (GSE) last October. With 90 per cent of its stock lost along with tools, machinery and a couple of cars, the average business owner may feel like giving up in such a situation, but Graeme Worthington and his team weren’t going to let that stop them and within an incredibly short space of time they’re back in business at new premises in nearby Runcorn. To show…

THE BODY AND PAINT SIDE

THE BODY AND PAINT SIDE JV RESTORATIONS JV Restorations (07817 555236) first became associated with GSE around four years ago when Graeme asked JV proprietor, John Vagianos if he was able to restore a couple of Escort shells for customers. “JV had been trading since 1999 and I was impressed by the standard of their work. As they were located right next door, it made sense to be able to pass any metalwork, fabrication, prepping and paintwork services on to them for our customers, “ Graeme explains. “We could supply the parts and panels and carry out the remainder of a full, ground-up rebuild effectively all on one site.” Luckily, JV managed to escape the fire last year, but are set to move into premises in Runcorn very soon right…

THE BODY AND PAINT SIDE

LIKE YOUR CAR! TIM HOLMES With last year’s Classic Ford Show only two weeks away, Tim Holmes left Graeme and his team with a very tight deadline to rebuild his Escort. The bare shell had already been restored and resprayed, but the remainder of the build was left for GSE to carry out. This included fitting the 2-litre Pinto, twin 45 Webers, the wiring, lights, suspension, bushes, brakes, gearbox, flywheel and the rest! With 135 bhp on tap, a beaming Tim was able to make it to the Classic Ford Show in his freshly-built Mk1 just in the nick of time!…

SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4

buyer’s guide: sapphire cosworth 4x4 BUYER’S GUIDE SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4 Now 30 years’ old, the 4x4 Cosworth is the perfect tool for a classic B-road blast. Here’s what to look for. Words ChristianTilbury Photos Jon Cass “ARRIVING IN 1990, THE SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4 OWED ITS EXISTENCE TO FORD’S MOTORSPORT AMBITIONS” Like many of its RS predecessors, the Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 owed its existence to Ford’s motorsport ambitions. Born out of the manufacturer’s desire to literally keep up with rally rivals, the all-wheel drive Sierra arrived in road-going form in January 1990. To the uninitiated, the new Cosworth didn’t look that different to the outgoing, rear-wheel-drive version, the 4x4 sharing the same four-door bodyshell and Ghiabased interior. Those who gave the latest Cosworth a second glance might have noticed the…

SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4

TECH SPEC Body Four-door saloon, pressed steel monocoque Engine 1993cc, four cylinders, in-line, four valves per cylinder, twin belt-driven overhead camshafts, cast iron block, cast aluminium cylinder head, Weber-Marelli fuel injection, GarrettT03B turbocharger. Power: 220 bhp @ 6250 rpm, 214 lb.ft torque @ 3500 rpm Gearbox Ford MT75, five-speed manual Suspension Front: independent, by coil springs, MacPherson struts, telescopic dampers, 30 mm anti-roll bar Rear: independent, by semi-trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, 18 mm anti-roll bar Steering Rack-and-pinion (power-assisted), 2.4 turns lock-to-lock Brakes Hydraulic with vacuum servo assistance andTeves ABS Front: 282 mm vented discs Rear: 274 mm vented discs Wheels and tyres 7x15 inch alloy wheels, Bridgestone ER90 205/50 ZR15 tyres Performance Max speed: 144 mph 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds Price when launched £24,995 Thanks Gideon Mayers NEXT…

TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE

PARTING SHOT LOOKING TO THE PAST ONE CLASSIC IMAGE AT A TIME TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE Eric Jackson and Ken Chambers skirt around the Sydney Harbour bridge in September 1963 in their pre-production Corsair GT. Halfway into their attempt to journey around the world in 40 days, this mammoth roadtrip was a publicly stunt dreamt up by Ford’s then PR guru, Walter Hayes to help promote the launch of the new Corsair. Did they manage it? Almost... — after a head-on with a water buffalo in India, and breaking the axle in Iran after being forced off the road, the duo eventually made it back to the UK in 43 days and 5 hours, covering 29,991 miles through 13 countries.…

TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE

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