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87 Articles

THIS ISSUE Out and about with our band of Blue Oval-loving writers and photographers. ADE BRANNAN CONTRIBUTOR Never one to turn down (another) project car, Ade introduces his left-hand-drive Mk1 Sierra this issue, page 84. ANDY SAUNDERS ART EDITOR With the UK lockdown easing, Andy’s been out photographing again, including this stunning Mk1 RS2000. Page 46. DAN BEVIS CONTRIBUTOR It’s an Aussie icon, and it’s recently been revamped for 2021. Dan gets the lowdown on the Moits Cortina on page 90.…

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 11! Welcome It was a huge financial risk for Ford (and as Steve Saxty reveals on page 22), an initially reluctant one at that, but I think it’s fair to say that the Fiesta was a risk well worth taking for the big Blue Oval. The longest-running model in the European line up celebrates its 45th birthday in 2021, and this anniversary year should finally see the original Mk1 gain the momentum and status it richly deserves, both as part of our scene and the incredibly-important part it played in Ford-of-Europe’s direction and success in the decades that followed — even if it did help to see the demise of mass-production, rear-wheel-drive models! To help cement that status, much of this issue is dedicated…

It was a huge financial risk for Ford (and as Steve Saxty reveals on page 22), an initially reluctant one at that, but I think it’s fair to say that the Fiesta was a risk well worth taking for the big Blue Oval. The longest-running model in the European line up celebrates its 45th birthday in 2021, and this anniversary year should finally see the original Mk1 gain the momentum and status it richly deserves, both as part of our scene and the incredibly-important part it played in Ford-of-Europe’s direction and success in the decades that followed — even if it did help to see the demise of mass-production, rear-wheel-drive models! To help cement that status, much of this issue is dedicated to the Mk1, and we’re looking forward to celebrating in…

We first met Gary Lali at Croft circuit when he was typically creating a stir with his innocent-looking burgundy Mk2 Fiesta track car back in 2019. Intrigued by this impressive display and the number of exotic cars he’d just overtaken, we discovered Gary’s frantic Zetec-propelled Fiesta was packing 207 bhp in a car that weighs in at just 750 kg! “I’ve continued to make a few improvements to my Mk2, and it still sees regular track use,” Gary explains, “but when this Fiesta RS Turbo came up for grabs, I saw the potential for a new project.” Working as an engineer for Rolls Royce means Gary is far from daunted by tackling most jobs in his garage at home. His wealth of skills appears to be ever expanding and this time…

MONDEO BOWS OUT

The Mondeo hit the national headlines recently following the news that it will be phased out after 29 years in production — with no successor planned. Production will stop at Ford’s Valencia plant in early 2022, bringing an end to a model line that’s sold over five million units since it first appeared in 1993 as the critically-acclaimed replacement for the Sierra. The Mondeo became a byword for an entire genre of motorist when ‘Mondeo man’ was popularised by Tony Blair at the Labour Party Conference in October 1996. It was made in reference to the kind of no-nonsense, hard-working voter that Blair hoped his party could attract. But while the Mondeo remained popular long after that, sales have dwindled each year as those pesky SUVs and crossovers have stolen its…

MONDEO BOWS OUT

Classic Ford Grafters TRACK & ROAD Your projects: With his Mk2 Fiesta track car now too extreme for the road, Gary Lali’s on a mission to build something that can easily take both in its stride. Words and Photos Jon Cass We first met Gary Lali at Croft circuit when he was typically creating a stir with his innocent-looking burgundy Mk2 Fiesta track car back in 2019. Intrigued by this impressive display and the number of exotic cars he’d just overtaken, we discovered Gary’s frantic Zetec-propelled Fiesta was packing 207 bhp in a car that weighs in at just 750 kg! “I’ve continued to make a few improvements to my Mk2, and it still sees regular track use,” Gary explains, “but when this Fiesta RS Turbo came up for grabs,…

MONDEO BOWS OUT

MONDEO BOWS OUT Ford pulls the plug on production after 29 years. The Mondeo hit the national headlines recently following the news that it will be phased out after 29 years in production — with no successor planned. Production will stop at Ford’s Valencia plant in early 2022, bringing an end to a model line that’s sold over five million units since it first appeared in 1993 as the critically-acclaimed replacement for the Sierra. The Mondeo became a byword for an entire genre of motorist when ‘Mondeo man’ was popularised by Tony Blair at the Labour Party Conference in October 1996. It was made in reference to the kind of no-nonsense, hard-working voter that Blair hoped his party could attract. But while the Mondeo remained popular long after that, sales…

MONDEO BOWS OUT

AN E-FUEL FUTURE?

Some potential good news for the future of internal combustion engines (ICE) — Porsche has suggested that synthetic fuels could allow the form to continue selling combustion-engined cars even after 2030, and according to the firms’s CEO, Oliver Blume, could allow classic models to be driven ‘almost carbon neutrally’. Synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, are used by engines the conventional way but their production involves processes that are carbon-neutral or even capable of offsetting the CO2 released during combustion. Blume said the firm has joined with partners like Siemens to push the industrialisation of e-fuels, investing around 20M Euros in a pilot plant. The UK government will impose a ban on the sale of new combustion-engined cars from 2030, but Porsche’s R&D boss, Michael Steiner claimed that it would make more sense…

AN E-FUEL FUTURE?

AN E-FUEL FUTURE?

AN E-FUEL FUTURE? Some potential good news for the future of internal combustion engines (ICE) — Porsche has suggested that synthetic fuels could allow the form to continue selling combustion-engined cars even after 2030, and according to the firms’s CEO, Oliver Blume, could allow classic models to be driven ‘almost carbon neutrally’. Synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, are used by engines the conventional way but their production involves processes that are carbon-neutral or even capable of offsetting the CO2 released during combustion. Blume said the firm has joined with partners like Siemens to push the industrialisation of e-fuels, investing around 20M Euros in a pilot plant. The UK government will impose a ban on the sale of new combustion-engined cars from 2030, but Porsche’s R&D boss, Michael Steiner claimed that it…

AN E-FUEL FUTURE?

SHOW US YOUR SHED

Footman James has launched its new Show Us Your Shed competition to celebrate the spaces of all shapes and sizes that house our classics and collectables, from the clinical to the chaotic. These include the traditional garage space, but also spare rooms, outbuildings or even aircraft hangars — basically, places that have provided an invaluable refuge for many over the last 12 months. The two-month social media competition will award one space the inaugural Shed Head trophy. It’s open to anyone and is easy to enter via a form via www.footmanjames.co.uk/ show-usyour-shed-2021. You can then share your entry on social media using the hashtag #FJShowUsYourShed. David Bond, Managing Director of Footman James, said: “It’s not about how much the shed costs, or how big it is, but the passion and the personality behind…

SHOW US YOUR SHED

Sadly, David Sutton, the man who masterminded Ari Vatanen’s 1981 FIA World Rally Championship title behind the wheel of a Rothmans Escort RS1800, has died. He was 81. The former David Sutton Cars team boss and founder of Historic Motorsport (seen here, second from left, with Bjorn Waldegard and the Mk1 Escort RS1600 that Historic Motorsport built for the 2007 East African Safari Rally) took on Ford’s WRC hopes when the Blue Oval withdrew from the series at the end of 1979. Sutton and his team pulled everything together to become the first privateer outfit to win the world title. We’ll be publishing a full tribute later in the year.…

SHOW US YOUR SHED

SHOW US YOUR SHED Footman James has launched its new Show Us Your Shed competition to celebrate the spaces of all shapes and sizes that house our classics and collectables, from the clinical to the chaotic. These include the traditional garage space, but also spare rooms, outbuildings or even aircraft hangars — basically, places that have provided an invaluable refuge for many over the last 12 months. The two-month social media competition will award one space the inaugural Shed Head trophy. It’s open to anyone and is easy to enter via a form via www.footmanjames.co.uk/ show-usyour-shed-2021. You can then share your entry on social media using the hashtag #FJShowUsYourShed. David Bond, Managing Director of Footman James, said: “It’s not about how much the shed costs, or how big it is,…

SHOW US YOUR SHED

THE BIG PICTURE DAVID SUTTON Sadly, David Sutton, the man who masterminded Ari Vatanen’s 1981 FIA World Rally Championship title behind the wheel of a Rothmans Escort RS1800, has died. He was 81. The former David Sutton Cars team boss and founder of Historic Motorsport (seen here, second from left, with Bjorn Waldegard and the Mk1 Escort RS1600 that Historic Motorsport built for the 2007 East African Safari Rally) took on Ford’s WRC hopes when the Blue Oval withdrew from the series at the end of 1979. Sutton and his team pulled everything together to become the first privateer outfit to win the world title. We’ll be publishing a full tribute later in the year.…

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Back in March, a rule change by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in the latest MoT manual suggested that fitting LED bulbs to existing halogen headlamps would result in an MoT failure. Pressure from enthusiasts led to a response from Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Minister for the issue, who explained that vehicles first used before April 1986 will not be affected by these changes in line with the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (1989) — something since confirmed by a special notice issued by the government. The notice confirmed that Class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles presented with converted halogen headlamp units first used on or after 1 April 1986 will continue to be failed, but older cars are exempt from the rule if they meet the beam pattern…

LET THERE BE LIGHT

When bespoke watch company, Omologato wanted a suitable classic to help launch their new Rally Mexico Chronograph, there was only one car to turn to — a works-tribute Mk1 Escort, naturally. Chris Spooner, whose Dad, Gordon built the 1970 London to Mexico-winning Escort, offered up his superb BDG-powered example (featured in our January 2021 issue) for the campaign. “Finding an original Escort Mexico that matched our Rally Mexico Chronograph was a tough one,” reckons Shami Kalra of Omologato. “Our watch celebrates the legendary 1970 rally of the same name so the car had to be right and Chris’ superb example was perfect for the photoshoot” Find out more about the Rally Mexico watch (and see more photos of Chris’ Mk1) at www.omologatowatches.com.…

LET THERE BE LIGHT

LET THERE BE LIGHT Back in March, a rule change by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in the latest MoT manual suggested that fitting LED bulbs to existing halogen headlamps would result in an MoT failure. Pressure from enthusiasts led to a response from Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Minister for the issue, who explained that vehicles first used before April 1986 will not be affected by these changes in line with the Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations (1989) — something since confirmed by a special notice issued by the government. The notice confirmed that Class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles presented with converted halogen headlamp units first used on or after 1 April 1986 will continue to be failed, but older cars are exempt from the rule if…

LET THERE BE LIGHT

WATCH THIS When bespoke watch company, Omologato wanted a suitable classic to help launch their new Rally Mexico Chronograph, there was only one car to turn to — a works-tribute Mk1 Escort, naturally. Chris Spooner, whose Dad, Gordon built the 1970 London to Mexico-winning Escort, offered up his superb BDG-powered example (featured in our January 2021 issue) for the campaign. “Finding an original Escort Mexico that matched our Rally Mexico Chronograph was a tough one,” reckons Shami Kalra of Omologato. “Our watch celebrates the legendary 1970 rally of the same name so the car had to be right and Chris’ superb example was perfect for the photoshoot” Find out more about the Rally Mexico watch (and see more photos of Chris’ Mk1) at www.omologatowatches.com.…

PERFECT (DIY) PAINT

The Touch Up Paint Factory (TUPF) has launched a brand-new website and service for DIY car painters looking to do smaller jobs on their classic Fords. For professional grade finishes in over 250,000 colours, TUPF offer colour-matched touch-up paint and a handy paint pen for the finer details and smaller areas. Both options combine a custom colour base pigment with a clear coat additive and UV protective topcoat — with a single application. TUPF’s professional-grade Aerosol Colour Coat is ideal for two-stage body repairs. This product features Pro Jet Spray Technology which allows the aerosol to spray like a paint gun for an immaculate finish. Complementary products include aerosol clear coat and professional-quality aerosol accessories are also available. If that’s not enough, the TUPF team also offers a 100 per cent colour-match…

PERFECT (DIY) PAINT

Inside the July 2021 issue! Just like buses, just as soon as one TV Capri comes along, up pops another! Yes, we’ve found one of the original Capris from Only Fools & Horses! Check out the full feature on Del Boy’s Ghia in the July issue, along with the final instalment on Terry, the Minder Capri’s rebuild (right) — now finished! The July 2021 issue hits the newsstands and is available to download from Friday, June 11. Why not subscribe to make sure you don’t miss out? Check out our latest subscription offers on page 88.…

PERFECT (DIY) PAINT

PERFECT (DIY) PAINT New spray paint service launched The Touch Up Paint Factory (TUPF) has launched a brand-new website and service for DIY car painters looking to do smaller jobs on their classic Fords. For professional grade finishes in over 250,000 colours, TUPF offer colour-matched touch-up paint and a handy paint pen for the finer details and smaller areas. Both options combine a custom colour base pigment with a clear coat additive and UV protective topcoat — with a single application. TUPF’s professional-grade Aerosol Colour Coat is ideal for two-stage body repairs. This product features Pro Jet Spray Technology which allows the aerosol to spray like a paint gun for an immaculate finish. Complementary products include aerosol clear coat and professional-quality aerosol accessories are also available. If that’s not enough,…

PERFECT (DIY) PAINT

COMING UP Inside the July 2021 issue! Just like buses, just as soon as one TV Capri comes along, up pops another! Yes, we’ve found one of the original Capris from Only Fools & Horses! Check out the full feature on Del Boy’s Ghia in the July issue, along with the final instalment on Terry, the Minder Capri’s rebuild (right) — now finished! The July 2021 issue hits the newsstands and is available to download from Friday, June 11. Why not subscribe to make sure you don’t miss out? Check out our latest subscription offers on page 88.…

Terminally-rotten old Fords Look carefully, and behind all that junk is what appears to be a genuine Mk1 Mexico, that according to spotter, John Caunt, has been sat there for 25 years. Is anything salvageable? “Yes, the engine, gearbox, axle, windows, seats, good clocks - all sorts, really. I bought an RS2000 from the owner a few years ago but he won’t sell that Mexico.” 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.…

T5 QUICKSHIFT £183.54 Burton Power Burton Power’s quickshift conversion kit for the Borg Warner/Cosworth T5 gearbox will reduce the travel of the gearlever by up to 50 per cent. The result is a short and positive gear change while the original gear lever is retained. Contact: 020 8518 9127, www.burtonpower.com COSSIE DETAILING KIT £14.50 Shiny Garage Inspired by the Escort Cosworth, this new detailing kit from Shiny Garage includes two of its bestsellers: SiO2 based ICY Ceramic Detailer and Back2Black Polymer Tire Dressing. All this has been wrapped in graphics (both on the labels and a full of details cardboard box) created especially for this kit with the utmost attention to detail. And there is an English translation on the labels, too. Contact: www.shinygarage.pl WEBER DGV INLET MANIFOLD FOR PINTO £346.26 Webcon Webcon has updated its downdraught inlet manifold for…

RUSTY CORNER Terminally-rotten old Fords Look carefully, and behind all that junk is what appears to be a genuine Mk1 Mexico, that according to spotter, John Caunt, has been sat there for 25 years. Is anything salvageable? “Yes, the engine, gearbox, axle, windows, seats, good clocks - all sorts, really. I bought an RS2000 from the owner a few years ago but he won’t sell that Mexico.” 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.…

Join the club ST170 Owners

When was the club first founded? The club was started in October 2014 — a few of us had been members of various Focus- based clubs, but there wasn’t anything that catered solely for the ST170 model. Why? We were passionate about sharing our love for these models, so we decided to have a go ourselves. Our aim was to share our passion and knowledge with other owners which to this day we continue to do. How many active members does the club currently have? The first night the group was created we had over 300 people join, and we have continued to grow ever since. The club currently has around 5000 active members on our Facebook group. Which models does the club cater for? Mainly the Focus ST170, however we do have many members…

Join the club ST170 Owners

PRODUCTS T5 QUICKSHIFT £183.54 Burton Power Burton Power’s quickshift conversion kit for the Borg Warner/Cosworth T5 gearbox will reduce the travel of the gearlever by up to 50 per cent. The result is a short and positive gear change while the original gear lever is retained. Contact: 020 8518 9127, www.burtonpower.com COSSIE DETAILING KIT £14.50 Shiny Garage Inspired by the Escort Cosworth, this new detailing kit from Shiny Garage includes two of its bestsellers: SiO2 based ICY Ceramic Detailer and Back2Black Polymer Tire Dressing. All this has been wrapped in graphics (both on the labels and a full of details cardboard box) created especially for this kit with the utmost attention to detail. And there is an English translation on the labels, too. Contact: www.shinygarage.pl WEBER DGV INLET MANIFOLD FOR…

Just exactly who designed the original Fiesta seems to have become a tale of myth and legend. So I decided when I wrote Secret Fords that I should to tell the whole fascinating, and complex, story behind the car’s birth. My quest led me to unearth around 100 long-lost pictures, and the ones you see here are some of the many never-seen gems. Let’s dive in and go back to 1971… Henry Ford II had pushed Ford of Britain and Germany to work together in 1969 but their forced marriage wasn’t an easy one at first. One thing the pair was united on though by 1971 was that they needed a new Escort far more than a smaller car that made a smaller profit. But the boss was insistent — France,…

Join the club ST170 Owners

Join the club ST170 Owners This month we catch up with Vicki Keeble to find out more about the online-based group that celebrates everything Focus ST170. When was the club first founded? The club was started in October 2014 — a few of us had been members of various Focus- based clubs, but there wasn’t anything that catered solely for the ST170 model. Why? We were passionate about sharing our love for these models, so we decided to have a go ourselves. Our aim was to share our passion and knowledge with other owners which to this day we continue to do. How many active members does the club currently have? The first night the group was created we had over 300 people join, and we have continued to grow…

Join the club ST170 Owners

75TH ANNIVERSARY/ SOLITAIRE ENGINE CAPACITY: 1117cc YEARS PRODUCED:1978 PRICEWHEN NEW: £2816 Ford’s first special-edition Mk1 Fiesta arrived on June 16, 1978, celebrating 75 years of the great Blue Oval selling cars in the UK (the Model A of 1903). Known by a variety of names — including Solitaire, 75th Anniversary or simply Anniversary — the history-making Fiesta was a well-specced middle-of-the-range machine based on the 52 bhp 1100 L. It gained a package of welcome luxuries, including reclining front seats in tan or blue Ghia-type Verona/Crushed Velour upholstery, four-spoke steering wheel, twin vanity mirrors, centre console with push-button radio and clock. Outside there were chrome mirrors on both doors, and wheel-rim embellishers around the stock 12 inch steels. A choice of paint colours — Black or Diamond White — gave the Solitaire its nickname,…

45 YEARS OF THE FIESTA LOOK SHARP The original Fiesta broke new ground for Ford, but how did it come about — and who designed it? It’s time to get detecting. Words Steve Saxty, Dan Williamson Just exactly who designed the original Fiesta seems to have become a tale of myth and legend. So I decided when I wrote Secret Fords that I should to tell the whole fascinating, and complex, story behind the car’s birth. My quest led me to unearth around 100 long-lost pictures, and the ones you see here are some of the many never-seen gems. Let’s dive in and go back to 1971… Henry Ford II had pushed Ford of Britain and Germany to work together in 1969 but their forced marriage wasn’t an easy one…

One of the most attractive and intriguing things about classic cars is the sheer wealth of context; the stories behind them, the places they’ve been, the things they’ve seen. With something like an RS2000 or an RS Cosworth, we can only imagine the hijinks they’ve enjoyed on circuits, country lanes and Saturday night seafront cruises over the years — but sometimes it’s the lower-spec cars that are really beguiling. As much as we adore RS and XR variants and the assorted other sporting alternatives, there are often more relatable stories wrapped up in the everyday runabouts. They’re far more likely to have originally been bought as unassuming family cars, something to ferry the kids to school and then nip off to the shops to cash in some Green Shield stamps.…

Body 1980 Fiesta 1100 shell, small bumpers, US-spec grille, XR2 headlights, carbon fibre wing mirror, door handles and filler cap, Mk2 Escort FORD boot badge. Paint: Monza Blue Engine 1640 Crossflow, twin 40 Weber carbs, Kent Cams fast-road cam, dry sump, lightened and balanced, Ashley exhaust manifold, low-slung Sportex exhaust system Transmission Four-speed BC ’box, S1 RS Turbo LSD Suspension Front: GAZ coil-overs, fully Rose-jointed lower arms, upper and lower front strut braces. Rear: GAZ adjustable dampers, Panhard rod, Orbital Motorsport strut brace Brakes XR2 brakes front and rear Wheels 7x13 inch Image split-rims, with 175/50R13 A048R tyres Interior Alfa Romeo/Recaro front seats, rear bench trimmed to match, RS four-spoke steering wheel, Autoflock carbon fibre doorcards, six-dial dash pod and centre console gauge pod, flocked dash, carbon steering column surround, carbon seatbelt caps, carbon boot panels Thanks Nic at Pride and Performance (https://prideandperformance.co.uk) for keeping on top…

Ford may have been late to arrive at the hatchback party in 1976, but the Fiesta’s Italian-style looks were an instant hit. The new car had been conceived with four trim levels; Base, L, XL versions that targeted groups like young families, single buyers — and for those older, slightly wealthier buyers there was, of course, the Ghia. Absent from all this was a sporty model, simply because the car was originally intended to use a just pair of 950cc and 1100cc engines. However, Walter Hayes — Ford’s PR supremo and instigator of the Cosworth DFV program — was a Ford board member who had the close ear of Henry Ford II. He reasoned that, for pennies extra, the 1.1-litre engine could be enlarged to 1.3-litres to create a sporty…

Good things come to those who wait and Luke Smith is more patient than most. The classic Ford fanatic got the keys to his Vista Orange RS2000 in 2017 but two years passed by before he could slip behind the wheel. “I couldn’t get classic car insurance until I turned 21,” he remembers. “We didn’t know that when we bought the RS2000. I had it in a local garage all that time, just ticking down the time. On my 21st birthday we got it on the road.” Luke couldn’t have seen this coming when he stepped into the Silverstone Auctions enclosure at the 2017 NEC Classic Motor Show. He’d come to the event with his grandfather and classic collector, Brian Smith, so he set about inspecting cars that could find a…

Helping his grandson own his dream RS Escort was only the beginning for Brian Smith. “I had the RS2000,” says Luke, “so my grandad thought he’d set about getting the rest.” Between them the pair now own one of every major Mk1 performance Escort. The RS1600, Twin Cam and Mexico are all represented but the final car in the collection is rarer still — the Escort Superspeed. Constructed by the professional racing team of the same name, Superspeed cars boast a 3-litre V6 with a custom exhaust system, wider tyres, uprated brakes and a leather-rimmed steering wheel. The finished car cost £1390 back then — and much, much more today.…

45 YEARS OF THE FIESTA HOUSE SPECIALS When it came to producing limited-editions, Ford knew no bounds with the Mk1 Fiesta. Here’s our pick of the pack. Words Dan Williamson 75TH ANNIVERSARY/ SOLITAIRE ENGINE CAPACITY: 1117cc YEARS PRODUCED:1978 PRICEWHEN NEW: £2816 Ford’s first special-edition Mk1 Fiesta arrived on June 16, 1978, celebrating 75 years of the great Blue Oval selling cars in the UK (the Model A of 1903). Known by a variety of names — including Solitaire, 75th Anniversary or simply Anniversary — the history-making Fiesta was a well-specced middle-of-the-range machine based on the 52 bhp 1100 L. It gained a package of welcome luxuries, including reclining front seats in tan or blue Ghia-type Verona/Crushed Velour upholstery, four-spoke steering wheel, twin vanity mirrors, centre console with push-button radio and…

GET OUT THERE THIS SUMMER!

WHERE TO GO IN MAY RETRO RIDES WEEKENDER When: Saturday and Sunday, May 29-30 Where: Goodwood Circuit, Chichester UK What’s going on:The ever-popular Retro Rides Weekender returns to Goodwood Circuit on the weekend of May 29 and 30, bringing a ‘temporary museum’ of themed paddocks alongside two days of track action and a huge variety of pre-1998 cars (of all marques) on display. This year’s themes for the paddocks are Acceptable In The ’80s, Stock versus Custom and a return of the Deadline Paddock for brand-new builds. On the Saturday the track is run in a sprint format along its entire length, while the Sunday is Autosolo time. There is also retro parking and club displays across the venue. A nice laid-back atmosphere, good food and cool cars — what more do you need? Find out more:…

GET OUT THERE THIS SUMMER!

45 YEARS OF THE MK1 FIESTA MEMORY BOX Back in the early 1980s, some family somewhere was making everyday memories in a 1.1-litre Fiesta. Fast-forward to 2021, and that Fiesta has a race engine and a whole new set of memories to make… Words Daniel Bevis Photos Adrian Brannan One of the most attractive and intriguing things about classic cars is the sheer wealth of context; the stories behind them, the places they’ve been, the things they’ve seen. With something like an RS2000 or an RS Cosworth, we can only imagine the hijinks they’ve enjoyed on circuits, country lanes and Saturday night seafront cruises over the years — but sometimes it’s the lower-spec cars that are really beguiling. As much as we adore RS and XR variants and the assorted…

RetroClassics July 8-11 Messe Stuttgart, Germany www.retroclassics.de/en RS Combe July 10 Castle Combe Circuit, UK www.rscombe.com Classic Nostalgia July 17-18 ShelsleyWalsh, UK www.classicnostalgia.co.uk Old Ford Rally July 18 British Motor Museum, Gaydon, UK www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/events Simply Ford July 18 National Motor Museum, Beaulieu UK www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-ford Kent’s All-Ford Show July 18 Aylesford Priory, Kent UK www.kentsallfordshow.co.uk Mk1 Cortina OC National Rally July 31-August 1 Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse, UK www.mk1cortina.club…

Tech Spec Body 1980 Fiesta 1100 shell, small bumpers, US-spec grille, XR2 headlights, carbon fibre wing mirror, door handles and filler cap, Mk2 Escort FORD boot badge. Paint: Monza Blue Engine 1640 Crossflow, twin 40 Weber carbs, Kent Cams fast-road cam, dry sump, lightened and balanced, Ashley exhaust manifold, low-slung Sportex exhaust system Transmission Four-speed BC ’box, S1 RS Turbo LSD Suspension Front: GAZ coil-overs, fully Rose-jointed lower arms, upper and lower front strut braces. Rear: GAZ adjustable dampers, Panhard rod, Orbital Motorsport strut brace Brakes XR2 brakes front and rear Wheels 7x13 inch Image split-rims, with 175/50R13 A048R tyres Interior Alfa Romeo/Recaro front seats, rear bench trimmed to match, RS four-spoke steering wheel, Autoflock carbon fibre doorcards, six-dial dash pod and centre console gauge pod, flocked dash, carbon steering…

Shelsley Walsh Autojumble August 7 ShelsleyWalsh, UK www.shelsleywalsh.com/autojumble Ford Fair August 8 Silverstone Circuit, UK www.fordfair.co.uk Leighton Hall Classic Car Festival August 8 Leighton Hall, Carnforth UK www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com Northumberland Classic Vehicle Gathering August 15 Tynedale Park, Corbridge UK www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com Retro Rides Gathering August 21-22 ShelsleyWalsh, UK www.facebook.com/retroridesgathering Historic Rally Festival August 21-22 Weston Park, Shropshire, UK www.historicrallyfestival.com…

Rich Howells wasn’t planning to build a Mk3 Escort, he already had a Mk1 Escort longterm project to keep him busy. Unexpectedly, the opportunity to buy an immaculate and unmolested 1984 1600 Ghia came along, and Rich just couldn’t refuse — nor could he resist the urge to add a few of his own tweaks. 34-year-old Rich is certainly no stranger to modifying old Fords, and since passing his driving test aged 17 the majority of his cars have been right up our street. “I’ve had quite a few Escorts and Fiestas, an Anglia, Pop and various RS Turbos,” he recalls, “I’m currently 80 per cent through my ST170-engined Mk1 Escort which is progressing slowly.” In fact, progress of the Mk1 seemed to be almost grinding to a halt, partly down to…

fiesta rs concepts PREMIUM BLEND Had it gone into production, the Fiesta RS would have been super-equipped — and super-expensive. This is what we missed out on... Words Steve Saxty Ford may have been late to arrive at the hatchback party in 1976, but the Fiesta’s Italian-style looks were an instant hit. The new car had been conceived with four trim levels; Base, L, XL versions that targeted groups like young families, single buyers — and for those older, slightly wealthier buyers there was, of course, the Ghia. Absent from all this was a sporty model, simply because the car was originally intended to use a just pair of 950cc and 1100cc engines. However, Walter Hayes — Ford’s PR supremo and instigator of the Cosworth DFV program — was a…

HERITAGE ESCORT RS2000 Original classic Fords: This Vista Orange Mk1 has a bright future thanks to Luke Smith, who got the keys to his RS a whole two years before he could actually go out and drive it. Words Emma Woodcock Photos Andy Saunders Good things come to those who wait and Luke Smith is more patient than most. The classic Ford fanatic got the keys to his Vista Orange RS2000 in 2017 but two years passed by before he could slip behind the wheel. “I couldn’t get classic car insurance until I turned 21,” he remembers. “We didn’t know that when we bought the RS2000. I had it in a local garage all that time, just ticking down the time. On my 21st birthday we got it on the…

Body 1984 Mk3 Escort Ghia five-door, RS1600i front splitter, colour-coded bumpers and mirrors, AA badge. Paint: Burgundy Red Engine 2-litre Silver Top Zetec, twin Weber 45 DCOE carbs, alloy inlet manifold, NODIZ PRO ignition system, Toyosports four-branch stainless exhaust manifold, 2.25 inch full stainless exhaust system, 1.8 Zetec sump, oil pump and pick-up, 1.8 water pump, Malpassi fuel regulator, Facet fuel pump, oil breather, DA Performance Engineering engine mount and thermostat adapter, colour-coded rocker cover, twin fans, Pro Alloy header tank Transmission BC gearbox, Fiesta RS Turbo flywheel and clutch kit Suspension Standard struts and dampers with -60 mm Apex springs front and rear Brakes Front: RS Turbo callipers and discs. Rear: standard drums Wheels and tyres 7x16 inch RS seven-spoke alloys, with 195/45R16 tyres Interior Full 1600 Ghia trim, Series 1 RS Turbo steering wheel Thanks Chris Holland at RRS Rolling Road Services (07879 658 746,…

ESCORT EXTRA THE SMITHS’ MK1 COLLECTION Helping his grandson own his dream RS Escort was only the beginning for Brian Smith. “I had the RS2000,” says Luke, “so my grandad thought he’d set about getting the rest.” Between them the pair now own one of every major Mk1 performance Escort. The RS1600, Twin Cam and Mexico are all represented but the final car in the collection is rarer still — the Escort Superspeed. Constructed by the professional racing team of the same name, Superspeed cars boast a 3-litre V6 with a custom exhaust system, wider tyres, uprated brakes and a leather-rimmed steering wheel. The finished car cost £1390 back then — and much, much more today.…

GNOO BLAS CLASSIC CAR SHOW

There are remnants of many long forgotten race circuits and hillclimb tracks around Australia but the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club has been working hard at reminding us of the glory days of the Gnoo Blas circuit. Situated on the outskirts of the rural New South Wales town of Orange the circuit had a triangular shape made up of some fairly narrow country roads. The first race meeting was held on the track in 1953 and it attracted the cream of Australia’s racing drivers and the fastest open wheeler racing cars in the country. For a time it was a rival to the Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst, only 30 miles away. Amongst its numerous firsts was the running of the inaugural Australian Touring Car Championship in 1960, which comprised just…

GNOO BLAS CLASSIC CAR SHOW

GET OUT THERE THIS SUMMER!

EVENTS GUIDE GET OUT THERE THIS SUMMER! The roads are waiting for you — and so are the shows. Here’s our guide to where you can go with your classic Ford over the coming months. WHERE TO GO IN MAY RETRO RIDES WEEKENDER When: Saturday and Sunday, May 29-30 Where: Goodwood Circuit, Chichester UK What’s going on:The ever-popular Retro Rides Weekender returns to Goodwood Circuit on the weekend of May 29 and 30, bringing a ‘temporary museum’ of themed paddocks alongside two days of track action and a huge variety of pre-1998 cars (of all marques) on display. This year’s themes for the paddocks are Acceptable In The ’80s, Stock versus Custom and a return of the Deadline Paddock for brand-new builds. On the Saturday the track is run in…

GET OUT THERE THIS SUMMER!

LETTER OF THE MONTH Our favourite letter, email or social media comment each issue wins a 768 ml bottle of Meguiar’s superb new Hybrid Ceramic Wax worth £20 —ceramic protection that’s so easy to use, you can actually wax your paint as you rinse off your car! For details of the complete Meguiar’s UK range, give them a call on 0870 2416696 or visit www.meguiars.co.uk. CLASSIC MEMORIES I bought your magazine for the first time yesterday, after finding it in our local newsagent. I browsed through it and found to my surprise that three cars similar to ones I’d owned when younger were featured in the mag — a Mk1 and Mk2 Cortina and a Mk2 Escort. I’ve owned other Fords over the years, but what really sticks in my memory is a…

EVENTS GUIDE RetroClassics July 8-11 Messe Stuttgart, Germany www.retroclassics.de/en RS Combe July 10 Castle Combe Circuit, UK www.rscombe.com Classic Nostalgia July 17-18 ShelsleyWalsh, UK www.classicnostalgia.co.uk Old Ford Rally July 18 British Motor Museum, Gaydon, UK www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/events Simply Ford July 18 National Motor Museum, Beaulieu UK www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-ford Kent’s All-Ford Show July 18 Aylesford Priory, Kent UK www.kentsallfordshow.co.uk Mk1 Cortina OC National Rally July 31-August 1 Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse, UK www.mk1cortina.club…

Baz Vara From: UK Car: Mk5 Cortina “I have had this car, which is a 2-litre GL, for around a year now,” says Baz. “When I bought it, it was leaking water, there was rust everywhere and it was a non-runner. I have done loads of work and spent much money getting it up to a good standard, including a full respray, rebuilt front and rear suspension, and I have upgraded the engine with twin 45s, a race manifold and Kent Cams FR33 camshaft. I don’t plan on getting rid of it anytime soon!” Russell Postle From: UK Van: Mk2 Escort “This van was brought new from Cromer Motors in March 1979 by JB Postle (Cromer) Ltd, and was used to deliver televisions and electricals,” says Russell. “It is a higher spec model — having the L badge…

AUGUST Shelsley Walsh Autojumble August 7 ShelsleyWalsh, UK www.shelsleywalsh.com/autojumble Ford Fair August 8 Silverstone Circuit, UK www.fordfair.co.uk Leighton Hall Classic Car Festival August 8 Leighton Hall, Carnforth UK www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com Northumberland Classic Vehicle Gathering August 15 Tynedale Park, Corbridge UK www.markwoodwardclassicevents.com Retro Rides Gathering August 21-22 ShelsleyWalsh, UK www.facebook.com/retroridesgathering Historic Rally Festival August 21-22 Weston Park, Shropshire, UK www.historicrallyfestival.com…

UPGRADE GUIDE MK1 FIESTA

It may have taken some time for it to mature into a fully-fledged icon, but the Mk1 Fiesta has become recognised as one of the true classic Ford greats. Like many other models of the era, its modifying potential in terms of simplicity and parts availability have made it a firm favourite to improve, upgrade and develop too. However, also like other models, times have changed, which means some parts are now harder to find and much more expensive to buy, which means chopping and changing items from other Ford models isn’t as easy, or cost-effective as it once was. But a rise in popularity does have its plus side, which is that the Mk1 Fiesta is now better catered for with a bigger following, so there are more new…

UPGRADE GUIDE MK1 FIESTA

HOMEBUILT HERO A QUICK ONE With his Mk1 Escort rebuild on a go-slow, Rich Howells needed aquick project to keep his Ford mojo up, and this Zetec-powered Mk3 Escort Ghia is the awesome result. Words and Photos Jon Cass Rich Howells wasn’t planning to build a Mk3 Escort, he already had a Mk1 Escort longterm project to keep him busy. Unexpectedly, the opportunity to buy an immaculate and unmolested 1984 1600 Ghia came along, and Rich just couldn’t refuse — nor could he resist the urge to add a few of his own tweaks. 34-year-old Rich is certainly no stranger to modifying old Fords, and since passing his driving test aged 17 the majority of his cars have been right up our street. “I’ve had quite a few Escorts and…

Tech Spec Body 1984 Mk3 Escort Ghia five-door, RS1600i front splitter, colour-coded bumpers and mirrors, AA badge. Paint: Burgundy Red Engine 2-litre Silver Top Zetec, twin Weber 45 DCOE carbs, alloy inlet manifold, NODIZ PRO ignition system, Toyosports four-branch stainless exhaust manifold, 2.25 inch full stainless exhaust system, 1.8 Zetec sump, oil pump and pick-up, 1.8 water pump, Malpassi fuel regulator, Facet fuel pump, oil breather, DA Performance Engineering engine mount and thermostat adapter, colour-coded rocker cover, twin fans, Pro Alloy header tank Transmission BC gearbox, Fiesta RS Turbo flywheel and clutch kit Suspension Standard struts and dampers with -60 mm Apex springs front and rear Brakes Front: RS Turbo callipers and discs. Rear: standard drums Wheels and tyres 7x16 inch RS seven-spoke alloys, with 195/45R16 tyres Interior Full 1600…

GNOO BLAS CLASSIC CAR SHOW

SHOW REPORT GNOO BLAS GNOO BLAS CLASSIC CAR SHOW Held on the infield of a former race circuit, this Australian event is growing rapidly — both in size and reputation. Words and Photos Stephen Roser There are remnants of many long forgotten race circuits and hillclimb tracks around Australia but the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club has been working hard at reminding us of the glory days of the Gnoo Blas circuit. Situated on the outskirts of the rural New South Wales town of Orange the circuit had a triangular shape made up of some fairly narrow country roads. The first race meeting was held on the track in 1953 and it attracted the cream of Australia’s racing drivers and the fastest open wheeler racing cars in the country. For…

GNOO BLAS CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Install anti-tramp bars

Axle tramp, hop or spring wind-up, call it what you will, it’s a right pain in the proverbial. Not sure what we’re talking about? Then get in your leaf-sprung, rear-wheel-drive Ford and accelerate hard from standstill. Chances are there’ll be a loud banging coming from the rear as the springs wind up, throwing the axle out of line and allowing one of the rear wheels to move violently up and down. It’s not nice and it’s not surprising either when you consider that the axle’s located by the leaf springs and not much else. The only real way to cure this is to throw away the leaf springs and fit a five-linked, coil-over and turreted set-up, but fear not, most of us don’t need to be so drastic. For most Fast…

Install anti-tramp bars

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta

What’s been done this month: Driving it about, noticing it’s a little too noisy Next on the to-do list: Try and make the exhaust make less noisy, get it mapped Thanks to: Power Engineering 01895 255699 Since getting the car back on the road I’ve been using it wherever possible. Whether it’s to go to do the weekly supermarket shop or just a leisurely Sunday drive. Now the weather is improving and lockdown is easing it’s been great to finally get out and about in it. And recently I even managed to attend a little car meet (although still with only six people, mind). I still cannot believe it has been off the road for over five years while I added the compound turbos, and the six-speed gearbox amongst all the other changes.…

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta

classic ford letters MAILBOX LETTER OF THE MONTH Our favourite letter, email or social media comment each issue wins a 768 ml bottle of Meguiar’s superb new Hybrid Ceramic Wax worth £20 —ceramic protection that’s so easy to use, you can actually wax your paint as you rinse off your car! For details of the complete Meguiar’s UK range, give them a call on 0870 2416696 or visit www.meguiars.co.uk. CLASSIC MEMORIES I bought your magazine for the first time yesterday, after finding it in our local newsagent. I browsed through it and found to my surprise that three cars similar to ones I’d owned when younger were featured in the mag — a Mk1 and Mk2 Cortina and a Mk2 Escort. I’ve owned other Fords over the years, but what…

Ade’s Mk1 Sierra

What’s been done this month: Introduced my new (but old) Sierra project, put it into daily service Next on the to-do list: Work out what to do with it I’m sure I can’t be alone in this situation of when you become completely frustrated by owning numerous cars that just do not work! That’s pretty much where I’m at, and what pushed me to make some changes and actually get my cars back on the road! But first of all let’s rewind a bit to the start of my MK1 Sierra story. I’ve always been a rear-wheel-drive nut and drifting has always been an obsession, from my time in the British Drift Championship piloting a 24-valve Sapphire to the massive, elaborate headache that my infamous Classic Ford-documented drift Capri project evolved into. The Capri…

Ade’s Mk1 Sierra

readers’ rides YOUR CARS Baz Vara From: UK Car: Mk5 Cortina “I have had this car, which is a 2-litre GL, for around a year now,” says Baz. “When I bought it, it was leaking water, there was rust everywhere and it was a non-runner. I have done loads of work and spent much money getting it up to a good standard, including a full respray, rebuilt front and rear suspension, and I have upgraded the engine with twin 45s, a race manifold and Kent Cams FR33 camshaft. I don’t plan on getting rid of it anytime soon!” Russell Postle From: UK Van: Mk2 Escort “This van was brought new from Cromer Motors in March 1979 by JB Postle (Cromer) Ltd, and was used to deliver televisions and electricals,” says…

XR2 sump gasket Q I have a Mk2 Fiesta XR2. As these tended to suffer from blocked oil strainers I’ve got into the habit of dropping the sump and cleaning the oil strainer at every third oil change. Due to the mileage this car covers, I only change the oil every 12 months. When carrying out this task in the past, I have had problems ensuring the sump gasket is properly positioned, and I’m loathe to use a sealing agent to glue the gasket in position. Do you have any tips on making this job easier? Gordon Plummer UK Gearlever rattle Q I am experiencing a problem with my Mk2 RS2000 gearbox — when driving the gearlever has a mini vibration and this creates a noise which can only be described as ‘tizzing’. As…

QUERY OF THE MONTH

FIVE-SPEED CORSAIR Q I’d like to fit a Sierra five-speed gearbox to my Corsair 2000E — is this possible, and can I retain the 2000E bellhousing? David Rouget UK A It is indeed possible, but you can’t use the 2000E gearbox’s bellhousing, and nor will the Sierra Type-9 one bolt straight up. There are a number of ways around this, but for a bolt-in swap you need to either source the V4-powered Consul (Mk1 Granada shape) bellhousing, which is quite rare these days, or BGH Geartech has cast its own version to allow this swap (along with the Essex V6). The Consul used a cable clutch, so you will either need to modify your pedal box to accept one (or fit an Escort/Capri clutch pedal) or convert the new bellhousing to hydraulic operation (this…

QUERY OF THE MONTH

New Cortina is more Cortina.’ That’s what Ford promised us on the launch of the Mk2 Cortina back in 1966. And despite actually being slightly shorter than the ban-the-bomb car it replaced, that’s exactly what the Mk2 delivered: wider, better proportioned, more space for your elbows, it was an exponentially grown-up proposition. The more-is-more approach ascended to a higher echelon with the advent of the Mk3 in 1970, with Ford of Britain and Ford of Germany having joined forces to form Ford of Europe; the new model (Cortina in Britain, Taunus elsewhere) was so similar in its various markets that it was given the designation TC — for Taunus-Cortina. Bigger in stature, but also in volume. The vivid orange example we have here, which amplifies the concept of more-is-more in quite…

THE MIGHTY BOOST

THE TWIN TURBO SET-UP The forced-induction on this car is impressively complicated. Each turbo has its own water-to-air intercooler, water/ice tanks and water pump, with a balance pipe between the tanks to balance out the water levels because they run into the same heat exchanger. Interestingly, even though both water pumps are exactly the same, one actually flows slightly more than the other, draining the water out of one side and overfilling the other, but the clever Haltech system has this in hand — it simply supplies slightly less voltage to one pump to balance it out. The turbos are mounted low-down to keep engine bay temperatures low, the heat escaping under the car, and the bay louvres also help with heat management. And the intercoolers? They were fabricated in-house, with…

THE MIGHTY BOOST

Body 1974 Mk3 Cortina TD, custom bonnet, smoothed and louvred engine bay, tubbed rear, inner wings cut out for pipework and plumbing, all chrome trim refinished in gloss black. Paint: Moits Orange Engine 302ci (4.9-litre) Windsor V8, Moits custom intake, Hypertune 102 mm throttle body, 2000cc injectors, Haltech Nexus R5 ECU, twin Precision 68/70 turbos,Yates C3 heads, Manley valves, Moits custom cams, JE pistons, Bryant crank, Callies rods, Moits custom radiator, Moits custom exhaust system, MSD ignition, Haltech coils, fuel cell and battery in boot Transmission Reid-case Powerglide transmission, Neal Chance converter, Moits 9 inch diff Suspension Front: Moits custom tubular independent front suspension, Strange coil-overs with Hypercoil springs, Moits custom steering column and rack. Rear: Strange coil-overs with Hypercoil springs, four-linked Brakes Wilwood callipers and discs front and rear, Strange master cylinder Wheels 6x17 inch (front) and 10.5x18 inch (rear) forged Simmons…

UPGRADE GUIDE MK1 FIESTA

GF TECH IMPROVING YOUR CLASSIC FORD JUST GOT EASIER UPGRADE GUIDE MK1 FIESTA Thanks to the aftermarket — and Ford themselves — it’s dead easy to tune and improve your Mk1 — here’s how. Words Matt Black It may have taken some time for it to mature into a fully-fledged icon, but the Mk1 Fiesta has become recognised as one of the true classic Ford greats. Like many other models of the era, its modifying potential in terms of simplicity and parts availability have made it a firm favourite to improve, upgrade and develop too. However, also like other models, times have changed, which means some parts are now harder to find and much more expensive to buy, which means chopping and changing items from other Ford models isn’t as…

UPGRADE GUIDE MK1 FIESTA

“THE FIESTA HAD JUST GONE ON SALE AND FORD WERE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO PROMOTE THEIR NEW TOY” Picture the scene. It is mid 1977, the original Fiesta has just gone on sale in Britain, and Ford’s marketing staff are looking for ways — any way — of promoting their new toy. Motorsport was mentioned, and someone even thought that if British Leyland had achieved so much with their Minis, then Ford could do the same with Fiesta. Until someone who knew the sport pointed out how special the Mini Cooper S had become, and how dedicated the works team had been in making it so. One phone call to Boreham was enough to spell it out — that the Fiesta was not yet a competition car, that the team was…

SPA SUMMER CLASSIC

The Spa Summer Classic is the ideal pure circuit race meeting for classic Ford fans to watch. Spectators and enthusiasts can hear and smell the machines of past decades and among the 600 classic cars we found no less than 56 Fords racing in all categories, from Belcar Historic and Youngtimer Cup trough the Youngtimer Touring Car Challenge and Historic Monoposto Racing with a lot of 1600 and 2-litre Formula Fords and finally the infamous Spa 3-hour race. The atmosphere was very special in the circuit paddock as spectators and enthusiasts mingled with the ever-growing number of competitors. Whether behind the wheel or at the grand stands, competition and fun were present all over the legendary Ardenne circuit. This year’s Spa Summer Classic is planned to take place over the long weekend…

SPA SUMMER CLASSIC

Install anti-tramp bars

How to Install anti-tramp bars Also known as radius arms, anti-tramp bars stop your axle banging away under hard acceleration. Here’s how to fit them. Words Simon Woolley Photos Jon Hill, Dan Sherwood Axle tramp, hop or spring wind-up, call it what you will, it’s a right pain in the proverbial. Not sure what we’re talking about? Then get in your leaf-sprung, rear-wheel-drive Ford and accelerate hard from standstill. Chances are there’ll be a loud banging coming from the rear as the springs wind up, throwing the axle out of line and allowing one of the rear wheels to move violently up and down. It’s not nice and it’s not surprising either when you consider that the axle’s located by the leaf springs and not much else. The only real…

Install anti-tramp bars

Petrol is at present, marginally better than diesel in the guilt-ridden environmental stakes, but these non-renewable energy sources aren’t exactly the most popular at the moment. We won’t get into further discussion about electric cars and green energy sources, but one means of making petrol more environmentally friendly is to add a renewable component in the form of ethanol. This is alcohol, and it’s produced from plant materials, so it’s classed as renewable as a wind generator or a solar panel (its production also provides useful by-products including animal feed and stored carbon dioxide). Adding it to petrol is in theory, a means of making petrol look a little less horrible as a non-renewable energy source. Plus, it helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions when petrol is used in an…

IT’S ONLY ORIGINAL TWICE

Often when you buy an old car it’s in worse condition than you realise, but not always. Witness Alan Mansley’s 1974 Capri 1600GT, “I always liked Mk2 Capris,” explains Alan, “since seeing the white S that belonged to an older relative when I was about 14 who took me to rallycross events. I owned various Fords including Mk2 Escorts, a Mk3 1600 Laser with a bigger engine and Mk3 2.8i; but never a Mk2 Capri.” That changed in early 2004. “I saw a Capri GT advertised for sale in Camden and since my brother lived in Greenwich I travelled down from Scotland to see it. I was impressed by the full service history verifying its 47,000 original miles and the car seemed a decent example, the only downsides being the scratched…

IT’S ONLY ORIGINAL TWICE

TOP 10 INSURANCE TIPS

1. Don’t just renew It’s all too easy to let the direct debit continue and sign up for another year with your existing insurer. Before you do though, have a look at quotes from other insurers. If they come in cheaper and you don’t want to switch, call your existing insurer, quote the cheaper prices and quite often they will be able to bring your renewal quote down to a similar level. 2. Look at classic insurance They’re often tied into Agreed Value, limited-mileage polices but classic insurance specialists can offer some great-value policies. Most class a vehicle eligible for classic insurance as being over 20 or 25 years old, but some allow exceptions for modern classics, so do your research before you dismiss a classic insurance policy out of hand if you…

TOP 10 INSURANCE TIPS

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta Now it’s back on the road, Mike’s discovered a whole host of jobs that need doing on the Fiesta — like making it quieter... What’s been done this month: Driving it about, noticing it’s a little too noisy Next on the to-do list: Try and make the exhaust make less noisy, get it mapped Thanks to: Power Engineering 01895 255699 Since getting the car back on the road I’ve been using it wherever possible. Whether it’s to go to do the weekly supermarket shop or just a leisurely Sunday drive. Now the weather is improving and lockdown is easing it’s been great to finally get out and about in it. And recently I even managed to attend a little car meet (although still with only six people,…

Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta

Ade’s Mk1 Sierra

Ade’s Mk1 Sierra Ade introduces a new (well, not-so-new) addition to the Classic Ford fleet — his imported Sierra three-door project What’s been done this month: Introduced my new (but old) Sierra project, put it into daily service Next on the to-do list: Work out what to do with it I’m sure I can’t be alone in this situation of when you become completely frustrated by owning numerous cars that just do not work! That’s pretty much where I’m at, and what pushed me to make some changes and actually get my cars back on the road! But first of all let’s rewind a bit to the start of my MK1 Sierra story. I’ve always been a rear-wheel-drive nut and drifting has always been an obsession, from my time in…

Ade’s Mk1 Sierra

BUYER’S GUIDE FIESTA SUPERSPORT

Having already dipped a tentative toe in the water with the 1300S, Ford hedged its bets on the popularity of a fast Fiesta with the July 1980 launch of the Supersport. Truth be told, ‘fast’ was probably a bit optimistic as the most dynamic Fiesta to date produced no more than 66 bhp from its twin-choke Weber-fed 1297cc Kent engine. But, while the Supersport was no dragster, it certainly looked the part and there was no denying that it was an absolute scream to hustle along. The Supersport inherited the S’s Crossflow motor, wide-ratio BC gearbox and stiffer suspension, but it looked much more purposeful thanks to Ford raiding its specialised Series X catalogue and equipping it with polyurethane spoilers and wheelarch extensions. There were also 6x13 inch RS alloys shod with…

BUYER’S GUIDE FIESTA SUPERSPORT

EXPERT CLINIC XR2 sump gasket Q I have a Mk2 Fiesta XR2. As these tended to suffer from blocked oil strainers I’ve got into the habit of dropping the sump and cleaning the oil strainer at every third oil change. Due to the mileage this car covers, I only change the oil every 12 months. When carrying out this task in the past, I have had problems ensuring the sump gasket is properly positioned, and I’m loathe to use a sealing agent to glue the gasket in position. Do you have any tips on making this job easier? Gordon Plummer UK Gearlever rattle Q I am experiencing a problem with my Mk2 RS2000 gearbox — when driving the gearlever has a mini vibration and this creates a noise which can…

QUERY OF THE MONTH

QUERY OF THE MONTH FIVE-SPEED CORSAIR Q I’d like to fit a Sierra five-speed gearbox to my Corsair 2000E — is this possible, and can I retain the 2000E bellhousing? David Rouget UK A It is indeed possible, but you can’t use the 2000E gearbox’s bellhousing, and nor will the Sierra Type-9 one bolt straight up. There are a number of ways around this, but for a bolt-in swap you need to either source the V4-powered Consul (Mk1 Granada shape) bellhousing, which is quite rare these days, or BGH Geartech has cast its own version to allow this swap (along with the Essex V6). The Consul used a cable clutch, so you will either need to modify your pedal box to accept one (or fit an Escort/Capri clutch pedal) or…

QUERY OF THE MONTH

mk3 cortina SUNSET STRIP This sunset-orange Cortina has been a drag-strip hero in Australia for generations. And as it enters its twilight years, it just keeps on getting faster… Words Daniel Bevis Photos Ben Hosking New Cortina is more Cortina.’ That’s what Ford promised us on the launch of the Mk2 Cortina back in 1966. And despite actually being slightly shorter than the ban-the-bomb car it replaced, that’s exactly what the Mk2 delivered: wider, better proportioned, more space for your elbows, it was an exponentially grown-up proposition. The more-is-more approach ascended to a higher echelon with the advent of the Mk3 in 1970, with Ford of Britain and Ford of Germany having joined forces to form Ford of Europe; the new model (Cortina in Britain, Taunus elsewhere) was so similar…

THE MIGHTY BOOST

THE MIGHTY BOOST THE TWIN TURBO SET-UP The forced-induction on this car is impressively complicated. Each turbo has its own water-to-air intercooler, water/ice tanks and water pump, with a balance pipe between the tanks to balance out the water levels because they run into the same heat exchanger. Interestingly, even though both water pumps are exactly the same, one actually flows slightly more than the other, draining the water out of one side and overfilling the other, but the clever Haltech system has this in hand — it simply supplies slightly less voltage to one pump to balance it out. The turbos are mounted low-down to keep engine bay temperatures low, the heat escaping under the car, and the bay louvres also help with heat management. And the intercoolers? They…

THE MIGHTY BOOST

Tech Spec Body 1974 Mk3 Cortina TD, custom bonnet, smoothed and louvred engine bay, tubbed rear, inner wings cut out for pipework and plumbing, all chrome trim refinished in gloss black. Paint: Moits Orange Engine 302ci (4.9-litre) Windsor V8, Moits custom intake, Hypertune 102 mm throttle body, 2000cc injectors, Haltech Nexus R5 ECU, twin Precision 68/70 turbos,Yates C3 heads, Manley valves, Moits custom cams, JE pistons, Bryant crank, Callies rods, Moits custom radiator, Moits custom exhaust system, MSD ignition, Haltech coils, fuel cell and battery in boot Transmission Reid-case Powerglide transmission, Neal Chance converter, Moits 9 inch diff Suspension Front: Moits custom tubular independent front suspension, Strange coil-overs with Hypercoil springs, Moits custom steering column and rack. Rear: Strange coil-overs with Hypercoil springs, four-linked Brakes Wilwood callipers and discs front…

fiestas in motorsport FROM THE FRONT It wasn’t destined for motorsport, but keen to push the new Fiesta, Ford came up with novel ways of promoting it via the circuits and stages. Words Graham Robson “THE FIESTA HAD JUST GONE ON SALE AND FORD WERE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO PROMOTE THEIR NEW TOY” Picture the scene. It is mid 1977, the original Fiesta has just gone on sale in Britain, and Ford’s marketing staff are looking for ways — any way — of promoting their new toy. Motorsport was mentioned, and someone even thought that if British Leyland had achieved so much with their Minis, then Ford could do the same with Fiesta. Until someone who knew the sport pointed out how special the Mini Cooper S had become,…

SPA SUMMER CLASSIC

SPA SUMMER CLASSIC With classic Fords taking up a large number of slots on the starting grids, the Summer Classic was guaranteed fast-paced action at the historic Spa Francorchamps circuit. Words and Photos Jeannot Boesen The Spa Summer Classic is the ideal pure circuit race meeting for classic Ford fans to watch. Spectators and enthusiasts can hear and smell the machines of past decades and among the 600 classic cars we found no less than 56 Fords racing in all categories, from Belcar Historic and Youngtimer Cup trough the Youngtimer Touring Car Challenge and Historic Monoposto Racing with a lot of 1600 and 2-litre Formula Fords and finally the infamous Spa 3-hour race. The atmosphere was very special in the circuit paddock as spectators and enthusiasts mingled with the ever-growing…

SPA SUMMER CLASSIC

Know this E10 Fuel E10-rated unleaded petrol is to be introduced in the UK in summer this year, but can it be used in a classic Ford? We provide the answers and the information you’ll need to know. Words and Photos Rob Hawklins Petrol is at present, marginally better than diesel in the guilt-ridden environmental stakes, but these non-renewable energy sources aren’t exactly the most popular at the moment. We won’t get into further discussion about electric cars and green energy sources, but one means of making petrol more environmentally friendly is to add a renewable component in the form of ethanol. This is alcohol, and it’s produced from plant materials, so it’s classed as renewable as a wind generator or a solar panel (its production also provides useful by-products…

IT’S ONLY ORIGINAL TWICE

reader’s restoration: capri gt IT’S ONLY ORIGINAL TWICE Reader’s restoration: When Alan Mansley bought his 1974 Capri 1600GT he decided to give it a quick tidy under the bonnet, 15 years later every part of the car has been removed, checked and, in most cases, put straight back on. Words Mike Renaut Photos Adrian Brannan Often when you buy an old car it’s in worse condition than you realise, but not always. Witness Alan Mansley’s 1974 Capri 1600GT, “I always liked Mk2 Capris,” explains Alan, “since seeing the white S that belonged to an older relative when I was about 14 who took me to rallycross events. I owned various Fords including Mk2 Escorts, a Mk3 1600 Laser with a bigger engine and Mk3 2.8i; but never a Mk2 Capri.”…

IT’S ONLY ORIGINAL TWICE

TOP 10 INSURANCE TIPS

CF BUYING RESTORING TOP 10 INSURANCE TIPS There are lots of ways you can keep insurance premiums down. Here are 10 tips on how you can do it effectively and still come away with the right policy for you and your classic Ford. 1. Don’t just renew It’s all too easy to let the direct debit continue and sign up for another year with your existing insurer. Before you do though, have a look at quotes from other insurers. If they come in cheaper and you don’t want to switch, call your existing insurer, quote the cheaper prices and quite often they will be able to bring your renewal quote down to a similar level. 2. Look at classic insurance They’re often tied into Agreed Value, limited-mileage polices but classic…

TOP 10 INSURANCE TIPS

BUYER’S GUIDE FIESTA SUPERSPORT

buyer’s guide: fiesta supersport BUYER’S GUIDE FIESTA SUPERSPORT Produced as a limited run of 3000, the Supersport was a huge hit and it’s even more in-demand now. Here’s what to look for. Words ChristianTilbury Photos John Colley/Magic Car Pics Having already dipped a tentative toe in the water with the 1300S, Ford hedged its bets on the popularity of a fast Fiesta with the July 1980 launch of the Supersport. Truth be told, ‘fast’ was probably a bit optimistic as the most dynamic Fiesta to date produced no more than 66 bhp from its twin-choke Weber-fed 1297cc Kent engine. But, while the Supersport was no dragster, it certainly looked the part and there was no denying that it was an absolute scream to hustle along. The Supersport inherited the S’s…

BUYER’S GUIDE FIESTA SUPERSPORT

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