Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2024 i Classic Ford

The extension of London’s £12.50-a-day Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) to all of the Capital’s boroughs has left many commuters and enthusiasts out of pocket – prompting motorists to come up with workarounds. One such tactic is to buy a historic vehicle that by its age is ULEZ exempt – or is soon to become ULEZ exempt – and run it as an everyday car into and out of London. Dealers such Duke of London, based in Brentford, have begun to see more and more people purchasing classics in this manner. Owner Merlin McCormack told This is Money: “We have seen a massive spike in people looking for pre-1983 cars, which still have extras like heated seats, air conditioning, but have far more character in comparison to a new car.…

A deafening roar punctures the silence and our vision is obscured by plumes of thick white smoke. But we’re not head-banging in the mosh-pit of a Metallica concert, we’re standing by a row of garages beneath a block of flats in South London. And rather than distorted guitars and thunderous drums, the noise destroying our delicate lugholes is emanating from a screaming Mk1 Cortina; the smoke (not dry ice) from its Nankang tyres as they vaporise into the Tarmac. At the helm of all this hellraising, is 54-year-old scaffolding supervisor, Perry Rolls, who is sitting with a demonic grin slapped across his face as he buries the throttle pedal and turns his coveted classic into an extremely effective smoke machine. With his ASBO antics preserved for posterity on the memory…

Forget circuit racing. Ignore the howl of a BDA on a forest stage. Never mind the existence of AVO, Twin Cams or the RS brand. The Ford Escort was created purely for profit — by stacking high, selling cheap and making millions of mass-production machines for the general motorist. Practicality, economy and ubiquity were the aim of the game. Indeed, when the great Blue Oval first introduced the Escort badge, it was attached to the nose of a chubby three-door estate based on the Anglia/Prefect 100E saloon of 1953. With monocoque construction (as opposed to its predecessors’ separate chassis), MacPherson strut front suspension and semi-elliptic rear leaf springs, the 100E set the small Ford standard for the next two decades. Only the 1172cc sidevalve engine, wheezing out 36 bhp, let…

Kostas Giarentis Car: Mk2 Escort Keen to build a unique, rally-style Mk2 from scratch, Kostas has gone to town on his Escort. “All the engine parts, crossmember, quick-rack, Atlas axle, and Quaife gearbox were bought from West Wales Rally Spares,” Kostas says, “with endless phone calls and advice from Gareth Lloyd.” Once the internals were sorted, Kostas then went to the trouble of sourcing new-old-stock external parts, including the mirrors, lights and quarter bumpers. Awesome stuff! Matt James Car: Mk2 Escort Aussie born and bred, Matt has a long history following the blue oval. “My dad has been racing Anglias, Mk1 Cortinas and also Mk2 Escorts,” he says. “Now it’s my turn and I’ve built myself a four-door Mk2 Escort rally car.” The Escort started life as a 2-litre four-door…

Thankfully, the ups of owning classic Fords far outweigh the downs. The first of which, is buying your old Ford. However, there always comes that time when you realise the thing’s not quite as fast as you first remember it being. Normally, that’s when you get your doors blown off by a modern, or even another retro blue oval with something a bit hotter between the front wings. When that happens it’s time to do something about it — like get a touch more power under the bonnet! The downside of this hunt for extra horses, though, is that it may well cost you quite a large wad of your hard-earned cash. Not all of us have the deep pockets that we’d like, so if money’s something you have concerns…

It’s very tempting to bin your car’s Pre-Crossflow and slot in a Crossflow with a more modern, new-fangled head design to replace it, but then you can run into a host problems with twin carbs. And Anglias, for example, are particularly likely to cause even more of a headache. So why not just stick with what was meant to be there in the first place? These days it’s a sight to behold to lift a bonnet and see a tuned screamer version of the engine type that belongs there. These engines can be bargains too. Go for a 1500, preferably a GT, and you get big capacity (for a Pre-Crossflow anyway), a twin-choke carb, decent exhaust manifold and system and better compression ratio on the head — all good building…

Since the last update, aside from lots of little bits and pieces, I’ve tackled a couple of big issues that had been annoying me although didn’t actually need doing straight away. But that’s how it goes sometimes building a project, especially when a bargain comes up and when I saw a GT30 turbo with genuine TiAL external wastegate and modified 2WD YB exhaust manifold trouser section for sale cheap, I couldn’t resist. I’d always planned to go for a bigger turbo and more power, and I love a screamer pipe, so although the car is not exactly in the position to be focusing on engine modifications it made sense in the long run. As the turbo had been sitting around, I sent it over to Bernie’s Blowers to have a…

Every now and again it’s refreshing to see a feature car come up that’s a little different from the norm. We all love a typical classic Ford, but this Sierra RS500-shaped drag car is very far from that, and there’s a great story behind it. Although it started as a Sierra shell and still retains the original steel rear quarter panels and roof skin, a genuine RS500 wasn’t cut up to make it. In fact, it was built as a drag car around 32 years ago and James Walden, or Carpet as he’s better known in the Essex-based classic Ford circles he’s familiar with, saw the car for sale as a running racer fitted with a 460ci big block Ford and C6 transmission. “The last owner had bought it to…

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You can lay money that if an old Ford’s going to rot, it’ll be in the sills. And since the sills form a structural part of the body — in a way, they’re the main chassis rails — it’s vital they’re strong. The trouble is, it’s not a straightforward case of chopping one out and slapping a new one on — for a start the car really needs to be braced. But since it is such a focal point, the adjoining areas either need to be repaired first or affected by the sill’s repair. This Mk1 Cortina was showing the classic signs of terminal sills — in fact there was a whopping hole in the nearside. But it didn’t stop there; both the bottom of the A-pillar and the rear…

We all know that classic Fords are class acts, and in the April edition of the world’s greatest classic Ford bible, we bring you what we think are the standout cars and vans of 2024 — the ones we believe will be wowing the crowds at the shows this Summer — from across the worldwide scene. Plus there’s a complete guide to buying a Capri RS3100, we put six Pinto cams to the test on the dyno, plus as much as we can pack into 132 pages. The April 2024 hits the shops on Friday, February 16. Why not subscribe to make sure you don’t miss it? See page 20 for the latest subscription offers…

It’s fast becoming one of our favourite automotive event venues, and you can see why – every single angle of Bicester Heritage is attractive, there’s a pretty backdrop for every car. Oh, and what a magnificent selection of cars it is… the Scramble events have become increasingly popular with enthusiasts of cars of all types, marques and eras, and the numbers attending have been swelling impressively. For the last Scramble of 2023, the car parks were stuffed to the gills, with the more interesting stuff cherry-picked for a forward parking area that acted as a sort of car show in itself; the really interesting stuff was found within the lanes of the site, in-between the imposing red brick buildings, and it’s fair to say there was something for everyone. For…

Contents correct as we go to press, and will change… PAY LESS AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! SEE PAGE 20 The ones to watch in 2024 ON SALE February 16! Aftermarket Pinto cams on test! Proper RS500 race car build One for the (fast) road Meanwhile, get your classic Ford fix at https://linktr.ee/classicford Ask for it in your friendly local newsagents, or call us now on 01959 543747 IF YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS AN ISSUE: One of the best ways to ensure you receive every issue of Classic Ford is to place an order with your local newsagent. Once set up, your copy of Classic Ford will be held for you to collect, saving you the hassle of having to scour the newsagents’ shelves for it. So don’t miss…

It’s been a while since the last Capri instalment so I’ll begin with a quick precis of where we were at back in Easter 2023. In the words of the late, great Cilla Black: “Here’s our Graham with a quick reminder.” I was just about to run in my freshly-built engine which consisted of a 2.1 205 block that had been assembled by a local engineering company and a peach of a 205 head that had been prepared by font of automotive knowledge, Steve Pester of Hampshire-based Steve’s Classic Cars. The latter features back-cut valves, porting on the exhaust side and a genuine Ford 2000GT cam and rockers that are driven by an adjustable power pulley. The rockers were set up for correct geometry and single valve springs with poundage…

Q I have a Mk1 Cortina 1500 Pre-Crossflow, upgraded with mostly GT parts. It runs wonderfully but only has four-speeds, so runs out of puff quite quickly at the top end, but is pretty nippy off the line thanks to an Escort axle with unknown diff. What do you recommend as the best replacement five-speed box? The cheaper and less faffing the better. J GittingsUK A It’s not really a straightforward swap in the Mk1 but there are two realistic options: With Ford’s Type-9 the transmission tunnel will need cutting out and replacing with a larger one (you can buy generic ones), plus conversion to cable clutch (or stick with hydraulic using hydraulic release bearing kit),plus new gearbox mounting points will need fabricating, and you’ll need a new prop. There’s…

HOW TO BUY USED EXHAUST MANIFOLDS When looking at second-hand, mild steel performance manifold, examine the sleeve to see if it’s been hacked off to fit a different system. Also look for cracks around welds (above), particularly on the collector boxes and the mounting flanges (that should also be nice and flat — use a ruler to check). THANKS TO: Dave Fisher, D&D Developments, 07772 740817 JARGON BUSTER 2WD Two-wheel-drive 88k 88,000 miles BVH Big-valve head BVR Black vinyl roof C/L Central locking E/W Electric windows FSH Full service history INJ Injection ONO Or near offer LHD Left-hand-drive LSD Limited-slip diff NOS New old stock O/D Overdrive Part-ex Part-exchange PAS Power steering S/S Stainless steel T&T Taxed and tested VGC Very good condition WHY? What have you? Looking for your…

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…

Ford added a touch of luxury to its newly-launched Mk2 Capri with the addition of the range-topping Ghia version in May 1974. The Ghia’s enhanced refinement perfectly complemented the Mk2’s fastback styling, ensuring Capri buyers enjoyed the double whammy of sporty styling and added prestige. Combined with the extra space afforded by the sleek hatchback design — the Mk2 could swallow nearly three times the amount of luggage as the Mk1 — and Ghia customers could argue they had a half-decent Grand Tourer. What’s more, the Ghia’s interior offered more than enough comfort for continental road trips. As standard it came with such luxuries as Rialto synthetic cloth-trimmed, high-backed seats with adjustable headrests, cut pile carpet, colour-coded vinyl fascia, a push button radio, and a neat armrest/stowage console between the…

Name: Ben Thompson Age: 39 Job: Car importer and mechanic Location: Yorkshire, UK Car: 1985 Sierra XR6 Start Condition: Complete and running but requiring work Condition now: Part stripped, door replaced, prep for paint underway Time taken so far: two months Estimated date of completion: Spring 2024 As Chevin Specialist Vehicles, Ben Thompson has been importing old Fords from South Africa for around eight years now, but as many of you will be aware, many of these rarities often end up becoming his own personal projects — and this 3-litre Sierra XR6 is no exception. “Previously I’d been concentrating my import business on pre-1980 Fords along with Minis and Japanese cars,” Ben explains. “These are becoming harder to find in South Africa, so last year I decided to explore the market…

Although we all love a classic Ford, sometimes it’s an engine that gets under your skin as much as a car and for Lee Burke that’s certainly been the case when it comes to the good old Cosworth unit, especially when they’re coupled to an old Ford. “The YB is just an awesome engine and I’ve loved them since owning my first Sapphire Cosworth many years ago,” he confirms. “You just can’t beat the sound and power delivery of one. I built my first Cosworth-powered Mk1 Escort around 20 years ago after going out in a mate’s, and I got the bug for lightweight, powerful cars straight away.” Obviously that’s stuck and Lee tells us he’s had something Cosworth-powered pretty much ever since, and currently owns another big-power YB Mk2…

The small Yorkshire town of Sherburn in Elmet, just east of Leeds has made quite a name for itself as a destination for petrolheads in recent years. As you’ll be aware, the bi-annual Fordmeet at Squires café has become well established on the calendar, but for those who prefer a more regular get together, there’s a second increasingly popular venue just down the road. Thanks to its excellent facilities which include a shop, café, and restaurant along with an adjacent, fully-kitted-out workshop and bodyshop which just happens to contain a mouthwatering collection of classics, it’s easy to see why The Motorist draws in the crowds every weekend, pretty much all year round. In fact, we’d go as far to say their vast car park which often boasts a display of…

We’ve met Paul a few times now, most recently during our shoot for a Grafters feature in the January 2023 issue when this 1983 Mk1 Fiesta Ghia was still part-way through its mammoth rebuild. Speaking to Paul, it’s easy to be fooled by his laid-back attitude that rebuilding a car from the ground up is all relatively simple. Yet, his dedication to a project is quite simply mind blowing while his quality of work matches that of any full-time professional. Combining this with a full-time job as a mobile plant fitter, how he fits it all in, we’re not sure, though he did at least have his equally enthusiastic son, Jonny to help on this occasion! Some of you may recall Paul’s previous ground-up restomod build, a Mk1 Orion which…

The super Pinto needs little in the way of introduction. Starting with a conventional 2-litre OHC block casting, Cosworth twin-cammed and turbocharged the Cortina/Transit/Capri lump, and the rest is horsepower history. Depending on whether you got it out of a three-door Sierra or 2wd Sapphire, or one of the later 4x4 Saph or Escort variants, you’ll already have somewhere between 207 and 227 bhp. 200-plus bhp is a comparatively mild state of tune for this race-bred engine, but we’re concerned primarily with Stage One tuning here, and that’s the safe and reliable bracket that produces 250-270 bhp. This is the best power to Pound ratio by far. You don’t need to worry about strengthening anything internally. Nor is it necessary to lower the compression, uprate the head gasket, intercooler, engine…

Along with the Crossflow, Pintos are the bread-and-butter power source for the classic Ford community, although when it comes down to choice, the 2-litre’s more your full-fat butter on posh whole grain type. Four-cylindered, with an overhead cam, the Pinto can be pretty bulletproof if you look after it — hey, it’s the basis for the Cosworth YB so it must be pretty tough! They’re very tunable too, with over 200 bhp available with the right work — although it does get expensive when you try to squeeze that many horses out — and a reliable 130 bhp can be fairly easily obtained. On the general basics side of things the same advice applies as with the Crossflow too. If you can, get yourself the later injection-blocked engine. These units…

Mention Cologne and everyone goes deaf! Especially when it’s the 2.8. The culprit’s mostly the fuel injection system. There is plenty you can do, but it takes a specialist to get the fuelling right. We’ve heard of BMW metering units being used to improve things, but in truth the stock plenum is horrendous when it comes to flow. If you like electronic fuel injection, swap-over-year Granada Scorpios had EFion the 2.8 before they went to 2.9 — this of course is very similar except that it’s totally different, if you get our drift! And no, the heads don’t bolt on, so go for one engine or the other. Very often there’s a massive increase in merely swapping a 2.9 for 2.8 — especially in torque. It’s no more complicated than…

Following on from the January issue’s Crossflow test here are a couple upgrades that didn’t make the article. Crossflow engines are notorious for having low oil pressure when hot. Oil pressure is dictated mainly by three things, viscosity of the oil, temperature and bearing clearances. So simply fitting a high-pressure pump may not give good oil pressure. In this case we fitted a Burton Power high-pressure pump, rated at approximately 65 psi, and during the dyno runs we saw 64 psi with the oil at 65 degrees C. Initial running of the engine was done on a standard Ford distributor still running points which was dialled in to maximise power. Prior to fitting the twin 40DCOE carbs the distributor was swapped out for a Bestek unit with an advance curve…

Q I’ve got a Mk3 Zodiac and there’s a slight vibration in the car. I have had the spiders/UJs renewed due to knocking but I’m still left with a slight vibration. Any ideas? Colin MontgomeryUK A It sounds as if you may have to get the propshaft balanced. When the UJs were done, did the person who did the work mark up everything before dismantling it so all the bits went back in the same positions relative to each other? The other question is can you drive through the vibration? If you find that the vibration occurs at a certain speed, and if you drive faster it disappears, it could be that your rear wheels need balancing.…

By launching the Lotus Cortina, Ford made a rod for its own back. If that car was so outstanding, how on earth was the company going to get a lot of publicity for slower, but still sporting, cars like the other Cortinas and the new Corsair? Not easy — but Ford PR man Walter Hayes squeezed every ounce out of the cars by sending them off on record runs, endurance escapades and simply mad outings. Now the Corsair, newly launched in October 1963, might have looked smart enough, but it wasn’t as quick as the Cortina GT and it was left trailing by the Lotus Cortina. First, Hayes sent one on a round-the-world trip — and then he got a phone call from ex-Cambridge University Auto Club stalwart, Gerry Boxall,…

The time-saving spanner to have has got to be one with a ratchet mechanism. Just like a ratchet screwdriver or socket driver, it cuts down the amount of effort required to undo or tighten a fastening because turning the spanner in the wrong direction of travel doesn’t move the fastening. Instead, a ratchet mechanism inside the spanner clicks and prevents the fastening from being moved. We’ve been testing several different types of design of ratchet spanner, which can be grouped into three different categories. The first category can be classed as the straightforward ratchet spanner, which has either an angled or flat end whereby switching between clockwise and anticlockwise is achieved by turning the spanner over or flicking a switch/lever. The second classification of ratchet spanner is similar to the…

STATION APPROACH Ignore the Marina Coupe in the foreground, this 1980 scene depicts the Endeavour Motor Company’s Preston Road, Brighton premises — a Ford dealership through and through. Behind the Marina we can see two Mk4 Cortinas parked up, sandwiching a pre-facelift Mk2 Granada and there’s another Granada in the background too — possibly a Mk1 Estate this time. The BP-supplying filling station offered fuel 24 hours a day and yes, that’s the price per gallon, but perhaps more remarkably, a sign seems to suggest if offered 24-hour MoT testing, too. The business was renamed Brighton Ford until its closure in the early 2000s — sadly the building was demolished in 2002 to make way for a vast complex of flats known as Wellend Villas.…