Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2024 i Classic Ford

An iconic fast Ford is back, with the news that the first of three Aperiod-correct Sierra RS500 Group A continuations by CNC Motorsport has been delivered to its lucky owner. Built in collaboration with four-time British Touring Car champion Andy Rouse, the cars are intended for use in historic racing, built to original Andy Rouse Engineering specifications. The first car was built over 24 months by Alan Strachan, a former Andy Rouse Engineering mechanic, and his son Andrew. Strachan senior worked on the Team Labatt’s Sierra RS500 during its BTCC campaign in 1989 and 1990. Input from Rouse himself and access to an original Labatt’s Sierra RS500 currently managed by CNC Motorsport ensured that every detail of the build could remain faithful to the original cars. CNC Motorsport has completed…

The 2024 Goodwood Revival proved to be a landmark event when it took place on September 6-8, becoming the world’s first historic motorsport event to run its entire race schedule solely on sustainable fuel. All competitors were required to use a fuel which has a minimum of 70 per cent advanced sustainable components. It followed the use of sustainable fuels for the Fordwater Trophy at the 2023 Revival, as well as the Ken Miles Cup and Gordon Spice Trophy at the 81st Members’ Meeting earlier this year. As ever, the Goodwood Revival welcomed a stellar line-up of drivers and riders from across the world of motorsport. As well as thrilling racing action, further attractions included a special celebration of John Surtees’ career and the 60th anniversary of his Formula One…

PLUS RECEIVE A MEGUIARS CAR CLEANING KIT WORTH £99! 13 ISSUES FOR £59.99 EASY WAYS TO BUY YOUR GIFT SUBSCRIPTION go to SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/XMAS24CFDMP SCAN THE QR CODE AND GO DIRECTLY CALL 01959 543 747 AND QUOTE ‘XMAS24CFDMP’ SAVE UP TO * £53 ON A CLASSIC FORD SUBSCRIPTION EVERY ISSUE INCLUDES • Tuning & restoration projects • In-depth technical articles • Product news, events and reviews • Buying guides and reader classifieds Reasons to buy A magazine subscription is a great gift for someone special: 1 Personal and thoughtful - match their interest 2 Fuel their passion, help them stay inspired and informed 3 Provide enjoyment all year round, delivered monthly 4 Perfect for people who are difficult to buy for 5 Delivered directly to their door! 6 Saves you money on…

Regular showgoers might well recognise the name Pat Godfrey — his Mk3 Focus RS just happens to be one of the most powerful road-legal examples around. With no less than 700 bhp on tap and a colour-coded, Nitrous Blue dog cage in the back, it’s not a car you’re likely to forget quickly. The same could be said for Pat, and while he may not be painted Nitrous Blue, this is a man any Fordaholic can warm to instantly, such is his enthusiasm and passion for the blue oval. Pat first became involved in the Ford scene with Escorts back in the day, starting with a Mk1 1300L. “By the time I was 19 I was driving around in a Mk1 Mexico,” he recalls, “unfortunately, I promptly wrote it off!”…

We’vehighlighted a few of the best buys we reckon there are right now for £3000 or under. We’ve tried to be as realistic as possible, so these are all examples you could buy today that will be running, driving, and crucially not in need of major work — because that’s for your next project… MK4 ESCORT Find a solid base model and you’ve got a bargain with huge potential Years produced: 1986 to 1990 Price guide A: £4500 B: £2500 C: £750 When did you last see a bog-standard Mk4 Escort? Today they’re firmly into classic territory — yes, the Mk4 went on sale in 1986, featuring plastic bumpers, modernised dashboard and refreshed underpinnings. The range was vast, offering three- or five-door hatchbacks, estates, fourdoor (Orion) saloons, vans and convertibles.…

The art of servicing a vehicle was once something that everyone attempted to do, and it was assumed that you knew how to do it, with horror stories of parking over a drain in the street before dropping the engine oil and using a screwdriver to undo the spin-on oil filter. Modern vehicles have deskilled the work even further, with longer intervals and everything from the fuel filter to the gearbox oil being fitted or added for life. So, if you’re new to servicing a vehicle or haven’t worked on one for a decade or two, a classic Ford may be the ideal starting point. There’s a potentially endless list of maintenance jobs that can be conducted, so we’ve outlined the most common ones, explaining the tools you’ll need and…

AND SAVE UP TO 47% TO SUBSCRIBE: GO TO SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/CMT OR USE THIS QR CODE TO GO DIRECTLY TO OUR WEBSITE TERMS & CONDITIONS: *UK DIRECT DEBIT OFFER ONLY. YOU WILL PAY £54.60 EVERY 12 MONTHS. SAVINGS ARE BASED ON THE YEARLY COVER PRICE (£5.25 PER ISSUE) PLUS POSTAGE. OFFER ENDS 31ST DECEMBER 2024. YOUR SUBSCRIPTION WILL START WITH THE NEXT AVAILABLE ISSUE, AND YOU WILL RECEIVE 13 ISSUES IN A YEAR. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS VISIT SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/TERMS. DATA PROTECTION: WE TAKE GREAT CARE IN HANDLING YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS AND THESE WILL ONLY EVER BE USED AS SET OUT IN OUR PRIVACY POLICY WHICH CAN BE VIEWED AT SHOP.KELSEY.CO/UK/PRIVACY-POLICY. YOU MAY UNSUBSCRIBEAT ANY TIME…

The Weber 32/36 DGV and DGAV carburettors were fitted to a whole host of classic Fords, and many have since been retrospectively fitted as a useful performance upgrade. The carbs are easy to set-up and maintain, however like most things in life they do benefit from some TLC from time to time – either a service or a full rebuild. Fortunately, service kits and replacement parts such as jets, diaphragms and valves are all still readily available from the likes of Webcon direct and Weber dealers. You may be lucky enough to only need the service kit which can be fitted without too much fuss, but for a ‘proper job’ you will need to do a complete overhaul. We took our 32/36 DGAV to carburettor specialists and Weber dealers, Northampton…

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…

Buying a classic Ford is brilliant. There’s nothing better than having a wedge of cash ready, and imagining yourself driving everything from a 100E to a Puma (the original one, naturally) before you make your choice. Once you’ve decided which model you’re going after, it’s time to do the research and bone up on every possible aspect of your chosen machine. Then it’s a simple case of hunting down the one for you, splashing the cash and high-tailing it home and bathing in your new ride’s blue oval glory. Yes, buying a classic is brilliant. Unfortunately it doesn’t always go that smoothly, but because we love picking up a new project so much we’ve dedicated much of this edition to the art — hopefully make getting your hands on your…

If you are struggling to find Classic Ford each month, then our distributor’s Store Finder website might prove handy. Point your browser at https://frontline-group.co.uk/store-finder and select Classic Ford from the drop-down menu, then enter your postcode to find local stockists within the mileage radius desired. Better still, why not subscribe in print or digital formats to save money? See page 24 for our special Christmas subscription offer or scan the QR code below with your smartphone!…

With the internet making the world smaller, and the UK climate making old Fords increasingly rusty it becomes ever more appealing for car shopping to stray abroad. Also the wealth of quirky models that were never officially imported to the UK is vast. Turning up at a meet in a Taunus, XR8 or Bantam is quite a tempting thought. But that’s just the obvious, many foreign Fords will come with great little extra minor details like pop out rear windows, aircon or simply just unusual trim choices. These novel models and trim can be quite compelling to a diehard Ford fan, and the proliferation of European apps make it easy to search for your next car. The main drawback I have found is that sellers often don’t want the hassle…

Buy a classic Ford and the chances are it’s either slow or filled with outdated equipment. Most of us daily-drive modern cars, which have everything ready-fitted which we now mostly take for granted. It’s easy to forget that when you buy even one of the mainstream classic Fords, you’re likely to come across almost basic stuff that’ll have you scratching your head, because old cars feature outdated components —mechanical fuel pumps and those things called points. Most of us want performance, too — adding power means there’s quite a few necessary modifications allowing your car to cope, transforming it into the Ford we all crave. But you get the basics right first, which allows power addition as you go — there’s not much point slotting in a hot cam, sidedraughts…

SAFE TECH When working on cars and using tools of any kind — especially power tools — always use protective gear: goggles, gloves, ear defenders, masks and a decent set of overalls are essential. A fire extinguisher is also advisable. Never work under a car without supporting it with axle stands and if you’re not completely confident of your ability to complete any task safely, leave it to the experts. The A B C of tuning I is for… ignition system If you’ve spent all your hard-earned building the ultimate fast-road engine, there’s no point fitting the stock contact breaker ignition system. To get the strongest spark possible, have it delivered when you need it, prevent loss of power and avoid constant maintenance — get electronic. The benefits of fitting…

The previous instalment of what is meant to be a fun cheap experience couldn’t have been further from what I wanted to be dealing with. Broken down with a complete ignition failure, various leaks, having to replace brakes, suspension, the exhaust snapping in half and then being boxed in by five traffic Police cars due to an issue in the car’s past (see the September issue for the full story!). Now with the car starting, driving and stopping reliably could the Orion’s fortune be on an upward turn? I optimistically assumed it was and got to work making it more the car I wanted it to be, planning some proper mileage where I’ll really need to depend on it. Every month I typically spend a week on the road travelling…

REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE 1 Enjoy one whole year of Classic Ford 2 Get each issue delivered directly to your door in 100% plastic-free packaging 3 You can save up to £22 PLUS RECEIVE A T-SHIRT WORTH £25! It couldn’t be easier to sign up for a whole year of classic Fords with a subscription to Classic Ford, the magazine which loves our special cars just as much as you do. Join the Classics Ford family and you’ll be part of the ever-growing community who love everything to do with our wonderful Ford cars. Guarantee your copy every month with a subscription to Classic Ford and have each issue delivered directly – sent out in plastic-free, recyclable, biodegradable, carbon-balanced paper envelopes – while saving 42% on the yearly cover price with…

Friendships can blossom from some of the most unlikely places. You only have to look at the platonic bromance between Eminem and Elton John to see that opposites can certainly attract, but for the most of us, it’s a shared bond over a common passion that binds us most deeply, and for Chris Taylor and Steve Mangham, that passion was Ford Capris. “Chris and I had been best mates for around 12 years and both of us were huge Capri fans,” remembers 46-year-old Capri restoration specialist, Steve who runs SM Classic Car Restorations. “He lived in Bath and I’m from Doncaster, so we knew each other through the various forums that were popular at the time, but we finally met in person for the first time at the Lancaster Bomber…

The Fiesta might have been the baby of Ford’s range, but there was nothing small about the manufacturer’s efforts in developing the third generation version. Unveiled in February 1989, the Mk3 represented a £550 million investment, was five years in the making and was based on an all-new platform. Given what it cost and how long it took to bring to market, the ‘new’ Fiesta didn’t exactly have the wow factor, but the Mk3 was perfectly in tune with the growing demands of supermini buyers. While it didn’t feel as nimble as its predecessor, the Mk3 eclipsed the Mk2 in crucial areas, offering customers more space, comfort and lower ownership costs. Perhaps most notably, and because of the nearly 16 cm longer wheelbase, there was the option of a five-door…

Name: Jake Salvadori Age: 37 Job: Hardware design engineer in automation and robotics Location: Bedfordshire, UK Name: Dave Gwynn Job: fabricator Car: 1972 Mk1 Escort van Start condition: Corroded and bodged Condition now: All rust removed, tubular chassis with MX-5 suspension and subframes, roof chopped, Jaguar V6 with Mazda RX-8 gearbox Time taken so far: seven years Estimated date of completion: 2025… hopefully When it comes to car fanatics, they can often be divided into two distinct groups. There are those who pin their colours to a manufacturer early on and devoutly follow the models of the brand throughout their motoring life; while others take a much more adhoc approach to the curation of their automotive back catalogues, preferring to chop and change their four-wheeled friends as and when something…

Classic Motor Show Where: Friday to Sunday, November 8-10 Where: NEC Birmingham, UK What’s going on: the last place you want to be, is an outdoor car show in the UK in November, which is why the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, held firmly indoors at the NEC for many years, is the perfect place to be this month. Tens of thousands of classic car enthusiasts converge on the halls for a long weekend of old-school celebration. Blue Ovals always play a big part thanks to the efforts of the classic Ford clubs, with top displays spanning the entire old Ford spectrum, plus the Meguiar’s Club Showcase Finalists. Check out the cars, buy spares, tools and consumables or even watch restoration workshops. This is one event that won’t be rained…

JOHN WICK MUSTANG £56.99 Scalextric If you’re a fan of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick films or Scalextric’s classic Ford-related slot cars then this is for you — they’ve recently announced a faithful-to-the original, 1:32-scale version of Wick’s legendary Boss 429 Mustang, with Wick at the wheel, naturally. Works on both analogue and digital (with a DPR plug fitted) tracks. Contact: https://uk.scalextric.com MINI TOOL BOXES £35.94 Sealey Sealey’s neat new Mini Toolbox is ideal for the storage of frequently-used hand tools or even stationary equipment to keep your working area tidy and organised. Measuring 26 cm long, 16 cm deep and 14 cm high, it features a lid and ball-bearing slide drawer and comes in green, red or black. Contact: 01284 757500, www.sealey.co.uk 2025 CLASSIC FORD CALENDAR £10.95 Kelsey Shop Out…

The weather may have been pretty awful, but Ford fans from all over the UK braved the downpours and thunderstorms as the gates opened on FordFest. After a six-year hiatus, the show returned last month — now based at the picturesque setting of Mallory Park circuit. FordFest also revived that Ford-family spirit the show was always loved for, and despite a brief pause in play in the morning spirits were high. Bringing together the very best Blue Ovals of all shapes, sizes, and ages, the show was a true celebration of all things fast Ford. If there’s one thing the show highlighted, it was that FordFest was more than just a showcase of cars. It was a celebration of a legacy. A community. And a passion that will undoubtedly carry…

PREPARATION Being well prepared can make the difference between buying a minter and buying a mutt. Do your research Before you start looking, equip yourself with as much info on your chosen blue oval model as possible. Read the relevant Classic Ford buying guides (see pages 132-133 for back issues), talk to mates who own the kind of car you’re after, even contact the relevant owners’ clubs or online groups to find out what goes wrong with them — if they’re a good club, then they’ll be happy to help. Take a mate Always take someone with you when you view a car. Yes it’s helpful if they know their cars, but even if they don’t they’ll be able to keep you grounded when you get all excited and offer…

There’s no way you can keep a classic Ford on the road entirely using brand-new parts — the chances are some of the bits you need aren’t available. The trouble is, how do you find your way through the maze of used parts? The only sure way to avoid a drama is to wise up, do your homework and become an expert on absolutely everything. Yes, almost impossible, but you do stand a fighting chance with a bit of basic knowledge. So to get yourself a useable bargain, we’ve compiled the Classic Ford idiot’s guide to buying good bits for your car. Whether it’s from your mate at the club, a specialist, or online marketplace, these are the basics you need to know. Where to find them Without exception, the…

Gary Perry has been collecting old Fords for a staggering 42 years, and he puts most of the blame for that addiction on his dad. “My dad was a Cortina man through and through,” he smiles, “he must have owned an example of almost every Mk1 to Mk5 model produced over the years.” Upon leaving school in 1981, Gary aimed his career towards the motor trade, quickly learning the art of bodywork and paint. “I was lucky enough to find a position at a garage that specialised in classic car restoration,” he recalls, “I guess I never expected the cars that were new at the time back then would become so desirable today.” That same thought would certainly apply to the first Ford that Gary bought for himself, a Mk3…

PAY LESS AND NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! SEE PAGE 24 Mk3 madness! Feature car (and van) bonanza! ON SALE November 23! Why you should spec a normally-aspirated YB Carbs for the noise, ECU for control! 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 an issue — simply complete the form here and take…

If you were young in the 1960s and 1970s then you’ll already know the benefits of a decent Pre-Crossflow. That’s right, the screaming power of a tuned 1500GT was the thing to have and for many, recreating those days is all part of the addictive fun of classic Fords. However, it’s very, very easy to disregard the engine in favour of the later Crossflow, which swaps straight in its place. Ignoring the Pre-Crossflow though, is a big mistake because it looks even more ‘correct’ and can be tuned to over 150 bhp. There’s a real ace up the Pre-Crossflow’s sleeve too — its bottom end provided the base for one of the most famous engines of all time, the Lotus Twin Cam. In these circles its pedigree’s longer than a…

When asked how the Sierra has been coming on lately, I’ve admitted that I’ve not managed to find a spare day on it yet. I did manage to get a free morning, but the car is located an hour away from my home and I couldn’t do much as the car basically doesn’t roll. The main issue was the front top mounts, that when I began fitting I noticed would require some serious surgery to the freshly-painted engine bay, which was gutting. This was due to the remote reservoir connector, which would need to sit flat and not upright, otherwise the bonnet wouldn’t close. It soon dawned on me that the correct solution would be to cut the strut towers back completely and grind them flat to allow the new…

We’re sure many regular viewers of the WRC often wonder how cool it would be to own one of these great icons of motorsport and take it for a blast whenever they choose. Unfortunately, turning that dream into a reality isn’t such a realistic proposition for most of us, but Stuart Mason had always remained determined to achieve his long-term goal. His choice of using the trusty Mk2 Escort which has firmly earned its place in rallying history isn’t by chance either. “My love of Fords came from watching rallying in the late 1960s,” Stuart explains. “The Mk1 Escort dominated at the time, and this led me to go on and own numerous Escorts.” Back in 1973, Stuart along with a bunch of friends embarked on an epic long road…

SIXTY NOT OUT Next year sees the Transit celebrating its 60th birthday — an incredible feat for not just Ford’s longest-running commercial vehicle but also consistently the UK’s best-selling van for all of that time. Introduced in October 1965, the various different bodies available for the Mk1 were produced at Fords’ ex-Briggs Motor Bodies plant at Southampton before being transported 60 miles to its commercial vehicle factory at Langley in Berkshire. This image from February 1968 shows the 100,000th body (a long wheelbase, twin-wheel) on its way to Langley for final assembly — being taken there by a D-Series, naturally.…