Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i Classic Ford

Early reports suggest that Autosport International, originally set to return to the NEC in Birmingham next year, has been cancelled for 2026. According to reports on the Garage Talk website (www.garagetalkonline.co.uk), the annual motorsport show will not take place next year. The show has been a cornerstone of the automotive calendar since 1991, acting as a showcase for parts suppliers, specialists and motorsport companies. Previous features have included a live stage with celebrity guests and interviews, along with live action and on-site auctions from Coys and Iconic Auctioneers. There has been no official confirmation of the news from the show’s organisers. At time of writing there is no 2026 date for Autosport International on the show’s website.…

A. Mk2 Fiesta Owner: Dan Thorne Featured: November 2024 Race-spec ST170, sequential ’box and a colour inspired by a kitchen knife… Dan’s 2024 Great Unveiling reveal is a Mk2 unlike any other. B. Mk5 Escort Owner: Stephen Gibson Featured: January 2025 The Monte Carlo is already rare, Gibby’s Cossie even more so. As one of Ford’s prototypes with plenty of unique features, it’s truly unique and jaw-dropping. C. Mk2 Orion Owner: Michael Gates Featured: July 2025 Think Orion Equipe, only if Ford’s SVE gurus had put their mark all over it — 2-litre Zetec, OE-style BBS rims and a whole lot more. D. Mk2 Escort Owner: Greg Caton Featured: September 2025 Mk2 vans shouldn’t look this good, or go this well for that matter, but Greg of G-Cat Racing’s Escort…

These days we take the high specification of cars for granted, along with all their toys and creature comforts that can often take time to discover, let alone learn how to use. And we’re not just talking big executive cars here, even your typical city car usually comes with an impressive specification. Yet, step back 50 years or so and the optional extras specified from the dealership such as seatbelts, wing mirrors and a push-button radio by the original owner of Mikey Mumford’s Consul 2000L seem almost laughable today. Fortunately, Mikey is more than happy with the utilitarian feel offered by this car, and it’s one of the many reasons he bought it in the first place. As first classics go, a Consul makes for an impressive purchase. “I just…

Vernier pulleys are one a way of accurately setting the camshaft timing on your engine. Camshaft timing can be just as important as camshaft selection, as a good camshaft will be wasted if you don’t get it right. All camshaft manufacturers will specify a particular setting for their cam kits and this is the figure that will give optimum performance on a perfect engine. This is how the engine should be set up for initial testing. On a standard engine the camshaft pulley (or sprocket) will be fixed to the end of the camshaft by a set of bolts and a keyway or Woodruff key. This secures the pulley in a fixed position. Fine for a stock engine, but next to useless in a performance application - the alternative is…

It might be a lofty, luxurious Ghia, but at least it’s not a sporty, rangetopping Ghia 1.6i, so Ian is still in keeping with the FOTU theme enough for us! The Mk1 Orion was clearly targeted at conservative buyers of the Cortina who lamented the passing of Ford’s three box saloon in favour of the slippery spaceship that was the MK1 Sierra hatch. Ignoring the CVH under the surface, this Ghia clearly harks back to a generation before the 1980s, still making full use of bright chrome and plush velour. Ian got lucky with this gorgeous survivor with a very reasonable bid on eBay. The Orion is entirely original, has a very rare mint dash and is only on 50-odd thousand miles. A planned minor cosmetic tidy will see this…

For a second year in a row the podcast power-duo of talking about “cars and many other things” Smith & Sniff were back as the main attraction on stage. The well-known face of the Late Brake Show (and previously Fifth Gear) Jonny Smith plus the significant creative force behind both Top Gear and the Grand Tour Richard Porter had the crowd entertained for an impressively long shift of chat and even a game show. Recordings of their eclectic podcast which ranges from the nerdiest and most relatable car conversation to the most random off the wall Julio Iglesias trivia mixed up in a presentation that would make most stand-up comedians envious is one not to be missed online or especially in person.…

Walk into ERA Sports and Racing Cars’ Cambridgeshire workshop and you’re instantly struck by the juxtaposition of past and present. Here, under one roof, sit immaculately restored Anglias alongside the raw, purposeful chassis of both ERA and Tiger branded kit-car creations. The hum of grinders and the smell of paint fill the air, and there’s an unmistakable sense that this is more than a business. It’s a lifetime’s obsession, one that began decades ago in the hands of founder, Jim Dudley. Jim’s journey with cars started, like so many great automotive stories, with an apprenticeship. Anglias, Zephyrs and Cortinas were his training ground, the backbone of Ford’s classic era, and they left a mark that would never fade. By the early 1970s, Jim had gone from spannerwielding apprentice to racer,…

In a quiet corner of East Anglia, a white and green legend sleeps under the soft glow of garage lights. At first glance, it’s a Mk1 Lotus Cortina — the poster child of 1960s saloon racing and a hero of the road. But spend just a few minutes with its owner, Mick Skipp, and it becomes abundantly clear: this isn’t just a car. This is memory, metal, and meticulous craftsmanship fused into one. For Mick, the road to this moment began in the heart of London, where he cut his teeth not just in life, but in Ford ownership. “My first car was a Mk2 Cortina 1600 Deluxe,” he says, grinning. “I was just an apprentice back then, and the Mk2 was affordable, reliable, and it got me where I…

Toget all of the cars that appeared in this year’s Great Unveiling featured in the same issue was almost as much of a Herculean task as it was getting them to the Classic Ford Show in the first place. Begging, negotiating, bribing, begging some more… we employed all of these tactics to get the five cars photographed in time for this issue. Why? Because we wanted all of the cars together in order to showcase the very best that the classic Ford scene gave us this summer. Whether it’s stunning paint, outlandish engines or clever body mods, each car is a shining example of what’s so great about the old Ford scene, one that we are immensely proud to be part of. And if you thought this year was good,…

We all love a fresh project, but actually seeing one through to completion can be incredibly difficult. In the December issue, out October 24, the pros and amateur experts reveal their essential tips on how to get yours finished on time and in budget while still retaining your sanity. Plus Fiesta Super Sport buyer’s guide, full FordFest report plus this Triple Capri race car rebuild. The December 2025 issue hits the newsstands on Friday, October 24 — why not subscribe to make sure you don’t miss it? See page 22 for the latest subscription offers. ON SALE October 24!…

SAVE UP TO 69% 13 ISSUES FOR JUST * £34.99 GIVE A SUBSCRIPTION TO CLASSIC FORD 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 the shop price Buy for someone special, or treat yourself! EASY WAYS TO BUY YOUR GIFT SUBSCRIPTION GO TO SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/XMAS25CFD SCAN THE QR CODE AND GO DIRECTLY CALL 01959 543 747 AND QUOTE ‘XMAS25CFD’ Terms &…

Fitting wider steels or alloys is one of the first mods most of us do to improve the looks of our classic Fords, but what is often overlooked is that the standard wheel studs aren’t long enough to safely locate the wider rims — so in most cases you need to fit longer studs. If you actually think about it, those stubby-looking things that stick out of the hubs on your classic Ford are the only things holding the wheels in place. So it makes sense that they’re up to the job of retaining those alloys you’ve got your eyes on. Wheel studs are made from high-tensile steel and the standard Ford ones are pretty short. Thankfully, longer ones are readily available and typically come in two lengths (around 43…

It may have replaced the Sierra, which feels like a well-aged classic Ford now, but the Mk1 Mondeo ‘World Car’ still seems quite futuristic in comparison. That is until you realise just how long ago 1993 was and how rare the early Mondeo now is. Ben has owned this basic 1.6 for nine years and couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the model. The Mk1 was launched in March 1993 and this sparse example in Rimini Blue is from June 1993. Apparently there are only single figures left in the UK of similar base models and only 70 in total on a K-reg! Unusual spec can be most obviously seen by the wind up front windows with a handle which looks like an afterthought and the lack of a sunroof. This…

Two years ago Oli got lucky on eBay with this stunning little early model Mk3 Fiesta Popular. A super basic example without even a cigarette lighter or radio, and only an optional rear wiper specced from new as any nod to luxury. Most of its life was spent owned by the NHS where it amassed a tiny annual mileage. The easy life continued with Oli as the owner as even though he’s racking up much more miles the love and attention has increased lots. Recently ‘Frank’ has had some paintwork attention to his original Ivory finish, steel wheels blasted and a period Ford accessory roof rack fitted. There are no plans to change anything drastic, like the original 1-litre which happily returns 46 MPG in daily use, why would you?…

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…

Never judge a book by its cover. It’s a phrase as old as time. Or at least as old as books. Or when books started having covers, I guess. But, you get the picture. Especially when it comes to cars. We all know it’s all too easy to get swept up in the lustre of a shiny paint job, the gleam of some chrome trim or the bark of a fruity set of throttle bodies. The thing is, all this is great… but only if the structure that lies beneath it all is sound and strong. A rotten and crumbling chassis can easily hide beneath a shouty outer shell, lurking in wait behind the bells and whistles that can distract you from doing your due diligence and carrying out a proper…

Goodwood has confirmed that the 83rd Members’ Meeting will take place on April 18-19, 2026, at the historic West Sussex venue. The exclusive spring gathering promises two days of world-class racing, demonstrations and celebrations, culminating in a renowned Saturday night party. The 2026 edition will feature a packed programme of 13 races, spanning everything from pre-WW1 machines in the SF Edge Trophy through to classic tin-tops and GTs, as well as motorcycles and open-wheeled Formula Three and Formula One cars. This year’s racing action will again be complemented by on-track showcases of historic and contemporary competition machinery, reinforcing the Members’ Meeting’s unique role as both a celebration of motorsport heritage and a stage for modern engineering. Tickets are now on sale for Goodwood Road Racing Club Members. Further ticket details,…

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH THE SWEENEY SERIES 1 AND SERIES 2 DVD BOXSETS £74.99 Old Gold Media Flares! Plod! Motors! Did you know cult 1970s TV drama, The Sweeney is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year? To mark the occasion, Series 1 and Series 2 have recently been restored courtesy of Old Gold Media and are available as special Collector’s Edition Blu-ray DVD boxsets with loads of extras including an illustrated booklet, interviews, promos and more. Available from Amazon, HMV and Zavvi, and also available as a digital download. Contact: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F8HZJTXJ We’ve got a copy of both the Series 1 and Series 2 boxsets — worth £150 — to give away. To be in with a chance of winning, simply enter your details via the link at https://linktr.ee/classicford WEBER 32/36…

1. IMPRESSIVE ENGINE BAY HOW HARD: COST: Gone are the days when you could keep a bonnet shut at shows. Now everyone wants to know and see what’s going on under the hood, even if it’s the standard Pinto hiding under there. Detail is the key — we’re talking a properly clean and painted engine and ancillaries. And don’t forget the surrounding metalwork — you won’t be happy until the paint finish on that inner wing is near-enough as good as the exterior paintwork. 2. FLAWLESS PAINT HOW HARD: COST: You know what people look at the first time they see a classic Ford? The paintwork. We’re all critics when it comes to looking over interesting cars, and the paint is all-important — more so on a dream classic. Getting…

SEPTEMBER Spa Six Hours September 25-27 Spa Francorchamps, Belgium www.sixhoursofspa.co.uk End Of Season Squires Fordmeet September 28 Squires Cafe, West Yorkshire UK www.facebook.com/SquiresFordmeet/ OhSoRetro Show September 28 The Rec, Margate, Kent UK www.ohsoretro.co.uk OCTOBER Sunday Scramble October 5 Bicester Heritage, Oxon UK https://bicesterheritage.co.uk/scramble Footman James Coffee & Chrome October 5 British Motor Museum www.footmanjames.co.uk Newark Autojumble October 19 Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire UK www.newarkautojumble.co.uk CF Classic Ford December issue on sale October 24 https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/classic-ford-magazine Halloween Action Day October 25 Castle Combe Circuit, Wiltshire UK www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk Ultimate Stance October 26 Telford International Centre, Shropshire UK www.ultimate-stance.co.uk NOVEMBER Classic Motor Show November 7-9 NEC, Birmingham, UK www.necclassicmotorshow.com Newark Autojumble November 16 Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire UK www.newarkautojumble.co.uk Roger Albert Clark Rally November 20-24 Stages across the UK http://racrmc.org 2026 Retromobile January 28-February 1 Paris…

The McGeoughs From: UK Cars: Mk1 Escort, Fiesta RS Turbo, Mk3 Fiesta, Cortina 1600E To say that classic Fords reign supreme in the McGeough household would be an understatement, with five fine blue ovals taking over the garage and front of the house. “There are three generations of Ford heads in our family,” admits Laurence (above), who’s part of the West London Classic Ford club. “I’ve had the Mk1 Escort for 37 years now — it was my first car — and it’s steadily evolved in that time and now runs a 2.1 Pinto.” “I was lucky enough to acquire the Fiesta RS Turbo around 10 years ago. I’ve rebuilt the engine to Stage 1 spec with a T3 turbo and, tuned by Chris Todd, it’s pushing 188 bhp —…

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying using my survivor Orion for coming up on two years, and being a lowly 1.4L I thought that was my most appropriate car to bring to Festival Of The Unexceptional (FOTU). OK, I have lowered it and added the RS accessory spoiler and wheels, but it’s still period and as good as standard inside and under the bonnet! Enough justifying my car (there were Porsches and Bentleys there, I’m sure my tart-ups can be excused!) back to how things are going… Racking up the miles in an old Ford fast approaching 40 years old throws up a issues regularly. One worrying one was the failing master cylinder. That feeling of the brake pedal sinking to the floor occasionally due to seals internally leaking is not a…

Proper lubrication is essential for keeping any car in good running order, and on your old Ford that means greasing key joints as well as putting oil in the engine. That makes a grease gun essential for anyone maintaining any classic Ford. You use this tool to inject grease into difficult areas, usually through grease nipples located around joints. The most common types of grease gun are pistol grip and lever styles, and over the following pages we’ve tested the most popular examples of both of these types of gun to find you the best one for you. Know your stuff Most pre 1970s Fords don’t have sealed joints, so you need to lubricate your steering and suspension every 6000 miles or six months to ensure they don’t fail prematurely.…

Ford’s Mk3 Transit was looking good in every sense on its January 1986 debut. Like the Mk1 and Mk2 versions of the UK’s most loved light commercial, the latest generation had all the essential ingredients to make it a best-seller, but now it added form to its function in the shape of a slippery new design. Unlike the outgoing Mk2, the latest Transit debuted with a more contemporary one-box design where the windscreen and bonnet were near enough at the same angle. The smooth front end contributed to a drag coefficient of only 0.37, more visibility and, perhaps most importantly, an increase in efficiency of up to 8 per cent despite a bigger load area. While the new Mk3 looked all-new though, much of its running gear was carried over…