Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2016 i Classic Ford

YOUR SUMMER. SORTED! You’d be mad to to leave your classic Ford at home in 2016 with this line-up of top-notch shows and events. No-one likes winter, right? Well the good news is, there’s only a couple of months until its warm enough to think about stepping foot outside, and if you need something to look forward to, there’s a whole line-up of high-quality Classic Ford-supported events to keep you going right through the show season. The end of April sees the launch of a brand-new indoor event, The International Ford Show, at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey, the halls of which will be rammed with show-quality Fords of all ages for you to get up close and personal with. It’ll also be the perfect place to pick up new…

‘NEW’ CORTINA UNEARTHED This doesn’t happen very often! Paul West from Cambridge Classic Cars has unearthed a Mk1 Cortina 1500 Deluxe that’s never seen the road. “The car rolled of the production line in May 1964 as an auto in Ambassador Blue with a blue cloth interior and was delivered to a dealership in St Albans,” explains Paul.“It was purchased for an overseas customer who never took delivery, so it was put into storage until last year when I was able to purchase the car. It has has some very minor storage marks, but nothing that takes the newness away from this vehicle.” The asking price? A cool £25K. Contact Paul on 01223 881517.…

Top 10 Extreme Fords It’s not just Ken Block who can come up with a truly out-there Ford. Here are 10 more madcap creations we’ve featured. Ray Gimbert’s Anglia 105E Spec: X-Pack style arch kit, carbon fibre panels, rear diffuser, 2.2-litre YB turbo, six-speed sequential, double-wishbone suspension Featured: September 2015 Where Dave Bunn’s Anglebox (see page 31) was an exercise in retaining the original 105E silhouette as much as possible, serial Anglia builder, Ray went all out to create his ultimate road and track toy with only the finest kit, including an alloy-block 2.2 Cosworth YB, Elite six-speed ’box with paddle-shift, Ohlinsbased double wishbone suspension and those outrageous carbon fibre panels covering the full chassis. A long — and expensive — build, but oh-so worth it. Keenan Smith’s Mk2 Cortina…

Go inside Under the skin of the Diamond Series engine BLOCKS Naturally, this is a bespoke casting in aluminium alloy produced for Millington to Roy’s design, arriving as a blank that can be prepared into any form required. There are standard capacities but you can have what you like, as long as it’s possible — right up to 2.7-litres. The block is taller than a Pinto/YB block to improve the rod angle ratio, while increasing the capacity to safely bore to 96-mm — and even beyond. The structure is extremely strong, relying on through-bolts, which pass into the block via built-in channels that connect with the purpose-cast and machined, alloy sump pan, that also contains the mains caps, cast into pillars. The block is meant as a dry sump unit,…

mk2 cortina OVER THE MOON Paul Wilmott’s stunning Cortina 1600E is packing a Moonstone Blue paintjob and a rebuilt Crossflow breathing through barking bike carbs. Words Dan Furr Photos Dan Sherwood Moonstone Blue has been a big hit with Blue Oval fans over the years, although few would bring to mind a Mk2 Cortina if asked to name a classic Ford covered in the handsome hue. “I’ve been in love with the colour ever since I first saw it decorating a Sierra RS500, but it was the incredible appearance of Jimmy Hookway’s Cosworth Mk1 Cortina (originally featured way back in 2006) finished in the same shade that convinced me that it was the right choice for my 1970 1600E,” explains Cambridgeshire man, Paul Wilmott. Paul has owned his special edition…

New Tricks Ben Woodrow’s Mk1 Fiesta Bravo II might be over three decades old, but that hasn’t stopped him from treating it to a full respray, upgraded suspension and a 1660 Crossflow powerplant. Words Dan Furr Photos Michael Whitestone Of all the special edition first-generation Fiestas to gallop out of Henry’s stable during the seven years that the classic supermini was in production, 1982’s Bravo II remains one of the most recognisable, not least of all due its signature twin-tone paint job and distinctive body graphics. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise to learn that the vast majority of those lucky enough to be in possession of one of the few Bravo IIs that have survived to the present day are keen to keep their vintage…

EVENT REPORT HUNTING & GATHERING Take one classic hillclimb venue, add in some fine and varied examples of retro machinery, and you’ve got the ingredients for a great show. Welcome to the Retro Rides Gathering. Words and Photos Adrian Brannan It may not be a Ford-only show, but this is one which should be firmly in your calendar every year. The Retro Rides Gathering may have started as a fairly modest meet of forum members, but it quickly evolved into a mammoth show attracting thousands from far and wide. Not only are the typically impressive and rare guest cars on the hillclimb a draw, but the general relaxed atmosphere where anything old-school is welcome is what keeps the numbers growing every year. For example, in the pits at the legendary…

YOUR PROJECTS Classic Fords being built in garages, workshops and on driveways! John Parkin From: UK Cars: Mk1 Escort If the thought of restoring a truly-rotten Mk1 Escort van like Dale Morgan’s featured in the January issue is proving too much for you, you could always import one from slightly warmer climes — just like John has done, bringing this commercial over to Blightly from Cape Town in South Africa. “I’ll admit, the import procedure was a minefield, but I’ve pretty much done it all by myself, with some help from a friend of the family,” admits John. “I’m a plumber by trade and plan to restore the Mk1 and use it as my works van. The Mk1’s original colour, as per the chassis plate, is Skyview Blue, which must…

Fit it Adjustable Panhard Rod Lower the rear of your Fiesta and wheels often touch arches. The problem’s the Panhard rod, and the solution’s replacing it with an adjustable bar. “THE PANHARD ROD IS THERE TO CONTROL LATERAL MOVEMENT SO THE FIESTA’S REAR WHEELS DON’T MOVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE” The Panhard rod is a bar which runs across an axle and is there to control lateral movement – so the wheels don’t move side to side. It isn’t always a feature on every classic Ford, but it’s essential when a live axle is converted to a four-link and coil-over rear suspension in place of leaf springs. It is deemed necessary on the Fiesta too, but there are a few issues with the standard bar – see the boxout —…

EXPERT CLINIC TROUBLE WITH YOUR FORD? SEND IN YOUR QUERY AND WE’LL SORT IT OUT Capri wiring Q I’ve got a facelift 1600GT complete dash, which I intend to fit to my Mk1 Capri, but I only have wiring for an early, pre-facelift, 2-litre GT XLR Capri. Can this be adapted to fit as they all used multi-plug connectors, or can I use wiring from a Mk2 or Mk3 Capri? Also, if I put a 1700 Crossflow in, which axle would you recommend? Which gearbox should I use? I was thinking of the five-speed Type-9 Sierra gearbox. Finally, could you also give me the name and number of a supplier for roll cages and stainless steel exhaust systems in the UK? Sam HemmingsEmail A From your Email we have to…

PRODUCTS THE LATEST, GREATEST BITS FOR YOUR CLASSIC FORD FORD TOTAL PERFORMANCE BOOK £30 Motorbooks If your interest in the Blue Oval extends across The Pond, then this new book will be right up your street. Ford Total Performance is 208 pages of Ford race and street car history from the 1920s four-cylinders, 1930s-1940s Flatheads, 1950s Y-blocks, 1960s to 1971 big-blocks and Bosses, Shelbys, Sunbeam Tiger, AC and Shelby Cobras and GT40s, plus there’s also Stateside coverage of Cosworth F1, and the Lotus Cortina, a look inside SVA and Kar Kraft, too. With lots of period photos, it’s an easy and entertaining read. Contact: 020 7284 9300 www.quartoknows.com TYPE-9 FIVE-SPEED LONG FIRST GEAR £250 Burton Power This partial gearkit is designed to lower the ratio of the four-cylinder…

Know this MILLINGTON DIAMOND ENGINES Borne of the CosworthYB, Roy Millington’s Diamond Series engine has been dubbed the best 16-valve engine ever made. We investigate what makes it so special. Words and Photos Jon Hill “FAMOUSLY, THIS WAS THE POWERPLANT CHOSEN FOR COLIN MCRAE’S ULTIMATE MK2 ESCORT RALLY CAR” Legends and controversy, the world of classic Fords thrives on it — and there’s one name that’s right up there when it comes to top-notch engines — Millington. With a reputation for enormous normally-aspirated power, they’ve also got another reputation — one with a massive price tag attached. Granted, they’re not cheap but when you start looking into what these engines are about, you’ll see why Millington Diamonds aren’t peanuts. Exotic? Perhaps. Strong? Definitely. What they are is an all-alloy version…

Specialist blocks These were either converted from selected standard blocks, or cast for a specific purpose. BD-SERIES These were selected from the best type block of the day for maximum rebore thickness. Plenty were bored out and had sinter-welded liners fitted to up the capacity to 2-litres. This was before and during, Brian Hart producing specific aluminium castings to do the same thing — later adopted by Ford/Cosworth for the identical purpose. BD blocks are still being made by Cosworth and other aftermarket manufacturers, but they’re not really suitable for use on the Crossflow since they have no provision for pushrods. These have been machined into them but it’s not really a viable proposition. THE 831C AX BLOCK These are known as motorsport Crossflow blocks, but they’re actually nothing of…

WHAT’S ON Photo Adrian Brannan Photo Dan Sherwood DECEMBER Huddersfield Autojumble December 27 Old Market Building, Huddersfield HD1 1RG, UK http://phoenixfairs.jimdo.com JANUARY Drift What Yer Brung January 13 Santa Pod Raceway, Podington NN29 7JQ, UK www.dwyb.co.uk Autosport International January 14-17 NEC, Birmingham B40 1NT, UK www.autosportinternational.com Classic Ford on sale January 29 Newark Autojumble January 31 The Showground, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 2NY, UK www.newarkautojumble.co.uk Run WhatYer Brung January 31 Santa Pod Raceway, Podington NN29 7JQ, UK www.rwyb.com FEBRUARY Small Ford Sunday February 7 Seaworks, Williamstown, Victoria, Australia www.smallfordsunday.com Race Retro February 26-28 Stoneleigh Park, Coventry CV8 2LZ, UK www.raceretro.com COMING UP The International Ford Show April 30-May 1 Sandown Park, Esher KT10 9AJ, UK www.theinternationalfordshow.com Classic Ford Show June 5 Santa Pod Raceway, Podington NN29 7JQ, UK www.classicfordshow.co.uk Ford Fair…

EVENT REPORT RIVERSIDE FIESTAS Not even the UK weather could prevent a stunning line-up of Mk1 Fiestas from taking front of house at Glasgow’s transport museum. “THE FIESTA MEETS WHICH HAPPEN OUTSIDE THE MUSEUM PROVIDE A MORE PERSONAL AND INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE” The Mk1 Fiesta Forum has traditionally had a big meet in Scotland — drawing in members from all over the UK. For several years in a row it was at Loch Lomond Shores, but in recent times it has moved to the Transport Museum in Glasgow — or the Riverside Museum as it has recently been rebranded — and subsequently received a lot of stick from enthusiasts due to its odd design with cars being displayed high up on a wall display, leaving visitors both squinting and feeling disconnected.…

FIESTA PANHARD RODS There are two main types of Panhard rod on a Fiesta — the base models use a U-section channel, while the XR2 has a solid, round bar — this is the most desirable as it’s far stronger. The base-model version has a tendency to rot out which obviously weakens it. It can be so much that the bar fails altogether, resulting in a wayward back end, which can be dangerous. As we’ve already mentioned, standard Fiesta bars are fixed length, which causes issues when the car’s lowered, pushing the wheels out further one side in relation to the other — we’ll come on to this bit later. The effect is that the wheel on the passenger side will catch the wheelarch lip, although it’s a good idea…

QUERY OF THE MONTH LASER WHEELS Q I own a 1985 Capri 2-litre Laser. It’s my first car and is in really good condition for its age. It’s only had one owner since new with 76,000 on the clock and he has really looked after it. I want to keep the original four-spoke alloys, but they’ve taken a beating. Is there a company that can recondition them and get them looking like new? They are badly scuffed, but not corroded. How much would I be looking to pay per alloy and what is involved in reconditioning them? Luke Haines Northampton, UK A You’ve got two options. One is to get a professional to do the job for you. Try Lepson as your first port of call — the…

oval anglia ROUND TRIP When Steve Kite went looking for kicks of an oval track-based flavour, the Classic Hot Rods series was right up his street. This Anglia is the awesome result. Words Marc Stretton Photos Matt Dear Steve Kite was brought up on racing. As a youngster, he watched his dad on the oval tracks of Britain, which led on to having a go himself in karts, competing in the same era that a certain Mr David Coulthart was starting out, too. After four years in the very expensive world of Formula Fords, Steve moved back to the ovals and has raced many formulas, starting out in a Mk2 Fiesta, then on to 2-litre Pinto Rods, and more recently in the Outlaws Series… but now he’s found a new,…

BUYER’S GUIDE MK3 ESCORT XR3 & XR3i Ford’s first hot version of the Mk3 Escort, the XR3 is now a desirable ’80s classic. Here’s what to look for. Words ChristianTilbury Photos Adrian Brannan “REVEALED IN 1980 AS THE FIRST PERFORMANCE VERSION OF THE THEN-NEW MK3 ESCORT, THE XR3 WAS FORD’S ANSWER TO THE GOLF GTi” Marking the arrival of Ford’s new dynamic XR range and the first performance version of its Mk3 Escort, the 1980 XR3 was the manufacturer’s answer to the Volkswagen’s Golf GTi. It wasn’t as rapid as its German rival and diehard fast Ford fans were apparently upset that the new-wave Escort wasn’t an RS and its driven wheels were at the wrong end, but the XR3 soon found favour with car buyers. Simple but effective, the…

BIG CAT DIARIES Your projects: Ali McMillan’s awesome Capris have graced these pages before, though his latest project — powered by a supercharged, all-alloy V8 — could be the most exciting yet! Words Jamie Arkle Photos Adrian Brannan “MANY OF ALI’S PREVIOUS PROJECTS HAVE INVOLVED CAPRIS AND V8 ENGINES, BUT THIS ONE TAKES THINGS TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL” Name: Ali McMillan Age: 48 Job: Owner of MJ Racing Location: Motherwell Car: 1983 2.8i Capri Start condition: Restored rolling shell Condition now: Partially stripped with engine and transmission trial-fitted, X-pack kit on and rear arches tubbed Time taken so far: About a year Estimated date of completion: Towards the end of 2016 Some individuals take their classic Ford building very seriously indeed, so much so that they practically become regulars…

HOONIGAN ESCORT BLOCK’S ROCKING BEATS With radical revisions under and above the skin, Ken Block’s Mk2 recently jumped to the head of the Hoonigan fleet. We went to Santa Pod to get to grips with one of the wildest NA cars we’ve ever seen. Words Jamie Arkle Photos Adrian Brannan, Ron Zaras “I’M FULLY AWARE OF THE CULT FOLLOWING THE MK2 HAS IN THE UK AND IRELAND, BUT THAT DIDN’T DICTATE WHT I’VE DONE WITH THIS CAR” It’s hard to think of a contrast more acute than the one before me right now. Santa Pod Raceway in winter is normally bleak, windswept and decidedly unwelcoming, and yet today, just this once, it’s been lent a warm and friendly air thanks to the presence of a DC Shoe-clad Californian with a…

WHAT’S NEXT? Block’s revamped Mk2 still very much a new car, fresh from its inaugural event at Santa Pod.As such it’s a work-in-progress, albeit one with a very solid and reliable base of mechanicals and a proven drivetrain.The very fact that it’s been redesigned from the wheels up as a Hoonigan weapon means that it should more than cope with the stresses associated with going sideways on Tarmac for extended periods of time, and the 2.5 Millington lumps are well known for their strength and ability to handle prolonged exposure to high revs. For now Block plans to take time to really get to grips with his newly rebuilt toy with as much seat time as he can manage, all to prepare himself for 2016’s packed schedule of Gymkhana GRID…

MILLINGTON HISTORY Millington’s story is very similar to that of Cosworth’s — ironic because a development of one of that company’s engines now forms the backbone of Millington. Similarly, it all started with Roy Millington, a farmer, mucking about with agricultural diesels in the early ’70s. Grasstracking was a big part of his life, so that naturally included ringing out more power from the British Leyland A-Series along with Ford Crossflows, too. Jump to 1977 and that was a significant year because Roy designed and built a Class 8/9 BCO2 Special powered by a Cosworth BDG — a vehicle that reputedly revolutionised Autograss. From there, he diverted into preparing Manta 400 rally engines and of course Escort BDs. But in the late ’80s, Roy diverted to the increasingly-available YB. However,…

About Millington Race Engines Reading the history section, it’s pretty easy to assume that Millington only produce their own engines, but they don’t. Yes it’s a major part of their business with virtually everything produced or machined in house then assembled in their super-clean engine building room. In addition, they also develop other engines — they’ve always specialised in the BD-series and still build plenty of these, but they’re also known for their work on the development of the Cosworth KBA — better known to you and I as the Vauxhall XE. And if you’ve digested that history panel, again you’ll connect with the fact that Roy did plenty of work with the Manta 400… However, they’ve also produced engines you’d never expect — including the odd Honda or two!…

HAPPY SHOPPER When Graeme Worthington needed a new parts chaser for his business, he knew just where to get the bits for it. Only trouble was, he had just three weeks to build it... Words and Photos Jon Hill “THE BODY WAS RELIEVED OF ITS CHROME SIDE TRIM BEFORE BEING RESPRAYED IN FORD DIAMOND WHITE” The parts chaser. A recognised concept throughout the motor trade all over the world, and simply, the way it’s always been – you need something to scoot around in to collect parts and it helps if that something is noticeable too – that way everyone knows who you are and that you have a business. And it helps if it’s noticeable – chopped, sectioned, slammed on the deck with wild paint. But if you don’t…

Granada L Classic Fords restored: Vandalised while in storage, then left to the elements, the future of this base-model Mk2 wasn’t looking too rosy, until Rob Squire saw the potential under that damaged bodywork. Words and Photos Jon Hill “THE GRANADA BECAME A MAGNET FOR EVERY ROCK, BOTTLE AND BRICK THAT COULD BE THROWN THROUGH THE GARAGE DOORS” There are several clichés in the world of hunting down classic Fords, but perhaps the most common one is the finding the one-owner-from-new car complete with oodles of service history, brand-new, never-been-used spare wheel, and seat covers hiding perfect upholstery. Rob Squire’s Mk2 Granada L may have fitted that bill when he bought it, but despite ticking all those boxes, it was far from being in good condition. The owner before Rob…

YOUR CARS THE BEST OF WHAT’S DROPPED IN OUR INBOX THIS MONTH CAR OF THE MONTH Dawood Bawa From: South Africa Car: Mk1 Escort Jealous? We are! This is Dawood’s first car, and as a first set of wheels go, we reckon he’s pretty much struck gold. “It’s all down to my father, Mohamed for making my dream car a reality, when he towed this into our yard” he reckons. “The car was immediately stripped and sandblasted before a full respray in silver, then I thought about what engine to use. I wanted a BDA but this is near-impossible in South Africa, so a 2-litre Pinto turbo was the next best option, and I’ve never regretted it one bit. Sourcing one from a Sapphire, I fitted it with forged rods…

YOUR PHOTOS Cars, roadtrips, shows, tattoos... share your images right here. Email hi-res images to classicford.ed@kelsey.co.uk or post them up on our Facebook page.…

JJ’s Mk2 Escort It’s new year, new gear time for The Mutt as safety regulations force our man JJ to dig deep. Oh, and say hello to The Mutt Junior, too. “AS BAD AS IT LOOKS, THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING 160 BHP BEFORE BEING REMOVED AND LEFT ON THE SHELF” What’s been done this month: Built up a scale model of The Mutt Next on the to-do list: Buy a new helmet, HANS device, harnesses and seats, rebuild the new Pinto and refit the bonnet hinges Here we are — a new year and a new season. Hopefully the budget will go a bit further this year, and The Mutt and I can take part in a few more events. We now have new regulations for rallying, which is going…

On test: STUD EXTRACTORS Seized studs require careful removal to prevent them snapping, and using the correct tool makes damage and subsequent repair less likely. We put five to the test. Photos Gerard Hughes At some time during classic Ford ownership you’ll encounter a stud needing careful removal. If it’s been in-situ for decades, there’s a strong chance it will be seized. The traditional double-nut method is perfectly adequate for studs not seized, however, you risk stripping the stud thread if more purchase is needed on a stubborn stud. Stud extractors (also known as pullers) grip the stud and reduce or remove the danger of stripping the thread. Some are designed for use in-situ and prove their worth when used on damaged, partially snapped or stubborn studs. In addition to…

Project Hunter CLASSIC FORD PROJECTS YOU SHOULD BUY — AND MODIFY! Illustrations: Simon Coulson Picture the scene: it’s 1996 and in order to drum up some extra media interest in the about-to-announced KA at the Birmingham motor show, Ford decide to mock-up a Supersport version — in honour of the new car’s spiritual predecessor, the Mk1 Fiesta. Well, that’s how we’ve attacked the KA anyway — now incredibly 20 years old. Taking our unloved (and ridiculously cheap) project, we’ve sorted out any rust before treating it to a full respray in Sunburst Red, then adding the SportKA bodykit and rear spoiler, resprayed in a textured matt black finish to replicate the original Supersport’s arch covers. There’s another reason for fitting the SportKA kit, though, and that’s to cover those 7x13…