Innehållsförteckning för Spring 2021 från Classic Ford

PERMITTED TO DRIVE Feared red tape banished for planned trips to EU countries in your classic Ford this summer Good news if, like us, you’re a fan of heading outside of the UK in your classic Ford — especially on our annual Classic Ford Tours. In a welcome update, transport secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed motorists do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive abroad for short stays. The UK government has secured agreement with all 27 EU member states to recognise UK driving licences without an IDP. However, a small number of drivers may still need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for trips in the EU and Norway if they still have a paper driving licence or a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or…

HERITAGE LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPS Original classic Fords: Touched by the hand of Colin Chapman, the Lotus Cortina and Escort Twin Cam are race-bred icons, and these two examples live on through the skills of Tiger Racing. Words and Photos Dan Sherwood Win on Sunday, sell on Monday. The inextricable link between motorsport success and booming sales on the forecourt has long been the driving force for car manufacturers to compete with their machines on track. And it was an attempt to cultivate that winning association for the Ford brand that led to the Blue Oval’s iconic pairing with Lotus, the firm lead by radical British Formula One engineer, Colin Chapman. Unlike the ubiquitous ‘chicken and the egg’ conundrum, when it came to the Lotus Cortina and its iconic 1558cc twin-cam engine,…

YOUR PROJECTS! Pete Busby From: UK Project: Mk1 Cortina “I contacted the magazine last year regarding doing a feature on my Fiat twin-cam powered 100E but then lockdown kicked in and like everything else it all got put on hold,” says Pete. “Then I went and sold it to buy this Cortina! I’ve just fitted a blow-through turbo Pinto that I’ve built for it, and there are a few small bits and pieces to do and a rolling road session, then the car will be ready for the road — assuming we’re out of lockdown again!” Carl Jeffreys From: UK Project: Mk2 Escort “This is my 1980 two-door 2-litre GL automatic project that was imported from Australia,” says Carl. “Production differences between the UK and Australian cars meant it had…

classic ford’s project cars Mike’s Mk1 Fiesta After five years, the Mk1 is finally heading in the right direction — to the road. As always, it has taken me a lot longer than expected to pull together the last bits of the puzzle. But I can now report that after a number of wiring gremlins, some fuel pump issues and a general lack of free time to play with the car, I’ve finally managed to drive it on its maiden voyage around the block with the new compound turbo set-up and six-speed gearbox. And I can assure you, it was a great feeling to hear the side-exit exhaust resonating off all the parked cars as I clunked it up through the gears with my quickshift lever. I’ve not driven a…

mk1 fiesta SPRINT CONDITION Not even a global pandemic could stop Michael Sutherland from turning dreams of a sprint-focussed, concours-clean Mk1 Fiesta into reality. This is the awesome result. Words Jamie Arkle Photos Adrian Brannan The ascent of the first-generation Fiesta from relative obscurity to classic Ford royalty is, we think, one of the more fascinating automotive tales of recent years. After all, It wasn’t so very long ago that Project Bobcat devotees were viewed with a mix of resentment and derision. The established old Ford order — the world of Escorts, Capris and Cortinas — had closed ranks, and for a while it seemed as if a rear-wheel drive powertrain was a fundamental pre-requisite for entry into this slightly cliquey, increasingly expensive to access, club. For those involved in…

PARTING SHOT YOU’RE HISTORY LOOKING TO THE PAST ONE CLASSIC IMAGE AT A TIME It’s hard to believe that when Classic Ford launched in June 1997, the Escort Cosworth (and its later WRC derivative seen here) were still seen as current models rather than the bona fide classics that they’ve since become. Here Carlos Sainz and Luis Moya power their M-Sport-prepared Escort to overall victory on the hot and dusty Acropolis rally in the same month — with this result giving Sainz a record 26 WRC victories (only beaten by Sebastien Loeb in 2006). Photo Getty…

Welcome Iwasn’t working on Classic Ford when it first hit the newsagents’ shelves back in 1997, but I was employed by the same publishing company, and I can well remember the buzz in the office when the first copies came back from the printers. We all knew it was going to be a success. Both the magazine and the scene have changed immeasurably since those days, but looking back through all the old copies to put together the 300th Issue special feature for this issue, it’s good to see the one thing that drives both the mag and the scene hasn’t changed — our enthusiasm for these old cars that take up too much of our time and money. Everyone who works on Classic Ford is proud to be part…

BLACK ’PLATE CHANGES Changes to the UK rules surrounding silver-on-black numberplates have been introduced. Before January 1, any vehicle registered in the Historic taxation class (applicable once it reaches 40 years of age) could be fitted with black numberplates rather than the regular yellow rears and white fronts — but this rolling scheme will no longer apply. The DVLA commented: ‘Following the change in definition of a historic vehicle for vehicle tax exemption purposes in 2015, an issue was identified in the regulatory requirements for the valid display of a black and silver numberplate. This resulted in the unintended consequence where any vehicle over 40 years old and registered in the Historic tax class would be permitted to display an old-style black and silver numberplate,. This was despite the law…

WHO ARE TIGER RACING? FROM KIT CARS TO CLASSICS Although blessed with top-notch restoration skills, the family-run business is actually better known as a manufacturer of ballistic road and race kit cars. Spanning 30 years, the firm has produced over 2500 cars. The Tiger range currently spans eight models of varying potency and price tags with a further two ERA-branded machines built for historic racing. The firm can supply everything from the base chassis though to complete self-build kits and even turn-key cars for those who would prefer not to get their hands dirty and let the professionals take the strain. You can even get behind the wheel of a Tiger and live out your racing fantasies by hiring a race-ready car where you simply turn up and race! For…

MK3 CAPRI SILVER GHOST This 3.0S kept evading Jarrod Swain but now he’s got his hands on it, and he’s made it better than new. Words and Photos Jon Cass Every model of Capri made by Ford has been on someone’s wishlist, but the Mk3 3.0S has for many been the one to have. A certain TV series from four decades ago would probably explain the 3.0S’s ongoing popularity. Even today The Professionals is a much-talked-about programme unlike other ITV detective shows of the era such as Dempsey & Makepeace. And who can remember the cars that appeared in that? The Professionals was the perfect advert for the Capri if ever there was one and it still plays its part today. Jarrod Swain has been a huge Capri fan since…

LOCKDOWN MEMORIES During the current lockdown my dad, Gary has had a lot of free time on his hands, and he’s been digging out his old car photos. Amongst others he’s found pictures of his first car, a Mk1 Escort, registration REH 440L which he owned from 1979 to 1986. He put Lucas square spotlights on it and also bought another Mk1 for £75 just so he could have the Rostyle wheels off it — as soon as he swapped the wheels over he resold the Escort and made his money back. Being shown photos of this car when I was younger always made me want one. We both love old Fords and I would love it if you could put these photos in your magazine — it would be…

CFTECH IMPROVING YOUR CLASSIC FORD JUST GOT EASIER UPGRADE GUIDE POPULAR 100E With plenty of survivors and a well-trodden route to modifying, the 100E range makes for a great updated classic. Follow our guide. So you’re new to this classic Ford lark and desperate to get your hands on a Mk1 or Mk2 Escort. Well, unless you’re a lottery winner or you get extremely lucky, it could well be a few years before that dream is realised. But don’t let that put you off, as there are some seriously cool alternatives on the old Ford scene that can be bought for a fraction of the cost, and you’re looking at one right here. The 100E Popular (or Anglia or Prefect) has a cult following in the world of old Fords,…

EXPERT CLINIC TROUBLE WITH YOUR FORD? SEND IN YOUR QUERY AND WE'LL SORT IT OUT Escort clock Q The clock fitted in the centre console of my Mk2 Escort Ghia has been steadily losing time over the past few years — around 30 minutes per week. At first I thought it was down to a poor car battery but I’ve replaced this and purchased a battery conditioner to ensure it’s always up to voltage while the car is not in use. I could look for a replacement clock but before I do, I wondered if the problem may be down to something else like the wiring or connectors. Simon Keene UK A To access the clock you’ll need to remove the console, which is simply screwed into place at the…

UK SPRINTING RUNNING FLAT (OUT) That sprinting is a niche form of motorsport is a given, and there’s a very good chance that, outside of a few mentions in specialists motorsport magazines, it’s never registered on your motorsport radar. We think that this is a shame, as not only is sprinting home to some of the most extreme racers outside of a Formula One paddock it’s actually one of the simplest genres of motorsport to get involved in yourself, at least at the grass root level. The Scottish Sprint & Hillclimb Championship events tend to follow a fairly straightforward format comprising of a practice session, qualification and a pair of Run Offs. The fastest entrant in each Run Off receives 25 points, dropping by one point for each subsequent slower…

CF BUYING RESTORING How to Repair front seats Get comfy again with our step-by-step guide to fixing a collapsed or sunken seat. Collapsed or sunken seats are bad for posture and bad for driving. This quick guide is meant as an aid to rectify such faults. The seat used here for demonstration purposes had good covers and base diaphragm, which were reused. Don’t avoid repairing a seat. Their construction usually means all you require are basic tools to carry out the job. Check steel seat frames for cracks and fractures. Weld these securely before continuing. GRP seat shells should be repaired accordingly. While the seat’s out of the car, take the opportunity to clean runner and tilting mechanisms if fitted. GUIDES AND RESTO FEATURES INSIDE: Expert tips and advice whether…

SPLIT DECISION Your projects: How do manage your own projects when working on other people’s? Rich Bishop reckons he’s found the solution with this road and track-bound Capri. Words Simon Woolley Photos Andy Saunders Turning your hobby into your job does have its plus points. For Rich Bishop, who set up fabrication and restoration workshop, Bishop’s Bespoke Builds three years ago, that means surrounding himself with some pretty ace classic Ford projects on a daily basis. There is a downside, though — none of the projects are his. So while helping a customer turn their vision into reality is immensely satisfying, once the car leaves his workshop for the final time, all Rich is left with is an empty space and a few photos on his phone. The solution, of…

2022 CLASSIC FORD TOUR Our four-day, three-night 2022 Classic FordTour will take place over the long weekend of May 6-9, 2022, and will be to the Medieval city of Bruges. Known as the Venice of the north, Bruges, is a well-preserved city where the entire historic centre has been recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site. This looks to be a great tour including a day at leisure in Bruges to sample the local breweries or chocolatiers, with the option to display your car in the historic city. On the other day, there’s an optional drive into Holland, following the Dutch Coast for some great photo opportunities, followed by an afternoon in the charming Dutch town of Sluis.The hotel has a great indoor/outdoor car park and is only a short…

300th ISSUE Classic Ford is 300! To celebrate, starting over the page is a showcase the best of the mag and the old Ford scene. Enjoy. Who would have thought back in 1997 when Classic Ford launched, that the magazine would be celebrating its 300th issue in 2021? The classic Ford scene has grown immeasurably since those days, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our — and your — passion for these awesome cars and vans, and the people and stories behind them. 24 years and 300 issues is a long time in magazine publishing, yet here we are, and we’re not going anywhere soon. Whether in print or digital, Classic Ford now reaches enthusiasts all over the world, but we’re doing the same thing as we always have…

HOMEBUILT HERO MALTEASER Its sun-scorched form may have been ignominiously stuffed with a Toyota diesel motor, but Ruben Schembri knew just how to turn this genuine Cortina 1600E around… Words Daniel Bevis Photos Dy Lan The letter E has done a lot of heavy lifting in the world of car badges over the years. For Porsche 911 owners, it stood for ‘einspritzung’. The same was true for the Opel Manta GT/E. With the Toyota Carina E it meant… er, nothing really. And the Cortina 1600E? Well, if this example is anything to go by, it must stand for ‘envy’. It’s certainly green enough. Its endlessly enthusiastic Maltese owner, Ruben Schembri, has seen fit to reimagine the more-door in stunning Fern Green Metallic, giving it a glorious Hot Wheels vibe —…

YOUR CARS THE BEST OF WHAT'S DROPPED IN OUR INBOX THIS MONTH Keane Smith From: South Africa Car: Mk2 Escort “Here’s my 1600 Sport that I’ve fitted a fitted a 302 Windsor V8 from a late model Mustang to,” says Keane. “I rebuilt the bulkhead, and it has a C4 three-speed autobox, 9 inch axle and a B&M shifter. The motor is bone stock — I’ve just added an Edelbrock Airgap intake and a 600cfm Holley carb. “The front suspension is modified with thicker coil springs, and a thicker anti-roll bar, the crossmember has been reinforced and I’ve beefed up the strut tops, too. The car is painted in Brilliant Red (a BMW colour) and it still retains the original 1600 Sport interior. The car is being driven as a…

QUERY OF THE MONTH FAST & FURIOUS BLUE Q Do you know what shade of blue the Mk1 Escort in Fast & Furious 6 is? I’ve just watched the film for the first time and would like to finish my Mk1 project as a tribute to the film car. Marc Janks Belgium A It’s more than likely a custom mix that the film production company knew would work well on the camera, however it looks pretty close to Electric Monza Blue as found on Mk1 Mexicos. If you have your Mk1 painted that shade, once you’ve added the white RS2000 stripes — available from DMB Graphics — and gold Minilites it’s going to more than look the part.…

reader’s restoration: escort rs2000 SEARCH AND RESCUE Reader’s restoration: His lifelong love of Escorts convinced Robert Delaney to undertake the three-year quest for only genuine Ford parts to restore his very rusty 1980 RS2000… Words Mike Renaut Photos Ross Delaney Like many of us Robert Delaney’s love of classic Fords began when he was a child. “I’ve been into rallying my entire life,” explains Robert. “Around 1976 I saw my first RS2000 — there weren’t many of these cars in Ireland. I was 11 years old and my dad was delivering building materials to a guy in Cork who had an RS2000 on his driveway, I got to sit in the car then had wanted one ever since. During the 1980s the insurance was too high; it was 2008 before…

buyer’s guide: mk1 sierra BUYER’S GUIDE SIERRA MK1 No longer considered winter hack fodder, the early, non-sporting Sierras are now seriously collectible. Here’s what to look for. Words ChristianTilbury Photos John Colley/Magic Car Pics “FORD WASN’T SHY IN OFFERING A WIDE ARRAY OF TRIM LEVELS” Few cars have had their work cut out like the Sierra. On its October 1982 launch, not only did the new arrival have to fill the humongous boots of the Cortina, but it also had to convince hardcore Ford buyers that rather than a traditional saloon, what they really wanted was a hatchback. “THERE WAS NO DENYING THAT THE SIERRA REPRESENTED A MARKED IMPROVEMENT OVER THE CORTINA” Despite the manufacturer laying the foundations for the Sierra’s smooth new lines with the reveal of the Probe…