Classic Ford April 2023

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE: FRIDAY, MARCH 17 CLASSIC FORD SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WWW.CLASSICFORD SHOW.CO.UK In the UK at least, winter has felt like a particularly long one this time around. But now we sense we’ve turned a corner and, with fingers firmly crossed, the show season hopefully on the horizon, we can look for ward to getting our cars back out there, and for some, showing them off for the first time. In this issue, we’ve cherry-picked four examples that we think you should check out this coming Summer — from right across the scene. We’ve even dared to highlight one car that isn’t even finished yet, but knowing the builder, we don’t think there’s much doubt that it won’t be rolling through a show gate this coming…

ADE BRANNAN CONTRIBUTOR Ade headed to Jo’s FabLab this month to photograph a special Mk2 Escort project that many said couldn’t be done. Find out why on page 8. ANDY SAUNDERS CONTRIBUTOR Andy catches up with Matt Urch of Urchfab fame for this issue, to capture Matt’s Pop project now it’s finished. Page 50. GRAHAM LEIGH CONTRIBUTOR The desert-spec Capri is almost back on the road — and just in time for Spring, too. Graham reveals the how and why on page 84. How To Contact Us Telephone: 01959 541444 Email: classicford.ed@kelsey.co.uk Write to: Classic Ford, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding ME18 6AL, UK…

You might not recognise the name Jo Riley of FabLab, but you’ll definitely have seen photos of some of the cars and trucks he’s been involved with creating a stir on social media. For over a decade Jo has been working on and building all manner of show cars for customers from all manner of manufacturers — from Rolls Royce to Volkswagen product — each with its own unique take and style, and plenty of bespoke fabrication work from Jo’s own hands. In recent years, he’s created a unique, BMW-powered and rear-wheel-drive Beetle pick-up as well as an early 1960s Ford P350 ice cream truck on airbags and both couldn’t be more different from each other, so how did Jo end up working on a Tarmac-arched Mk2 Escort? Well he…

Sunday, August 13 sees Ford Fair returning once again to Silverstone Circuit. If you haven’t been recently, you may be surprised just how many classic Fords attend — with many taking part in the popular track sessions (see below) around Silverstone’s National Circuit. Elsewhere, you’ll find one of the most hotly-contested Ford concours events in the UK, the Show & Shine competition, some of Europe’s finest feature stars courtesy of Classic Ford and Fast Ford and some soon-to-be-announced special events. Trust us, it’s going to be impressive. Stunning features aside, there are literally 100s of clubs attending bringing 1000s of Fords, and if you’re bringing your kids, you’ll be pleased to know that under-14s get in free! The gates open at 9 am — we’ll see you there! FORD FAIR:…

As ever, we’re hosting Classic Ford-only track sessions to show the moderns how it’s done. The 15-minute sessions cost £40 when booked in advance, and are open to road-legal cars. The sessions make use of the National Circuit — and no matter what your experience or skill level, you can follow in the footsteps of Button, Hamilton and Mansell — in your classic Ford! Even better, you can be one of the few to drive the circuit, as Ford Fair is one of an exclusive number of events that are been granted full access to the track. The Classic Ford session is at 1.20 pm. To book your place, go to www.fordfair.co.uk.…

Terminally-rotten old Fords No matter where you are in the world, if you’re a fan of classic Fords, your radar is always switched on for potential spots, as Darrell Lavender will testify: “On my travels recently I spotted a couple of Fords,” he reveals. “The first I only saw hours before I was due to fly home from Riga in Latvia, hence the darkness. It is a Mk1 Sierra, which I came across outside a block of flats. I was more amazed because I have the same exact car, just mine is four-door.” “The second is a Mk4 Escort, which turned out to be owned by a man running a kebab kiosk opposite. I had to stand in a busy road to take the picture, so this was the best…