Classic Ford April 2021

THIS ISSUE Out and about with our band of Blue Oval-loving writers and photographers. ADE BRANNAN CONTRIBUTOR The RS Cosworths defined Ford performance from 1986 to 1996. Ade photographs them all for our mega feature starting on page 23. JAMIE ARKLE CONTRIBUTOR Inspired by his Dad, Alex Markham set out to build a truly authentic works Mk2 and the result as Jamie reveals is incredible. Page 64. MATT RICHARDSON CONTRIBUTOR Matt’s been back to see Tony Collins to catch up on the progress of Terry the Minder Capri. Find out what’s occurring on page 60.…

With Ford’s encouragement, Cosworth has built some era-defining engines over the years (check out our pick of the top five starting on page 32), but in recent times it’s definitely the YB turbo that has had the biggest effect on the classic Ford world. A relatively simple design by today’s engineering standards, this 2-litre engine is capable of producing almost obscene amounts of horsepower, yet it was designed over 25 years ago. Unsurprisingly then, the YB’s popularity has never waned, and neither has that of the carts it was officially fitted to, and we pay tribute to the mighty RS Cosworths starting on page 23. However, there’s no denying the biggest crowds are always drawn to the open bonnets of classic Fords running them, like Jamie Gilmour’s Mk1 Escort (above and…

Welcome With Ford’s encouragement, Cosworth has built some era-defining engines over the years (check out our pick of the top five starting on page 32), but in recent times it’s definitely the YB turbo that has had the biggest effect on the classic Ford world. A relatively simple design by today’s engineering standards, this 2-litre engine is capable of producing almost obscene amounts of horsepower, yet it was designed over 25 years ago. Unsurprisingly then, the YB’s popularity has never waned, and neither has that of the carts it was officially fitted to, and we pay tribute to the mighty RS Cosworths starting on page 23. However, there’s no denying the biggest crowds are always drawn to the open bonnets of classic Fords running them, like Jamie Gilmour’s Mk1 Escort…

Cast your minds back to the April 2018 issue, and shouting out from the cover was Derek Mitchell’s stunning, Daytona Yellow Mk1 Escort. Sat perfectly on a set of Dunlop D1s and running a classic 2.1 Pinto, the Mk1 was a lesson in old school cool and was unsurprisingly, Derek’s pride and joy. Fast-forward a couple of years, and Derek found himself in the difficult position of having to sell the Mk1 to help fund a new business venture. Six months down the line though, and with things settling down a bit, he started scratching around for a new project — only this time a classic Vauxhall: “I fancied an HB Viva but quickly realised that they were stupid money.” What Derek went for next was a surprise even to himself. “I…

NEED FOR SWEDE Your projects: After being strictly old-school for years, Derek Mitchell is embracing the ‘new’ in pursuit of performance with his SAAB-powered Mk4 Escort track car project. Words Simon Woolley Photos Adrian Brannan Cast your minds back to the April 2018 issue, and shouting out from the cover was Derek Mitchell’s stunning, Daytona Yellow Mk1 Escort. Sat perfectly on a set of Dunlop D1s and running a classic 2.1 Pinto, the Mk1 was a lesson in old school cool and was unsurprisingly, Derek’s pride and joy. Fast-forward a couple of years, and Derek found himself in the difficult position of having to sell the Mk1 to help fund a new business venture. Six months down the line though, and with things settling down a bit, he started scratching…

A brand-new classic car visitor attraction is set to open in Derbyshire later this year. Great British Car Journey is a 150-car museum that also offers you the chance to drive a selection of classic cars. The Drive Dad’s Car feature will allow visitors to go for a drive on the 4 acre site with an instructor in a selection of over 30 British cars including a number of classic Fords — a Mk3 Escort 1.3L, Mk3 Fiesta 1.1 and Capri 1.6 Laser. Located beside the River Derwent and within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, Great British Car Journey is the brainchild of former Auto Windscreens and Blyton Park circuit owner, Richard Usher, and takes visitors on an interactive journey through the golden years of British car design…