Classic Ford June 2021

THIS ISSUE Out and about with our band of Blue Oval-loving writers and photographers. ADE BRANNAN CONTRIBUTOR Never one to turn down (another) project car, Ade introduces his left-hand-drive Mk1 Sierra this issue, page 84. ANDY SAUNDERS ART EDITOR With the UK lockdown easing, Andy’s been out photographing again, including this stunning Mk1 RS2000. Page 46. DAN BEVIS CONTRIBUTOR It’s an Aussie icon, and it’s recently been revamped for 2021. Dan gets the lowdown on the Moits Cortina on page 90.…

It was a huge financial risk for Ford (and as Steve Saxty reveals on page 22), an initially reluctant one at that, but I think it’s fair to say that the Fiesta was a risk well worth taking for the big Blue Oval. The longest-running model in the European line up celebrates its 45th birthday in 2021, and this anniversary year should finally see the original Mk1 gain the momentum and status it richly deserves, both as part of our scene and the incredibly-important part it played in Ford-of-Europe’s direction and success in the decades that followed — even if it did help to see the demise of mass-production, rear-wheel-drive models! To help cement that status, much of this issue is dedicated to the Mk1, and we’re looking forward to celebrating in…

NEXT ISSUE ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 11! Welcome It was a huge financial risk for Ford (and as Steve Saxty reveals on page 22), an initially reluctant one at that, but I think it’s fair to say that the Fiesta was a risk well worth taking for the big Blue Oval. The longest-running model in the European line up celebrates its 45th birthday in 2021, and this anniversary year should finally see the original Mk1 gain the momentum and status it richly deserves, both as part of our scene and the incredibly-important part it played in Ford-of-Europe’s direction and success in the decades that followed — even if it did help to see the demise of mass-production, rear-wheel-drive models! To help cement that status, much of this issue is dedicated…

We first met Gary Lali at Croft circuit when he was typically creating a stir with his innocent-looking burgundy Mk2 Fiesta track car back in 2019. Intrigued by this impressive display and the number of exotic cars he’d just overtaken, we discovered Gary’s frantic Zetec-propelled Fiesta was packing 207 bhp in a car that weighs in at just 750 kg! “I’ve continued to make a few improvements to my Mk2, and it still sees regular track use,” Gary explains, “but when this Fiesta RS Turbo came up for grabs, I saw the potential for a new project.” Working as an engineer for Rolls Royce means Gary is far from daunted by tackling most jobs in his garage at home. His wealth of skills appears to be ever expanding and this time…

Classic Ford Grafters TRACK & ROAD Your projects: With his Mk2 Fiesta track car now too extreme for the road, Gary Lali’s on a mission to build something that can easily take both in its stride. Words and Photos Jon Cass We first met Gary Lali at Croft circuit when he was typically creating a stir with his innocent-looking burgundy Mk2 Fiesta track car back in 2019. Intrigued by this impressive display and the number of exotic cars he’d just overtaken, we discovered Gary’s frantic Zetec-propelled Fiesta was packing 207 bhp in a car that weighs in at just 750 kg! “I’ve continued to make a few improvements to my Mk2, and it still sees regular track use,” Gary explains, “but when this Fiesta RS Turbo came up for grabs,…

The Mondeo hit the national headlines recently following the news that it will be phased out after 29 years in production — with no successor planned. Production will stop at Ford’s Valencia plant in early 2022, bringing an end to a model line that’s sold over five million units since it first appeared in 1993 as the critically-acclaimed replacement for the Sierra. The Mondeo became a byword for an entire genre of motorist when ‘Mondeo man’ was popularised by Tony Blair at the Labour Party Conference in October 1996. It was made in reference to the kind of no-nonsense, hard-working voter that Blair hoped his party could attract. But while the Mondeo remained popular long after that, sales have dwindled each year as those pesky SUVs and crossovers have stolen its…