Fast Ford

welcome

The clocks have changed, it’s officially British summer time, and the sun is shining (or at least it is as I type this – by the time you read it in a couple of weeks that could have all changed!). And I don’t know about you, but I am so ready for summer now. I’ve missed getting out to shows and events, and seeing people and their latest projects and developments, having a laugh with like-minded Ford fans, and of course, showing off our own Blue Ovals too. It’s at shows and events like that where we first clap eyes on some of the most inspiring cars in the scene; cars like Carl Taylor’s incredible RS Turbo. Of course, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but Carl didn’t build it to fit…

what car stuff have you been up to this month?

“I’ve been showing the RS some love for the first time in months. I admit I was a little weary of the first drive in nearly a year being a 200-mile trip to FJRS in Essex, but after a full service and health check my confidence has been restored. I can’t wait to use it more often in the coming weeks, and have been eyeing up mods and jobs that need doing too.” JAMIE, EDITOR “Pretty much everything has been car related for me recently; shooting several top feature cars, getting my Mk1 Sierra back on the road, and, most excitingly, having a little test session skidding about in my Cossie. It might have highlighted some issues that need immediate attention, but it’s all progress!” ADE, PHOTOGRAPHER “I’ve been treating the car to a…

back in black

He may have been in the modified Ford scene for more than three decades, but 53-year-old Paul Shelton still has an eye for detail, and the ability to ensure his car is the envy of the show field. Paul remains as passionate about his Fords now as he ever did, and his latest creation is this imposing 420bhp Mk3 Focus RS, containing an impressive inventory of well thought-out mods. It was no surprise Paul fell for Fords in his youth, as his dad always owned a Blue Oval. Often found tinkering with cars on the driveway or visiting a breaker’s yard on a Saturday morning, Paul would be there passing spanners and keeping him company. A Mk3 Focus RS certainly ranks within modern car territory, but Paul has also owned a string of…

mk3 focus rs

ENGINE 2261cc EcoBoost, Airtec Stage 2 intercooler with big-bore boost pipe upgrade, Airtec induction kit, Scorpion cat-back exhaust system, Revo Stage 2 software, Paintmodz carbon-effect engine covers, Radium breather kit, Velossa Tech big-mouth air intake POWER 420bhp, 450lb.ft (owner’s estimate) TRANSMISSION Factory Focus RS MMT6 six-speed gearbox with four-wheel drive SUSPENSION Focus RS electronically-adjustable dampers with Sport mode, H&R lowering springs BRAKES Front: factory Focus RS 350mm vented discs with Brembo four-piston monoblock callipers; rear: factory Focus RS 320mm discs with single-piston callipers WHEELS & TYRES 8x20in BBS CHR rims, 20mm spacers, Continental 235/30x20 tyres EXTERIOR Triple-R side skirts and rear splitters, Maxton Designs front splitter and spoiler extension, Vented bonnet vents, black tinted LED rear lights, blue pin-striping and fog light covers INTERIOR Factory Focus RS with Recaro Sportster CS bucket seats…

paul shelton

AGE 53 JOB TIG welder at Rolls Royce Aerospace FIRST FORD Mk3 Cortina 2.0 GT 3 FORDS IN YOUR DREAM GARAGE? GT40, Sierra RS500, Focus RS500 FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOUR FORD? Being able to get involved with like-minded people and making friends FAVOURITE FORD SHOW OR EVENT? Croft RSOC event TRACK DAY OR SHOW & SHINE? Show & shine SIERRA RS500 OR FOCUS RS500? Sierra RS500 WRC OR BTCC? BTCC LESSONS LEARNT FROM THIS PROJECT? You’re never finished WHAT’S NEXT Probably a forged engine upgrade THANKS Julie; Adrian Thompson and the team at RS Direct; Demon Performance Centre; Nick Wiley at Vented; Matt, Aaron, Rory and Lewis at Matt Lewis Motorsport; everyone at Derbyshire RSOC; and Chris at Paintmodz…

news

MACH 1 ARRIVES FOR SUMMER In a world of electric vehicles and hybrid technology, Ford fans have got something decidedly old-school to look forward to this year – the most track-capable Mustang ever to go on sale in the UK is due to land in time for summer 2021. The new Mach 1 model is based on the successful GT, but comes packed full of factory upgrades. You’ll be pleased to hear the only battery on the Mach 1 is the 12v job required to start a proper petrol engine. And not just any engine, a full-fat 5.0-litre V8 that produces 454bhp thanks to a unique software calibration that revs to 7500rpm, coupled to an induction system and 87mm throttle body for sharper throttle response, and a uniquely-tuned ‘Active Valve’ performance exhaust. But…