Classic Cars September 2018

Welcome After early experiences of the Escort phenomenon, Phil thought the 50th anniversary deserved a big celebration The sight of my friend’s Ford Escort MkI – a hapless 1100 DeLuxe propelled by a Mexico-spec 1600 engine – squatting on its rear suspension, inside front wheel threatening to paw the air, has been etched on my memory since the few crazy days I spent chasing the 1986 RAC Rally around the country. It began my enlightenment to why these small family saloons attract such a passionate following. Of course, I was well aware of the Escort’s huge motor sport achievements, but I was still to fully appreciate just how special they could be as road cars. Ten years later I drove my friend’s ultimate evolution of his home-modified Escort, now packing…

The sight of my friend’s Ford Escort MkI – a hapless 1100 DeLuxe propelled by a Mexico-spec 1600 engine – squatting on its rear suspension, inside front wheel threatening to paw the air, has been etched on my memory since the few crazy days I spent chasing the 1986 RAC Rally around the country. It began my enlightenment to why these small family saloons attract such a passionate following. Of course, I was well aware of the Escort’s huge motor sport achievements, but I was still to fully appreciate just how special they could be as road cars. Ten years later I drove my friend’s ultimate evolution of his home-modified Escort, now packing 1.7 litres of Kent power and suspension modifications to match. It was a revelation, with a pure directness…

If you measure enthusiasm by how early someone turns up for an event, then Essex-based electrician Jim Hughes scores pretty highly for arriving a full 45 minutes ahead of our agreed start time at Bicester Heritage, now established as the epicentre of the British classic car industry. Then again, the car he’s set to drive today has always provided a great source of enthusiasm – from owners, journalists, and even the various professional racers who back in the Seventies chose to drive them on their days off. As you’ve doubtlessly already noted, today’s treat is a 911 2.7RS Touring, one of just 94 right-hand-drive examples originally sold in the UK. Even better, the Bahia Red car that’s been provided for us by Pendine Historic Cars is an unrestored 71,000-miler that’s…

[ The List ] Your dream drive made real ‘I feel like Steve McQueen’ Even from afar, Alfa enthusiast Jim Hughes showed an understanding of what makes a Carrera RS special, so we arranged for him to try one for real Words RUSS SMITH Photography XISCO FUSTER If you measure enthusiasm by how early someone turns up for an event, then Essex-based electrician Jim Hughes scores pretty highly for arriving a full 45 minutes ahead of our agreed start time at Bicester Heritage, now established as the epicentre of the British classic car industry. Then again, the car he’s set to drive today has always provided a great source of enthusiasm – from owners, journalists, and even the various professional racers who back in the Seventies…

JIM’S DREAM DRIVE LIST Porsche 911 2.7 RS ‘Daddy of all classic 911s that simply begs to be driven hard.’ Alfa Romeo GTA ‘I’ve admired these cars since seeing one dance round the track at the Goodwood Revival ten years ago and have seriously considered selling organs to fund one.’ Ferrari F40 ‘The love started when scanning posters in my local Athena and ever since I’ve wondered whether it lives up to its hero status.’ Renault 5 Turbo 1 ‘The original Turbo was just so epically bonkers and inspired great hot hatches from RenaultSport.’ Aston Martin DB4 ‘For me the best-looking Aston ever made and cool personified.’ Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 2 ‘The rally master and classic car legend that should be on everyone’s top ten list.’ Lancia Thema 8.32…

Porsche 911 2.7 RS ‘Daddy of all classic 911s that simply begs to be driven hard.’ Alfa Romeo GTA ‘I’ve admired these cars since seeing one dance round the track at the Goodwood Revival ten years ago and have seriously considered selling organs to fund one.’ Ferrari F40 ‘The love started when scanning posters in my local Athena and ever since I’ve wondered whether it lives up to its hero status.’ Renault 5 Turbo 1 ‘The original Turbo was just so epically bonkers and inspired great hot hatches from RenaultSport.’ Aston Martin DB4 ‘For me the best-looking Aston ever made and cool personified.’ Lancia Delta Integrale Evo 2 ‘The rally master and classic car legend that should be on everyone’s top ten list.’ Lancia Thema 8.32 ‘I’ve always been a big fan of the sleeper car and have been very tempted by one…