Classic Ford – August 2019

your projects: mk1 escort

The 2-litre Zetec was rebuilt in-house

and fitted up with throttle bodies.

What about the Cortina?

That’s my 1600E, which had the original Crossflow

rebuilt by the students last year. It’s a 1700 now with a

Vulcan head on 40s, and is running coil-overs

converted from the original struts, again by the

students. It’s been resprayed in a Fiat shade that’s

slighter lighter than the original Amber Gold, which

really jumps out. It’s a great car for going to meets

and runs out with the South London Retro Power

Crew (see March 2019 issue).

When the Escort is finished, will the next batch

of students get to do a classic Ford project,

as well?

Yes, we hope so. We’ve been talking with the

college and the principal, Jason Pemberton-Billing

about finding the funding to buy a Mk1 Cortina to

restore and build up next — but let’s get the Escort

finished first!

Carshalton College: https://carshalton.ac.uk

Mazda MX-5 gearbox swap was

all part of the students’ plan, too.

August 2019 11

The Escort is almost ready to hit the road, with the

wiring and interior to sort before it get an MoT.

“STUDENTS GET TO TRY THEIR HAND AT

EVERYTHING — EVEN TRIMMING THE SEATS”
Cortina 1600E had its Crossflow engine rebuilt by
the students last year — it’s now a 1700 on 40s.