I am currently considering a move to Australia from the UK and am getting known as one of the UK's best escort fabricators I would like to stay in the trade if it is possible.I would like to know if there is a company out there interested in employing someone like me or if there is anyone out there who would be interested in purchasing the cars that i build allowing me to start my own business over there.comparing to UK prices a shell in primer would have to fetch around $20,000 (depending on spec).I will attach a good sample of my work on a part finished car from last year.(wish I'd taken more photos back then)It does not give an accurate representation of the quality of welding due to the resolution but you can see that no project scares me.on this modified spec tarmac rally car much of the original paneling was removed for weight saving reasons.also raising the chassis rail to allow greater travel of the rear axle as it was originally designed to run on 17" wheels.It has a twin exhaust tunnel and a sunken spare wheel well for a lower COG.[img]uploaded/Torren/2009121971354_21012009018-1.jpg[/img]
[img]uploaded/Torren/200912197123_210120090141.jpg[/img]

Very nice work Torren. I don't know if starting a bussiness that exclusively deals with MK1/2 Escorts would bring a decent income on it's own. I'd be more incline to try and do it after hours as a part time thing (cash in hand even.. ). The Escort market is not as big as Europe, and it has dropped in popularity in Aus I believe. We used to have a company named Quicko Motorsport in Adelaide SA that catered for the Escort market untill a few years back when bussiness slowed and the doors have closed. The link below is of a car built by Quicko Motorsport. Note, the article is over 10 years old.

http://autospeed.com/cms/title_Bad-BDA/A_107968/article.html

I'd think working full time and putting your skills to use with an established race shop/fabricator, and Escort work part time would be better. Plenty of engineering/fabrication shops looking for quality skills like yours as there's not much of that type of skill available here. A big shortage in skilled workers in Aus at the moment. Oh, and Melbourne's east/south east is a good place to settle down if you do decide to immigrate.

I suppose that does make sense although i would like to make a name for myself with the Escorts because i do love them and with me only in my early 20's I believe i could achieve a lot before I'm 30 as its quite a small trade.I know that i can sell at least 2 shells now in the UK.And i am currently working on a car for one of the biggest names in motorsport for the safari rally which could bring me a following.The historic class I've noticed is taking off in a big way due to a class winning modified car now costing well over £100,000.With historic cars if it is maintained well it will almost certainly be worth more money each year. Ive been thinking also of supplying redesigned components to Australia and the UK.Items such as Adjustable TCAs x-members pedal boxes all fabrication really as i make everything custom to suit each car so it wouldn't be a problem to knock up a jig. The problem is that its difficult to do this on a small scale due to the machinery needed.
That Quicko motorsport car looks very clean although very basic.Its a shame that the company shut down.Did they out price the market? Or was there just no market there to begin with?
What sort of cars do you recomend i work with of there is not enough work to keep me going??

I have heard of a place in NZ that ONLY does mk1 Escorts, restos and race preps. every shell file finished 100%. can't think of there name atm, but might be worth looking into Torren

I am looking at coming over for small ford Sunday.unless anyone can recommend a larger show for ford Escorts.I am planning on taking a lot of pictures to build up a bit of a portfolio before i come over.So hopefully i will meet some of you then.

Hi Mate there are a few Guys out there that have shops that cater for Escorts. you can try EuroSpeed or KCF Rallysport. they both have Escort Fabrications. both Very good but not sure if they are looking for Staff :)

Torren,
Nice work, Im surte your skills are required down under. Unfiortunately the small ford scene is just that small. Most of out motorsport classes would not allow many of the modifications and our road rules generally exclude anything other than a set of alloys and an exhaust tip (Ok maybee a bit more) There is a big scene in restoration, where restored cars of all types fetch big money, but they are just pristine standard cars.
most of the guys using small cars in racing do so because they are cheap and they can do most oft he work themselves, there are of course exceptions, Im just not one of then nor are my mates.
There are many race car manufacturers and teams who would use your talents, finding them is of course the difficult part. Work for them and build my escort on the side at night!
PM Mark Cogan on here or RS motorsport he was/is in exactly the same position about 5-6 years ago, in brisvegas now
Good luck,

Justin Payne

Race car Engineering in Ringwood, Brisbane are chasing a fabricator.
was advertised on Dragster.com.au

Sean