So I post a lot here, comment on a lot of things and sell plenty. But what do I drive?
I have an original 1972 Escort 1300XL, 1 real owner (Granny) and 41,000 on the clock.

This is going to be restored back to original looks in terms of body work and interior, but have a killer drive train.
Currently in a panel shop and not due to emerge until at least Easter 2008.

Specs are

Engine
1600 711M block, bored to 1700cc, Formula Ford spec head (std valves), 10.0:1 compression, probably cast pistons, Kent BCF2 cam, twin 40 Dellortos, steel crank pulley, double row timing chain set, ARP bolts throughout, balanced, lightened, nitraded, etc etc. Rev limit 7,000 (power falls off at 6,500). Single valve springs, HV/HP oil pump, baffled & screened sump.

Clutch/box
7.5" heavy duty clutch & pressure plate. May go to 8" if required but not expecting to. Twin Cam-style 3 rail remote box, fitted with 2.92 gear ratio set. Capri gearset used so a cable clutch can be utilised (tricky, hey?)
Single piece HD driveshaft.

Diff.
Yum yum. Plate Salisbury LSD centre, 3.77 gears in correct Mark 1 Escort banjo housing (this took 12 months to find). Tramp rods.

Brakes.
Stock Capri struts with double-width anti-dive kit, 9" rear drums. Non-boosted dual line disc brake Ford master cylinder to clear side draughts. Braided brake hoses.

Rest of it
lowered 1 inch or so all over, totally stock interior (down to the original AM radio) but with 6 dial dash assembly.
6" RS 4 spokes (set of 5)
New round headlight grille
1/4 bumpers & correct brackets
Colour will be Ford Venom or Vixen red. Haven't decided which shade yet (they are slightly different)

It will be club registered so a weekend toy only. Hopefully it makes plenty of power and handles good.

At present I have only a few minor things to source like window rubbers, some seat trim and other annoying stuff. More a matter of actually buying it from suppliers than trying to find it. Once the shell returns it should be a matter of bolting all the juicy stuff back in and arcing it up.



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looks good mate

that diff center looks tough as!

Unreal project smcka Love the concept of keeping the interior original and then sticking the good bits underneath. Go the crossflow too!

Very nice mate.

Not sure about red though??

Loks like a great toy Stephen, keep the pics coming as it progresses

thanks for the comments.

Red is the colour, as its the same as my first car - a 1968 2 door Escort (incidentally, the same spec as this one, but Better).

Some shots just in from the panel beaters. In the paint shop this week. Yeehah!
I've gone with the colour Venom, which is a BA Falcon red.

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I like it That is definately one of the best reds ive seen. It will look fantastic when back together. Its reminding me of the Mann racing Escorts. The ones with the two tone gold and red.

Is it going to have a white roof? Or have they just not done that bit yet? I do like a white roof!

It's white wif primer at the moment, but in a week or two it will be red.

Just went and had a look at it. Made the front of my shorts stick out..[:x)]