Brads MK1 Escort Coupe

[MK12NV]

I had big dreams for a Ford theme.

And they're slowly - but surely - coming true!

I've always wanted to do a Targa Rally and this is the car that just does it for me.

I originally purchased this beauty of a 1972 MK1 Escort Coupe in 2005 as a runner for $100. What a buy! Sold the engine for $200 and had a 2.0L Pinto bored to 2.2L to put in it, with plans to move onto a newer YB Cosworth engine when I win Lotto.

First things first, I stripped her, got rid of the rust and she went for a swim in some acid to make sure that cancer never came back.

She went into the shop and got new floorpans, front panel, front wings, new doors and some other little bits done to ensure she lasts the distance. She has had the engine bay primed and painted, also the body has been primed. The roof lining has also been done, looks great.

Its had an FTA rollcage, done by Tim at TTT Performance here in Auckland.

Here she is in the current state:

She's been sitting round for a couple of years now so this has been a long term project, my original plans involved full Cosworth makeover. However these plans have since changed.

The 2.2L Pinto idea will be saved for another car, or sold (if anyone wants to make an offer!) and just recently I deviated from the Ford theme, I just want to get her on the road! I have purchased a Nissan Silvia SR20DET engine package for a reasonably good price and hope to have the heart beating and done in a year or so. I'll post a picture later if i get a chance. I'm currently looking for front and rear Nissan Silvia subframes, if anyone has any.

At first we were going with a solid Hilux rear axle and coilovers and have since changed path to a fully independant rear. This has lead to a relatively large investment in fabrication work, changing the rollcage, rear wheel wells etc.

Im going to England early in 2011 and will bring back some steel bubble arches. If I roll, bowl and arsehole the girl I dont want to have to replace fibreglass fakes, I would rather panelbeat the things.

Sticking as much as I can to an original Ford style RS2000 theme, I've been dreaming on painting her an original Ford MK1 colour, RS2000 decals with minilites.

I would welcome any support, suggestions and help from anyone interested

Cheers guys,

Brad

Pictures, will upload more at a later stage

New:

Stripped:

Acid Dipping:

Primed: