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Old Skool Ford (OSF) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Witham Motorsport, bringing together decades of classic Ford passion and proven motorsport lubrication expertise to create a dedicated range of products designed specifically for iconic Ford engines. For anyone running a Pinto, Crossflow, Zetec, CVH, Cologne V6 or other classic Ford powerplant, choosing the right lubricant has never been more important. Modern oils are often formulated for today’s engines and emissions systems, making them less suited to the design, materials and operating characteristics of many classic cars’ power train. This new collaboration aims to bridge that gap. Witham Motorsport, part of the Witham Group – British manufacturers of lubricants and paints since 1921 – has built a respected reputation within motorsport, supplying high-performance lubricants to race teams, car clubs, competitors and specialist engineering businesses throughout the UK. Their technical expertise, extensive motorsport involvement and commitment to product development made them a natural fit for Old Skool Ford. The partnership was initiated through OSF member and journalist Mark Scott (aka VistaEstate), who had previously worked with Witham Group and experienced first-hand the company’s technical knowledge, customer support and product quality on his Mk1 Escort and Mk1 Cortina. From those initial discussions grew a shared vision: to create a lubricant range developed specifically with classic Ford enthusiasts in mind. The result is a new OSF-branded product range featuring specialist engine oils, gear oils, brake fluid and the trusted blue antifreeze long favoured by classic vehicle owners. Each product has been carefully selected and approved to meet the demands of classic Ford applications, whether you’re preserving a cherished show car, building a fast-road spec, campaigning a race car, or simply enjoying weekend drives. The range has been developed to provide optimum wear protection, thermal stability and reliable performance across a wide variety of classic Ford engines and drivetrains. By combining Witham Motorsport’s lubrication heritage with Old Skool Ford’s unrivalled understanding of the vehicles we all love, this new range delivers a dependable, technically sound solution that enthusiasts can trust both on the road and on the track. Exclusive Member Benefits As part of the partnership, OSF members can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on purchases made online or over the phone using the code: OSF01 The discount applies not only to the new OSF range but also across the entire Witham Group product portfolio, including lubricants, greases, paints, coatings, workshop products, cleaning solutions and rust prevention treatments. Richard Scarbrough, Director, Witham Motorsport commented: We are thrilled to be partnering with Old Skool Ford and supporting one of the UK’s most passionate and knowledgeable classic car communities. Whether members are restoring, maintaining or racing their vehicles, we look forward to providing the technical support and specialist products needed to keep these fantastic Fords performing at their best. Mark Scott, Old Skool Ford, commented: Old Skool Ford has always been about helping enthusiasts get the very best from their cars. Working with Witham Motorsport has allowed us to develop a product range that genuinely understands the needs of classic Ford owners. It’s not simply putting a logo on a can – it’s about providing products backed by real technical knowledge, motorsport experience and a genuine commitment to our community. We’re excited to bring these products and benefits to OSF members.

After 8mths off the road, Vista Estate is now back on the road and attended her first show at Scampston Steam Fair near Malton last weekend. It was a great event run by Outdoor Shows Ltd. As well as trade stands and rural displays there were classic trucks, fire engines, stationary engines and tractors along with tractor pulling which is mental ! She was joined by other Escorts to make a nice line up in the ring. Mk2 modified Escort Mk2 1600 Sport Mk3 1600i Mk3 series 1 RS Turbo. Outdoor Shows do a lot of events across the North and beyond. Check them out as attendance is free for classics (and cars too) 🤣

I had a nice drive to work today. How small my Cortina looks next to the modern cars 🚗 🤔

Eclectic mix.

Hi all, and admin. Thanks for letting me join and being part of some Old Skool Ford chat I'm lucky enough to own an Anglia, that was purchased early this year. She's been modified quite a bit and will list full spec in another post. Thanks admins for sorting out my stickers, they finally went on 100% perfect, phew....and they finish off the rear window nicely.

Back again with another MK1. Sold my Le Mans green Mexico rep back at the end of 2017, have missed it ever since, had a MK2 1600 Sport with a spanker of an engine in it but now back and the proud owner of a genuine AVO 1973 RS2000. Would love to know if anyone has any previous history or information about it.

Hi as a intro. I worked for two Ford dealers in Sydney NSW Australia from 78 through to mid 80'S prior to this was the kid coming in on the weekend washing/pre-delivering cars for these Ford dealers (Helps if you grandfather was one of the managers) During this time was picking up "specials" from the Sydney Homebush plant and then do the Dealer at Homebush prep area and then running in for predelivery. Mainly for Aust govt companies but also some "funnies" we would get put together. We used to pick up some cars direct from the plant, drive them 500-750km in one direction and then drive them back. So, they were delivered "Run-In". Then we would then do predelivery detail and Pickup/Drop off or trailer load the cars out. Cars/Vans/Utes/Trucks anything that ford Australia sold. My 1st Ford Drive car was a mid 79 yellow 4dr RS2000 with the Ford AVO parts in it (funny bits) and including A/C!! The car was a demo with all the Ford options ticked, it even had a tow bar. My 1st personal car was a 70 Orange Escort mk1 1300XL, then a 72 Blue Escort 1300XL with 1600 in it, then a MK2 2l Ghia, on from this was a couple of Ford Falcons, Cortinas, Lazers. Last year I have purchased a 0480 MK2 RS2000 4 Door in Orange (yes 4 Door) and 2 Months ago have a 0180 MK2 RS2000 2 Door in Red. The 4 door is complete, running with a mild cam pinto engine, extractors, Std Weber carb in it. It's a nice driving car reliable used to just putt about will cruise at 120kph. I have the matching no's engine under rebuild and pic of car attached. The 2 door is a rolling shell with matching numbers engine, Gearbox, Diff not interior ...yeap nothing ... bit of rust...it needs a full rebuild nut / bolt . I am currently gathering parts getting body prepped. Thanks for the admit .

Just arrived back home from the epic Scenic Car Tours adventure to 35th Circuit Historique de Laon. There were over 800 cars taking part. "Cortney" performed brilliantly thanks to The Witham Group oils and fluids and has now earned a rest and some TLC. We covered just shy of 1100miles which is amazing for a 58year old Mk1 Cortina 1500GT. Very proud of her! I was spotted at Eurotunnel in France by a Mk1 Cortina member Kev Stone 🤣. Read all about the adventure in the August edition of Retro Ford Magazine and see how this is one event not to be missed by classic car drivers and passengers. The camaraderie and stunning drives through the French countryside and closed road run round Historique Laon was a dream. Big thank you to all the Scenic Car Tours team James Wickenden and Oliver Breeden for inviting me along and Abbeyfields Insurance for sorting out my cover beforehand 👍. Get booking your trip for next year, you will regret not doing it!

As I'm getting (got) old, I decided to sell the Triumph and buy a sensible family hatchback. This arrived 3 weeks ago.

I have a Mk1 Escort Estate too. Vista Estate will be back on the road for this season 🤞

Christmas Day blast.

Well everyone, this year's NEC Classic Motor Show has finally kicked off. For OSFs 21st birthday we have really put on a show. Big thanks as always to @Rayand @stephens_xpack and of course all the fellow members bringing their car. So come on gang show us some support and get down to the stand 8-050. 20251106_155710.mp4

European Capri Post meeting Speyer Germany. The very last Speyer meeting ever, as the organisation has health issues so after 32 years the final. And a final it was with 419 Capri's from all over the world on display from mild to wild. Even an extremly rare Ferguson 4x4 Capri mk1 3000 was on display. That Capri is a wolf in sheeps cloth. I had walked by the whole day and I only saw a perfectly restored mk1. till someone pointed out that I should see the bottom. Fully independant suspension 4x4 as Ferguson made the street version back in the day. It seems Ferguson made 17 total of them, with three for rally purposes. Longest travel distance was 1560mile with a Capri to the event. I am attending this event since the first one when there where over 1500 Capri's on display. And as usual its a cabinet of curiosities. Capri's from an era when everything was possible and alowed to do so, and most owners still own them after decades. Proper Old SKool. Old Skool Ford was signed in for camping. Dutch Crew (JP, Linda & Michel) was there with two Capri's. And traveling with a Classic can be a challenge as we experianced. We left with our Liqui Moly Zakspeed 3.0 RS, got back home three hours later with a shot frontwheel bearing. Repacked all campstuff in our Mercury Capri who devloped a uge loss of power after 50 miles, so back home again. Checked evrything twice, couldn't find anything wrong as it was suddenly running perfectly so up to Speyer again. Usualy a 280 mile trip about 4 ½ hours, but it became a 620 mile trip in twelfe hours. But we got there with no fuzz. Glad we where there on the final Speyer meeting. It was one to remember.

A few years back I caught a guy under the car trying to plant one at the reservoir. Got a kick in the privates and the dog licked his face as a hello then he took off.

Good morning everyone I hope you are all doing well. Sorry I’ve been the most active on the forum in the past, this is something I would like to change, and I thought opening with some good news for you is a good way to start. I know that in the past, some of you have had issues with cover because you couldn't garage your classic, or simply because the premium rates weren't hitting the mark. I’m really pleased to announce that we have new rates and facilities designed with Old Skool Ford members in mind. If we haven’t been able to help you before, please give us a shout, we would love to see what we can do for you now. And for those who haven’t checked in with us yet don't miss out on your member discount! If you are an existing Abbeyfields customer, don’t worry we will make sure we offer you the best terms when your policy falls due for renewal. The team and I look forward to catching up with you all soon. Best wishes Jayne Call us on 0121 655 3420 or email info@abbeyfieldsinsurance.co.uk

Once again I have just renewed my multi car policy with Abbeyfields. They cover my daily Estate, Vista Estate and Cortney the Mk1 Cortina. As usual I do a bit of market testing beforehand and once again not only did Stuart at Abbeyfields come out on top price wise, the policy is very comprehensive and the customer service is outstanding. Some of you will know Vista Estate was damaged last year and Abbeyfields supported me all the way through the claim and repairs. Premiums didn't go up! I urge all OSF to give them a try. Thanks again Abbeyfields 👍

Priorities !!!….. i like your thinking … man after my own heart . Bolt tightening / loosening exercises are most important of course . 👍🏻👍🏻 then the raising and lowering of the elbow to enable drinking …🍺🍺🍺🍺🥃🥃🥃🍷🍷🍷

Good news, James, an auto box, necking knob on the steering wheel, incontinence knickers, sorted! (No need to thank me💕). If they think you're English, tell them you're from Yorkshire, They'll put you down as a moaner and give you a private room.😁 Or they just might just put you down...........😱

Update from James today. He's still in hospital and as well as the speech issues he describes, he has lost the use of one arm and is very worried he won't be allowed to drive again. "Hey everyone! Things are slow improving here typing this to you with my thumb and a dumbphone. My speech is still a bit slurred but when i first arrived they asked if i was Irish but now that as therapy I have to over articulate my speech and now think im from England now! (shocked when i tell them in the hospital I was born in!) I've spilt apple juice then chocolate pudding on my gown and now it looks like i pissed and shat myself!"

Here's a message from James in Australia, rallypack 2000. He is in hospital, with no Internet. Tell them i miss chatting and seeing all their wonderful cars and projects and what such a decent group of chaps you dont find anywhere else on the net and the world even accord83 jokes : 😃

My two car policy came up for renewal next month, and it looked too high. after much ringing around and internet buggeration I remembered Abbeyfields being on this site. I rang and got put through to Stuart, I saved £100. It was easy, I didn't get asked totally irrelevant questions, or pages of form filling, or have to sell a vital organ. Just a phone call, 6 pics per car and pay the money, bosh, done. Happy Days!

Great , I love that you hate the rotaries, but get to judge them😄 I just added a random photo of 2 of mine that are on the road, as it is sunny out today 😎

Long time member of the forum as I had wanted a Capri for the longest time. I had a few 1965 Mustangs in school and now are silly prices. I wanted a Capri for the longest time, but in 2024 I found a 1973 MK1 Capri then traded a Westfield Lotus 7 replica for a MK1 Escort estate. Since Escorts didn't come to the US till 1984 I never expected to own a MK1 Escort let a lone a fantastic estate. Through school until I could get my driving license I wanted an Anglia. There was a pair of 105e parked in a guy's side yard. I planned to try to buy one once I passed my driving test. I got to his house a week after I had my license and found that he sold the cars the week before! Forward to present day I now have a MK1 Escort estate and just procured a fantastic 1966 Anglia Deluxe project that has been off the road since 1972. The 1970 Escort was built in Genk, Belgium and sold new in Finland. It was brought into the US by the second owner and since passed through 4 other US owners till I got it. Original 1300 motor will be swapped for a 2.0 Pinto motor. I added four pot HiSpec calipers, Minilites and decals, otherwise it is stock. The '66 Anglia was built at Halewood in October of '66 with a 1200. I have a 1600GT motor I will put in it and contemplating Escort front suspension on it. I will lower it 2" and plan on VW Denim blue for the body and Fiat Celeste blue for the roof.

I used my van today, to take my lawn mower and strimmer round to a friend's house to cut his lawns. He's waiting for replacment knee's , and can't do much 😔

Beats my job title in 2000/01 "Butt Welder".... Yes, there were plenty of "waving your torch around" jokes...

You know Ford made just the "Ark" for you British guys

A postman had been delivering letters all day in pouring rain. By late afternoon he was soaked, muddy, and exhausted. He had just one final letter left, but unfortunately it was two miles down a narrow country lane. By the time he reached the house he looked like he’d been mud wrestling. He shut the garden gate, turned around… …and suddenly a massive Rottweiler jumped up, putting two huge paws on his chest. The postman froze. Just then a little old lady leaned out of the upstairs window and shouted, “Don’t worry, son! Just kick his balls!” The postman yelled back, “WHAT?!” She shouted again, “Kick his balls and he'll leave you alone! - he loves it” Now the postman was wearing heavy size-12 steel-toe boots, the proper military kind. So he took a step back and WHACK! — booted the dog square between the legs. The dog let out a terrible howl took a step back and growled angrily at the postie. The old lady screamed, “You’re in BIG trouble now!” The postman gasped, “Why?! You told me to kick his balls!” The old lady sighed and said, “I meant the squeaky ones on the lawn beside you!” 😆

A couple more pics taken during my road rally days. First pic is on the Altlas plant rally in Herefordshire in 1981 and second on the August Moon Rally 1982 (I think). Hope you like them.

A day out on Sunday, bloody freezing and going dark at 3 before she goes into hibernation. Just took some shots outside the house 😉

Went to pendine sands for the vhra racing great weekend spent all day Saturday in the pub as it was pouring down haha! Slight hiccup on the way down when brother got a puncture though! Kwik fit tried to tell us cars haven't used inner tubes in 20 odd years... Luckily some other hot rod good Samaritans came to the rescue with a new tube and a independent garage was more than happy to fit the tube for a tenner. Good job I was there as pit crew, it's amazing how much you can fit in a Cortina boot!

Small meeting in the Netherlands. Had about 77 Capri's on display. Capri's from United Kingdom, Poland, Gemany, Belgium and a few from the Netherlands. Meeting was next to the river Ijssel. Friday was wet, saturday had good weather.

Held at a school, well marshalled and no entry fee, instead they were collecting for charity via donations. Will go again. There were 2 Rally cars but I didn't take mobile phone photos of them. I'll upload some soon.

Slight cheat here as I was meeting Declan to collect some gearbox mounts lol She's an animal with a build Xe

I've been using Witham Oils in both my Mk1 Escort and Cortina now for over a year. The Cortina 1500GT has just come back from the Historique Classic de Laon, an 1100 mile round trip in 36 degrees heat and she performed brilliantly. Oil pressure great, coolant spot on, brakes and clutch retained feel, gearbox and axle smooth as silk. The Escort regularly tows our folding caravan to shows without issue as well as road runs and track parade laps. Witham knows about our cars, they develop oils especially for them, test them in their team cars and importantly they are a British Company with a long heritage. Give their products and product support service a try you won't be disappointed. If any of you have seen the Colin McCrae tribute Focus rally car owned by Dave Taylor at shows, he uses Witham Group Oils too. Your discount can be applied to all the products Witham Group do too! I plan to have a small stock at shows for members so if you want anything let me know. 😊

First show of the year. Even the rain held off which is very unusual for the frozen north. An eclectic bunch of motors for your perusal. The BMW was absolutely stunning. Car of the show. The pictures don’t do it justice.

Maybe the wanted section needs a try as I for one have so much stuff squirrelled away escort/pinto/random tuning stuff from over 35 years of ownership its on the verge of causing a divorce........fingers crossed 😀

Thanks for adding me, I’m into my 7th decade and still have the same passion for rear wheel drive escorts I had 55 years ago. Have a healthy mk1 van and I slightly disabled 13 gt that keep me tinkering .

Welcolm from a 75 year old newby. My wife quite often asks "anything planned for tomorrow" I always reply "wake up, anything else is a bonus. Phil.

Waking up without a pulse would be quite an achievement 😮

Are they the type that you lick and then feel very happy?

Car 1 or Car 2? How the experts can tell a pure-bred classic car from a fake: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/afe4d8bfeb176126

I was brought up on foot and a half lengths of railway sleeper stacked under the chassis rails, I have a variety of axle stands but always feel safer using big lumps of timber supporting the car when the stands are at their height limit, and you can use them on gravel. If there's a lot of pulling and pushing going on, and I'm stuck for space, I'll use stands but put some timber elsewhere under the car so I can't get trapped it the stands rock away. Car crush is not a pleasant way to expire, but it makes it easier to be delivered to the mortuary as you can be slipped under the door..............

Happy new year , 🍻 lets hope this year is a good one and we get more work done on our project cars and maybe get them back on the road too . regards Dave

RIP. Used to watch it every week (for obvious reasons).

I have too many scrapyard adventure stories to tell but not the time although one still gives me a constant reminder, I was climbing a stack of cars that were in rows 4 high using the old fashioned style door handles for footings, it was raining and my shoes were caked in the obligatory water/soil/oil mixture, I got to the top car gripping the door handle with my right hand when both feet slipped leaving me hanging by my right arm, I actually heard my shoulder pop out and had to lower myself down carefully left handed until I reached terra firma, a quick roll of arm saw the shoulder ‘clunk’ back in but it has been an aching nuisance ever since! Yes, items finding their way out of the scrapyard mysteriously without payment was a given! I’d had a run in with the bloke that ran the establishment, so was pretty cheeses off but my revenge was to source an identical front light for my Mk1 Mexico that was cracked from a DAF Daffodil 55, fitted down the front of my strides and a bit of breathing in saw me walk out and take my revenge! Happy days 😁

A guy who I went to school with bought a new Renault 4 after he got an inheretance from his gran. It had those folding "camping" chairs ... 2 years on and when he demonstrated how easy the seats could be taken out to a teacher he not only removed the passenger-seat but also a part of the floor, rotten away in 2 years 😮

My dad used to have a scrap yard in the 80s me and my mates used to drive anything that ran around the fields banger racing it was great and the best banger we couldn’t kill your never guess was a Renault 4 it went on like Ariston 😆

Took these pics today!! Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Wait until your next birthday is 70! I got in a conversation a vicar, which I ended by asking him, "If God is great, why did he design me with sealed for life joints instead of fitting my spine, knees, and elbows with grease nipples?" 🤣 The look on his face was priceless.

Every government mate, no matter what party, they all spout shit and say what people want to hear to get into power, and then, well, just make excuses why they cant deliver what they promised. Lying cheating bastards the lot of them