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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) 🤣

Just like old skool should be 😁

Mk4 is a 1.6GL, mk5 is a 2.0GLS

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

Hi Kev. It’s fairly high spec but highlights are- 1961 105 with turbo’d st170 with fully forged wossener pistons and rods (353bhp at the wheels and 296 lbft torque) T5 cosworth gearbox with paddle clutch Haltec elite 1500+ ECU Haltec lc7 digital dash Shortened rear axle to fit 13x8 wheels Disc conversion all round with willwood calipers Linked rear axle with gaz gold shocks 18spline half shafts & 3.9 LSD Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So, popped along to a Saturday morning breakfast meet being put on by the West Sussex RS Owners club at Fuel Coffee House in Henfield. Only two classics, mine and a yellow MK2 RS2000 and a lot of newer stuff. Nice morning out and the people were all nice as well. Plus, unexpectedly, I won car of the month! Bonus!

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

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!

True @Ray. Both you and @stephens_xpack along with many others have put in an awful lot of work. I joined the clan 2 years ago and can vouch for Ray's comments about how much work it is starting in June. This year the organisers made it harder, even stopping RetroFord Magazine from promoting the show with us. But you can't keep a good gang down 👍. We need your support. As Kellye said its a great day out for the money. I heat you say its expensive but I bet you don't think twice about blowing £50 to £100 on a Saturday night. So come on, stop whingeing and support us this year. Yes we enjoy it but it does cost us time and money. We have new cars on stand this year with a couple of changes now. Vista Estate is being replaced with Mk1 Cortina 1500GT and newbie Rog is bringing his Mk2 RS2000. These will be alongside Malcolm Wilsons first rally car (owned by Neil), a stunning Alan Mann Replica (owned by Ian) and a fantastic Mk3 Cortina (owned by Paul). Remember the discount code is CCCNOV5846! Get your wallets out you miserable buggers! 🤣

Decided to match the bikes that the Escorts 😂

Are you calling James a convict? 😁

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 😀

I've been with Abbeyfields for 6 years now. The service is excellent, policy coverage bang on, price brilliant and if you are unfortunate to have a prang they are there with you to help. If you nothing else, give them a call. Over the years I've been with Adrian Flux, Lancaster, Footman James and Carole Nash. They have been good but have lost their way over the years and if something is slightly out of the ordinary don't want to know. I made the change, and included my modern daily car too and its been easy. Thanks Abbeyfields 👍

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 .

Waking up without a pulse would be quite an achievement 😮

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

First job was at a Ford subsidiary as a Precision tool maker apprentice. 1 Pound per hour for a 49 hr week. Hated every minute but good group of lads at college. Decided I didnt want to be stuck in a factory for the rest of my working life. Left as soon as I qualified and havent been near a lathe or milling machine since. Still got my old imperial Micromiter though and still know how to read it. No digital verniers in those days. Saved like mad through my three years and bought my first Ford. An RS2000 for £2995.00 only had 30k on it as it was only 3 years old. How times change.

I have a love for modern classics as well as old. 2x Subaru Impreza 2 door TypeR's Escort Cosworth. And my daily is a Range Rover Sport SVR... Yes I know, bring on the haters lol.

It is tan, hearing aid tan. Not sure the name, I'd have to see if the color is called out on the chassis tag.

Droop snoot Mexico anyone? Always dry stored

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).

Ah man, yes the good old days of risking life to take MK2 Escort bonnets off three cars high in the rain and (cough) finding bits in your tool box at home that you "forgot" to pay for.😁 Atkinson's in Wimbledon, Bridges in Crawley and some other ones in Mitcham who's names I cant remember. I can smell them now......

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

Thanks! Well E30s aren't generally that bad. Mine had a bit on the factory handling panels and that was about it 🙂. It was rather my follies that kept us occupied and the bank empty 😜 For parts a nice 1.6 711M-BA, two 40 DelOrtos and the Minilites are already here 🙂

Come on everyone, dust off those wallets and spend less than you do on a wheelnut sold through Ebay with the Ford tax. We need to see more of you this year as it's our 16th year at the NEC and the clubs 21st birthday 🎂 🥳

It's not even period correct...... as it has modern air in the tyres

Dreadful last night, my next door neighbour was shot over 200 times with an industrial upholstery gun. The Doctors at the hospital have said, he’s fully recovered. 🤣🤣🤣

You are bang on @stephens_xpack. Vista Estate still poorly, think it will be the debut for the 'Tina.

Unfortunately @Johnny Boy, editing the typo on here after you've posted doesn't also fix it on Facebook 😆 🤔 You can take laxatives to soften them up you know

We haven't had a joke for a while have we? Showing my political bias here but: Keir Starmer dies and stands in front of the pearly gates... Saint Peter says he will need to spend one day in hell. “It’s a requirement for people in your line of work,” he says. Scared of hell, Keir begins to try and charm Saint Peter into not going, but it’s no use. He drops him into the clouds, and the Keir falls in to Hell. He wakes up in a hotel room smelling bacon and hearing ocean waves crash. He opens his eyes to see a butler walking in with a Mai Tai, “Your drink, sir,” the butler says. “Who are you,” Keir says. “Satan!” He is too stunned to speak, so Satan fills the silence. “I know it's a shock, people expect the whole eternal misery, and really it’s just a lot of… what you would call, sins.” Satan hands over the Mai Tai, and the Keir hears his wife’s voice calling. He looks out the window to see his wife and all his best friends. The man realizes he looks and feels 20 again and runs outside with his drink. Surrounded by his friends and beautiful wife, he spends the day surfing, drinking, and catching up with everyone. The man and his wife, who haven’t seen each other in 6 years, talk and drink for hours before going to the room and making love like they did on their honeymoon. He is the happiest he’s ever been. And then he wakes up suddenly staring at the pearly gates again. Saint Peter starts, “Okay, what will it be?” “I can’t imagine there’s anything better than hell,” Keir says. “Well, heaven is the angels with gold wings, whole chorus singing and white robes thing,” St Peter says. “Ummmm… no, I’ll take Hell please,” responds Keir. “Yeah, that’s what people usually say,” Saint Peter says before dropping him again. Awakening to stifling darkness, distant screams pierce his ears. Flickering flames in the distance reveal tormented souls. A lightning flash exposes Satan beside him, wickedly grinning with a soldering iron and razor-wire. “Where’s my wife? Where are my friends and all the drinks?” Keir shouts in despair. Satan leans in, “Yesterday, we were campaigning. But now, you have just cast your vote. So now you know how the UK feels.”

Significant trip down memory lane this one, a huge amount of cars, the auto jumble is brilliant and reasonably priced, well it was last year for my steering wheel. Third show this year and a visit to Black Sabbath bridge, to pay homage to the late, great Ozzy. See ya there on the Friday. 🤘🏽

Thanks all, sounds like I'm not alone then. I'm going to get it out next week and kick it's head in. YKT

I like building the cars, then I like a good blast. I don't really go to shows. Back in the early 80's ,I had 3 Anglia's, 1 Anglia van, 2 Mk1 Escorts, a Transit camper, with a 2000e GT engine. Now I have a MK1 Cortina 2 door, Mk2 Escort van, Mk2 Cortina 2 door, Mk2 Escort Sport. I'm coming up to retirement, but I still love sideways around roundabouts, and racing anything , even if I know I can't beat them. 😆

The later Sierra ones were more common in the UK. You could even get a diesel one. We only got petrol pinto P100's , no V6 .