Jon Betts MK1 Escort Sprint/Trackday

[Jon]

Most of you will know my car from the pages of Classic Ford and down at Retro Motorsport where most of the work has been carried out. I will update with more details and a full tech spec ASAP but I'm just off to finish my Christmas shopping!

[PIG]

very nice

[Ratters]

That's a cracker

[tezscort]

Looks awesome mate.

[Clint]

It looks the nuts Jon

[FOSSIE]

That's one saucy motor.

Having seen it in the flesh, i can safely say the paint finish is every bit as good as it looks in the pictures.

Any chance of some pictures under the back Jon? popcorn:

[Jon]

Having owned a number, well loads of modified cars from Lowriders and Kustoms to V8 Yanks and Mini’s I decided to build a MK1 Escort taking my main influence from the V6 SuperSpeed Escorts. The plan was to fit an Essex V6, Panhard rod, anti tramp bars and keep everything very subtle but then I spoke to Gary at Retro Motorsport, and well you can see what happened! I have tried to build a very period looking race car, but have stuck with the Essex regardless of the ‘it won’t handle’ comments. The engine is set quite far back and I think it will handle as well as any Escort, if not better. It maybe down on power compared to many of the Cossie/XE/Duratec cars but the Essex will provide plenty of torque and there’s loads of scope for further improvement as it’s fairly tame at the moment.
I owe a lot to Gary for the way the car has turned out and while I’ve tried to do as much as possible it just wouldn’t be like this if it wasn’t for him. I’ve still got to sort the windows, wiring, and propshaft out but I’m hoping to be getting it MOT’d in February then I plan to compete in the RAF MSC sprint series which is campaigned on various air bases close to where I live. It will be a case of drive to an event, maybe change wheels, compete then drive home.


Engine: 3100cc Essex V6, Kent fast road cam, 40DFAV carb, custom made tubular exhaust manifold, Aldon electronic ignition, 4-speed Capri gearbox, twin side pipes..
Suspension: Front Gaz coilovers, twin cam anti roll bar JEMS tubular cross member, quick rack, poly bushes, double width and anti dive kit. Rear Four bar, watts linkage, GAZ coilovers, poly bushes, Atlas axle, Fossie built LSD, Image 3-piece split rims, Toyo tyres.
Brakes: Hi-Spec front dics conversion, Retro Motorsport rear disc conversion, mechanical handbrake, bias pedal box.
Body/Interior: Steel bubble arches, bumper removed, modified 6-point Safety Devices roll cage, flocked dash top, Cobra bucket seats, roof mounted switch panel, Smiths gauges, Silver with black/green Castrol design by Central Blast Cleaning, removable towing eyes, safety cut-out box.
Thanks to: Retro Motorsport, Central Blast Cleaning, Janspeed, Fostec Engineering, Kent Cams, Safety Devices, Image Wheels, Toyo, Specialised Engines plus many others….

More pics to follow...

[Dom]

That looks really I'm liking that alot

[david_white]

Nice pics Jon, you could do that for a living

The car looks very nice and I'm sure you are very proud of it now its nearly done. Good to see something that looks and is a bit different too

Cant wait to here it rumble now

[andy]

[Jon]

[Bart2207]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWW

What a nice car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dom]

You might want to put some nuts on those link bars!!!!!!!!!!! What sort of power does the V6 put out? Any chance of a pic of the dash as I'm thinking of flocking mine but haven't seen what it looks like on a Mk1

[Tone]

now i like that luuuurrrrrvvvlly motor

[Kevmk2]

Looking good mate. I really liked it when i see it a couple of months ago.

[zoso11]

finked ive just jizzed!

[Mexiton]

thats looking lovely jon got much more to do m8

[Med]

waLLaAaHHhh~

[Broaders]

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[ludsonline]

Awsome Motor Jon, Big pat on the back to all involved

[2quick4u]

car looks the dogs nuts Jon its come out really well, and in the same colours I had in my mind for it (spooky)

well pleased for you m8

[Gmac]

Cool looking car

[ratman]

how cool is that very very nice

[Jon]

thanks chaps for the replies will post some more detailed pics soon but the car is under 6-inches of snow at the moment

[FOSSIE]

thanks chaps for the replies will post some more detailed pics soon but the car is under 6-inches of snow at the moment

What do you mean "under 6-inches of snow"? Why isn't it in an air conditioned garage?

[Jon]

I moved house about a year ago and got my first garage.....since then it has been converted into a utility room and office Now all I have is a nice hard standing area for three cars, hopeing to get a workshop in the new year though so I can store a few cars and maybe do some restoration work to pay the rent.....well thats the plan anyway

[Dave]

the car is under 6-inches of snow at the moment

I've never dared admit my 2 are parked outside.
I think I would build a new shed if I had one like yours Jon.

[Jon]

Something will get done in the new year, but want to look into a workshop thats come up for lease in my village first. Had planned to do a few jobs to the Escort and mini this week but the snow has put a damper on things but at least I'm catching up with some paperwork!

[Sideways]

Lovely looking car Jon and nice colour scheme too a real credit to all involved

cant wait to see this out on the tracks/shows

Cheers
Steve

[scrote]

yes yes

[Jon]

A few more for you...thanks for the comments

[ludsonline]

I can see from the pic that Gary is well chuffed with the outcome as much as you Jon

[Kevmk2]

Very nice Not long now

[NorthernBloke]

Looks excellent Jon

[Retromotorsport]

Did you have to put the cheeesy grin pic up :o

[Jon]

Did you have to put the cheeesy grin pic up :o

Sorry Yes, and when do the teeth have to go back

[Med]

MA MA SI TAAAaaa~

[Quarterless]

Stunning!!!!!
What radiator you using?

[Jon]

Mk1 Capri, managed to find a recon one from a shop that was having a clearout

[DaveWRC]

Looks great whats the name of that silver called?