It’s been a bit of a dream car for a while if I’m honest. I love its racing history and just how iconic it is. Everyone loves an Escort. Either someone had it as their first car or their mum or dad had one. Everyone I talk to has a story and it makes me feel so humble to now have my own story and history with it.
I bought it back on my 22nd birthday in 2018. Was a bit of a last minute look if I’m honest. I only found it maybe 4 days before I even got it but it was exactly what I was looking for. 2L pinto with a 4 speed manual and it being a 4 door. I always see people in 2 doors and I wanted something different. So once I got it I sat down with my dad and we started making a list, once we got digging it definitely grew by a few pages. It was extremely rough if I’m honest. My dad has rebuilt a few cars in his shed so it’s not his first rodeo, however it was my first. I’ve always helped him with his cars but this was my first so it’s a lot different when it’s actually your car and your money you’re spending. Also my dad had only ever done Fords with either windsors or Cleveland’s so a pinto was a bit different to what he knows. We had a workshop manual and I was in a few good Facebook groups and knew a few good mates with Escorts that gave me lots of advice.
Back in 2020 the engine came out and was off the for a good 18 months I think. It was during that time we did the massive overhaul and we even painted the engine bay and did a bit of body work in there just to fill in some factory holes and soften some areas.
5 years down the road and it’s basically done now. I’m yet to paint and it needs a little bit of body work in the guards and a new hood lining but right now I just want to drive it.

I wanted to turn it into a GS rally pack Escort but after getting in touch with Ford Australia it turned out to be a genuine one so I thought fantastic now I’m taking it back to its former glory. It’s been a car I’ve always wanted after seeing in books my dad owned. I’ve been slowly doing stuff to it since I got it. It’s basically a complete rebuild now, everything except paint. I’m yet to paint it but otherwise everything, nut and bolt complete rebuild. I wanted to make it standard but with a modern twist to make it a bit more driver friendly and a bit more power. It’s got twin 40mm side draft webers, street fire (MSD) electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, battery relocated in the boot, crow camshaft, Ford Sierra type 9 gear box (it use to have a 4 speed but it’s too loud on the highway, so I put a 5 speed in it from the UK), 3J Next gen limited slip diff, the whole interior has been re upholstered, sun roof because it doesn’t have air conditioning, we filled a few holes from factory and painted the engine bay Oxford white which is a late model Mustang colour. It will be that colour eventually.