The WTF Ford

WTF, but in the best possible way.

It’s often easy to think that we’ve seen it all, particularly with regards to the ‘scene’, which is often criticised for following a set recipe when it comes to building cars. Coincidentally, I heard a great alternate take on this from a friend at Players Classic in that it’s not that the scene is stale, but rather we’ve gotten really good at making any car look good. The scene has developed what’s pretty much a foolproof recipe. However, every now and then, someone comes along and decides to eat from a different menu.

This is one of those times.

2018 Players Classic Ford 100E Craig Searle for Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-2

On the very fringe of the Goodwood show grounds on Saturday was a light green Ford Prefect Popular 100E. Approached from the wrong angle, you would have been forgiven for thinking it to be a slammed retro ride, a common sight at Players Classic and other shows around the United Kingdom. The thing is, when you think retro Fords and performance, on this side of the Atlantic you think Escorts, Capris and Cortinas. You never think Popular. Never. I’m just glad that someone else did.

Approached from the right angle, there’s a conspicuous metal canister secured to the very front of the car. Consider it your first WTF moment.

As the bonnet is open and hinged at the front, you can’t immediately see what’s on show, but as you come around to the other side, you’re greeted with a large-bore exhaust exiting in front of the the driver’s side front wheel. My thoughts immediately turned to boost, and looking up and over the front fender, this suspicion was confirmed with the sight of a considerably large top-mounted turbocharger attached to a SOHC Ford Pinto peeking out from beneath the windshield line.

2018 Players Classic Ford 100E Craig Searle for Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-16

No doubt, space is at a premium in the tiny engine bay which has resulted in something akin to organised chaos. While it looks wild, it also looks considered in that there’s only one way everything fits in here, and we’re looking at it. In naturally aspirated form the Pinto isn’t renowned for making huge power numbers, but it is popular with the Ford crowd as it has both heritage and was the base for more potent engine designs further down the line. In particular, the Cosworth YB. While it’s anyone’s guess as to what power this car makes, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was over 450hp based purely on the size of the turbocharger and the addition of a water-methanol injection system. I’ve reached out to the owner for more details and will include them below if I hear back.

The interior is that of a fast road type build. It’s all business with regards to controls, temperature and pressure monitoring, while retaining a sense of luxury and charm with neatly upholstered leather seats and matching door cards. I can’t offer details on the suspension or brake setup, although I’d wager that an air ride system is employed, and I’m sure it stops well going by the quality of the rest of the build.

2018 Players Classic Ford 100E Craig Searle for Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-1
2018 Players Classic Ford 100E Craig Searle for Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-5
2018 Players Classic Ford 100E Craig Searle for Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-6
2018 Players Classic Ford 100E Craig Searle for Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-7
2018 Players Classic Ford 100E Craig Searle for Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-14
2018 Players Classic Ford 100E Craig Searle for Speedhunters by Paddy McGrath-13

I’m certainly aware that we’re only barely scratching the surface with this car, and that’s intentional as it leaves room for a more comprehensive feature somewhere down the line. That’s not to forget the equally impressive turbo Beetle that accompanied it around the grounds of Goodwood. For now, if you want more, you can keep up to date with the car on the owner’s Instagram account.

Paddy McGrath
Instagram: pmcgphotos
Twitter: pmcgphotos
paddy@speedhunters.com

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1

Incredible.

2

Where's his towel?

4

Haha, I couldn't help myself! Great build.

5

Looks like something you'd see in a Harry Potter movie.

6

Well, the Prefect was the predecessor to the Ford Anglia which featured in the Harry Potter movies, so there's a genuine link.

7

No way...talk about bizarre. This build is really something else. Might as well be from Hogwarts.

8
The poor French Carguy

This machine could be used as an example for the term "pocket rocket". A vintage, luxurious, well made pocket rocket. I'm really not a fan of the "slammed" style, but god I love builds like this. Anything can be a good build (for any kind of purpose) if you put the right amount of effort in it... And the owner went "maximum effort".

9

A friend knows the owner, I’ll pass it on!

Author10

Got in touch with him, full feature in the works!

11

art

12
Miles Hayler-MacMillan

Exhaust at the back too?

13

Looks to me that what he has up front is an exhaust cutout. Looks like probably a cable actuated cam connected to a lobe shaped valve plate inside that housing.

14

Well, off the top of my head I'm pretty sure exhausts in front of the front wheel aren't road legal in the UK and this has plates so I'm guessing there's a diverter?

15

Correct, exhausts have to exit behind the front axle. Not sure how he'd get on driving past plod with that!

16

Anyone know what wheels he is running?

17

this made my day, awesome car...

18

Great to see someone have imagination, an amazing car well done Craig

19

Very nice, its not a Prefect though, its a Popular, they never made a 2 door Prefect.

Author20

You're absolutely correct, and I referred to it as a Ford Pop all weekend. Why it became a Prefect when I sat down to write it? We'll never know.

22

That's awesome! Those seats way back from the original position remind me of a (6'5") friend who had a who had a Mini and took the front seat out and drove from the back seat!
This same friend had a Popular back in the 60's which he had cammed and tuned. The exterior was completely stock and his favourite pastime was embarrassing other Populars!

23

This thing is awesome. It's refreshing to see something that's completely different than most everything else out there.

24
Robert Shisler

So you stand around taking pictures but don't bother to ask the owner a single question? Why the second exhaust system out the back?

Author25
Paddy McGrath

Because I couldn't find him at the event, but have made contact with him since. If you had asked nicely, you might have got the answer. You'll have to wait for the full feature in future... :)

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