![A Final Look At Ford Fair](https://s3.amazonaws.com/speedhunters-wp-production/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/16190105/PMcG-Ford-Fair-15.jpg)
With only some spotlights remaining after this post, I’m pretty gutted to be wrapping up our Ford Fair coverage already. It only seems like a few weeks ago that I was finishing last year’s coverage and to think a year has passed by is quite terrifying. Rather than bore you with my inane ramblings, let’s cut to the chase shall we …
![PMcG Ford Fair-44](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-44.jpg)
The last post explored some of the more extreme builds and examples on offer at Ford Fair, but for this post I want to share with you the sort of cars that the Ford community is reknowned for.
![PMcG Ford Fair-43](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-43.jpg)
Every year a plethora of Series I and Series II Focus RS’ gather on the Silverstone infield. Rarely are two cars alike and it’s always interesting to identify the often small and subtle changes between each car.
![PMcG Ford Fair-42](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-42.jpg)
The Sierra RS Cosworth is ageing rather gracefully – it’s still one of the most menacing looking production cars I can think of.
![PMcG Ford Fair-41](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-41.jpg)
The more recent generations of Fiesta have started to show their potential too, both in the styling and tuning stakes.
![PMcG Ford Fair-40](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-40.jpg)
I think they have all the right ingredients to become a cult favourite.
![PMcG Ford Fair-39](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-39.jpg)
The cone nosed RS2000 MKII Escort is car that has really grown on me with age, especially when sat atop of wide RS wheels.
![PMcG Ford Fair-38](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-38.jpg)
The – almost – constant sunshine at Silverstone allowed drivers near perfect conditions to enjoy the GP circuit at maximum attack.
![PMcG Ford Fair-37](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-37.jpg)
There were quite a few cars present.
![PMcG Ford Fair-28](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-28.jpg)
It’s always nice to see a sense of humour on display.
![PMcG Ford Fair-27](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-27.jpg)
I’m sure Rod would have been fumbling for his wallet on the discovery of these Group 5 die casts.
![PMcG Ford Fair-36](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-36.jpg)
Although still relatively new to the market, the Series II Focus RS has a huge range of aftermarket parts and tuners at its disposal. I still need to drive one if anybody can help with that?
![PMcG Ford Fair-35](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-35.jpg)
James Nash was on site giving passenger runs in an RS Focus whilst his WTCC car was on static display at the Mountune stand.
![PMcG Ford Fair-34](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-34.jpg)
A brief shower of rain in the afternoon cooled things down a bit …
![PMcG Ford Fair-33](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-33.jpg)
… although this bare shell repainted Focus RS looked hot regardless. Every last nut and bolt has been repainted to create a car which I’m afraid to say that Ford missed a trick with. Although I don’t think Ford could have used Ferrari’s Rosso Corsa shade of red…
![PMcG Ford Fair-32](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-32.jpg)
The world needs more red Fords, this Sierra RS Cosworth on BBS RS is all the evidence that is needed.
![PMcG Ford Fair-30](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-30.jpg)
Sat inside one of the old pit garages was this pair of Sierra touring cars.
![PMcG Ford Fair-29](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-29.jpg)
Nearby was Gwyndaf Evans Group N winning Sierra Cosworth from many, many moons ago.
![PMcG Ford Fair-26](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-26.jpg)
It’s rare these days to see a matt wrapped car look so good.
![PMcG Ford Fair-25](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-25.jpg)
One of Ford’s all time best hatchbacks – the Fiesta XR2.
![PMcG Ford Fair-24](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-24.jpg)
We spotlighted this car last year but the owner now has a new build on the go, something we’ll be following with keen interest.
![PMcG Ford Fair-23](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-23.jpg)
A two wheel drive rolling road was available on the day to allow people to back up their BHP claims.
![PMcG Ford Fair-22](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-22.jpg)
This wide arched, genuine RS500 Cosworth stole my heart.
![PMcG Ford Fair-20](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-20.jpg)
The steel arches just make a tough car look tougher.
![PMcG Ford Fair-19](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-19.jpg)
It’s also the 6th ever RS500 Cosworth built!
![PMcG Ford Fair-13](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-13.jpg)
Although with this many RS500s on display, you’ve got to have something to stand out from the crowd.
![PMcG Ford Fair-16](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-16.jpg)
Orange accents work well with this white FRS.
![PMcG Ford Fair-12](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-12.jpg)
Very orange works well with this EsCos!
![PMcG Ford Fair-9](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-9.jpg)
There was plenty of movement in the paddock with cars coming and going from their pre booked track time.
![PMcG Ford Fair-8](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-8.jpg)
I’ve still not taken to the RS500 Focus, on the road in particular it just looks odd, rather than menacing.
![PMcG Ford Fair-6](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-6.jpg)
Lee Costello’s MKI Escort got a lot of attention in previous posts. In case you missed the discussion in the comments section, I got in touch with Simon Holmes from Classic Ford who told me this about the car:
“It was built in ’70s as a Supersaloon. It used to run a heavily worked 5.0 Rover V8 with quad down-draught carbs. The spec has changed a little since then engine wise but the current owner – Lee Costello is planning to bring it back up to scratch. It still made 380 bhp apparently though. It was actually Lee’s dad that built and raced the car originally all those years ago, so it’s come back round to the Costello family. Lee plans to race it again next year. ”
![PMcG Ford Fair-5](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-5.jpg)
You would want to be pretty certain which car was yours …
![PMcG Ford Fair-4](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-4.jpg)
I nearly made it to the end without mentioning the hugely under rated Ford Racing Puma. An exceptional car which is often overlooked.
![PMcG Ford Fair-3](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-3.jpg)
This Irish MKII Escort (Plate & Tax disc) stole a lot of looks. Keeping it simple and reaping the rewards.
![PMcG Ford Fair-106](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-1061.jpg)
Another stand out car which maintained this philosophy was the Harris Performance Pinto powered MKII Escort.
![PMcG Ford Fair-107](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-1071.jpg)
Not the Pinto power I’m sure our US readers are thinking of, rather the popular Ford Europe single overhead cam four cylinder unit utilising updraft Webbers.
![PMcG Ford Fair-1](http://speedhunters-wp-production.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PMcG-Ford-Fair-1.jpg)
I’ll leave you with another non-standard coloured Focus RS, I’ll be back tomorrow with the first of the spotlights from another amazing Ford Fair.
–
Paddy McGrath
paddy@dev.speedhunters.com
Ford Fair 2012 on Speedhunters
Phoaw! That teal MkII is awesome!
![:)](https://www.speedhunters.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Really hoping you have a feature lined up for that
Paddy, we had this talk last year: Have you not yet found an RS8?!
@Absolution I've still not seen one! The last post has two identical LS1 RWD Escort Cosworths but I've yet to come across a Focus variant over here. Maybe it's something to do with complications with the conversion on RHD cars?
"Not the Pinto power I’m sure our US readers are thinking of..." What other Pinto engine is there? AFAIK, the Ford Europe "Pinto" engine is so-called because it was exported to the U.S. for use in the Pinto. I used to own a U.S.-made Ranger, and few people believe me when I say it had a German-made engine (Cologne V6 4.0L) and a Japanese-made transmission (Mazda M5OD).
The Sierra RS Cosworth, Mark I and Mark II, the EsCos, the Focus RS and ST... All of these cars are why the Ford following in the US will never match the intensity and fanatic level of enthusiasts from across the pond.
Seriously, consider me one jealous yank. Especially that Sierra RS Cosworth, damn I wish we had those here...
My only question WHY can the U.S not get such amazing fords im always been a ford guy & loved the watch the sierra cosworth rally and cup cars race on internet videos i just wish america could experience some of the amazing fords or friends from across the pond know and love
i agree 1000% we need fast fords that ( aren't mustang's) here
Do someone knows what are the wheels on the 4th pic? on the Sierra Cosworth ? I am not sure if it's compomotive or speedline. I'd like to know the name I love this wheels. Need to put one set on my evo 2. :))))
@MarcelKoolkicksRobertson Right? Our Escorts and Pintos were giant piles of disaster!
Were there no Capris there?
@lonestranger Your absolutely right, I had a bit of a brain fart there. I thought that the US Ford Pinto only came with the Cologne V6, although it is a car I keep trying to remove from my memory.
It amazes me that there is a Ford Fair in England and not one stupid ass Mustang is there. I want to be part of that Ford crowd.
Love the MKI Focus RS
Love the MKI Focus RS
They're Compomotive MO6 as far as I know![:-)](https://www.speedhunters.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
WHERE da anglias AT! hahaha
I was lucky enough to go to Ford Fair last year (or maybe the year before) It was a great day, I will be back!
I was lucky enough to go to Ford Fair last year (or maybe the year before) It was a great day, I will be back!