Goldmember
This is possibly the most famous of Four-door Mk2 Escorts, certainly in the world of old Fords. It has been a project car in Retro Ford Magazine for three years now and was used mainly by editor (and heir to the Morley Auto Services throne) Ben for trackdays and general messing around.
In November 2009, Ben discovered drifting and quickly threw himself into that. The car then developed at pace in order for Ben to expand his drifting ability and for Morleysport to try their own special modifications to turn a competent track day car into an agile and very well set-up drift car.
Once Ben achieved his British Drift Championship Pro-Licence, the car was then ripped apart and re-built in just three weeks in order to get him out in the 2010 season. Obviously the plan was to be competing in the Ford Capri known as “Project Skid Mark” but the decision was made to save that for the 2011 season and instead just get out there and have a go.
The Escort is now in finer form than ever, wearing fresh paintwork, fresh decals and many new additions to the spec list. You may have noticed that it now wears “Powered By Burton” livery and this is a very special engine indeed.
Whilst it may look like an ordinary 2.0 OHC Pinto, it is in fact Burton Power's first all alloy Pinto engine. Currently 2.2 in capacity, with Cosworth crankshaft, special steel con-rods, Accralite forged pistons inside an alloy block. The cylinder head is also alloy and features many improvements over the standard cast unit. Continuing the theme of trick parts are the AT-Power throttle bodies. These are revolutionary in design offering minimal airflow restriction thanks to their patented shaftless technology. These are controlled by a Gotech Engine management system supplied, fitted and mapped by Jamsport. The net result so-far is 220bhp and 200lb/ft of torque with plenty more to come as development continues.
The chassis of the car is very well sorted now featuring some very trick steering modifications, carried out by Morleysport, to give a lot more steering lock - something that is essential in drifting. Elsewhere on the chassis GAZ Gold dampers have been fitted to the front and rear, various goodies from GRP4 Fabrications and of course the rear end features a Milton A-Frame axle location kit. If this has got you thinking, Morleysport prides itself in having an extensive knowledge of car set-up thanks to many years in motorsport and can put together a package to suit any budget.
You can keep up with the latest news on the car, and the exploits of Ben, by reading Retro Ford Magazine every month.