Motorsport Tools Blog

The jigs for the new Escort mk1 bodyshells have now been done and assembly of the first mk1 bodyshell has started. Working with Magnum Car Panels, supplying all new manufactured panels for the build, we should see the first bodyshell completed next month.
We are just waiting for the front A pillar section and the roof gutter to complete the build assembly.
The plan is to build and offer these shells in various stages, including a base shell, type-49 and full race/rally spec with weld in cages, bubble arches, 5 linked etc.
We will also be building the Mk1 Escorts as complete cars either rally spec or fast road on new reg plates.
The first complete car will be built this year, we have yet to decide on the engine, could be Duratec, BDG or even Millington...

New Escort Mk1 bodyshells coming soon from Motorsport-Tools. We now have all the panels required to build a complete new Mk1 shell and are currently developing jigs to assemble the shells in various specification; standard, type-49 and Group-4. Un-arched or bubble arched.

The first shell should be available early 2020 and we are taking pre-orders on a first come first served basis. We will also have a limited supply of kits available.

Please contact us for more info

We had a totally amazing day yesterday on the first ever closed road rally in Wales, was great to be part of the event which was very well run from start to finish, a big well done to the organizing team!

Unfortunately we had to retire after stage 6 with electrical problems, but we really enjoyed the stages, cant wait for next year.

Congratulations to Osian on the win!
Thanks to Dorian for co-driving.
Thanks to George, Rhys & Russ for service.
And thanks to the organizers and all the marshal's for making it happen.

(Thanks to Tudor Evans for photos)

Quick update on the New Escort Mk2 project, in association with our partners Great British Sports Cars.

Some behind the scenes R&D going on with various aspects of the build, including power distribution electrical system and power steering assembly that needs a collapsible element for IVA.

Most parts are now ready for dry fitting including the new Duratec 2.5L engine and matching 6-speed gearbox.

More updates and details coming over the next few weeks.

Next stop New Zealand!
Complete New Escort Mk2 Group-4 in kit form being loaded today on to shipping container. Complete Group-4 spec mk2 with all parts to complete the build (less engine) on its way to New Zealand.
First of many...watch this space.

Here we have another All New Escort Mk2 Group4 spec rolling shell, ready for customer collection later this month. 
More new shells coming in over the next couple of months, full range of parts also available from stock to complete the build.

Some exciting news today! We have partnered up with GBS (Great British Sports Cars) to develop the new MK2 Escort’s as new registered road cars.

These will be brand new cars on current registration plates and we will be working closely with GBS on the development to meet the IVA test requirements.

The all new Mk2 Escort’s will be based on a group-4 spec bodyshell, powered by a brand new Ford supplied 2.5L Duratec on ATR billet throttle bodies & Life ECU. Mazda 6-speed gearbox, Atlas axle, AP Racing brakes, Bilstein coilovers etc.

They will be supplied as complete road going cars or in kit form, and can easily be converted to a rally car if required,

More news on the red prototype MK2 over the next few months

First rally of 2019 in NLC, at Harlech Stages, our local single venue event held at Llanbedr airfield, North Wales, a great venue with some very fast stages, organised by the Harlech and District Motor club.

All went well without any issues with the car all day, only tyre changes and refueling required at service, a very enjoyable days rallying. We finished 4th overall and 1st in class so a good day all round, with excellent weather.

Image: Colin Matthews Photography

Image:Darren Wheatley Photography

The Escort Mk2 back at HQ in one piece 

Congratulations to the overall winners, Wil and Llion Owen, local crwe in a very quick Escort Mk2 powered by the ultimate Series 2+ Millington Diamond 2.5L engine

All new Escort Mk2, everything you see here is 100% brand new including the bodyshell:
So we finally got the suspension, steering and axle parts on the to shell so that we could fit the nice shiny gold Minilite wheels, and I must say its looking amazing! The deep red colour works so well with the gold Minilites. Parts fitted are basically top quality full Group-4 components from Rix Engineering and Bilstein, we have not yes decided the final spec, as in engine, gearbox etc, but its looking like a 2.5L Duratec and a 6 speed Mazda gearbox, and possibly built as a Group-4 fast road car on a 19 plate :)

Group-4 Rix Engineering struts with Bilstein tarmac inserts. 2.25" adjustable height coilover springs, alloy spherical bearing top mounts, in-situ adjustable bottom arms, 2.4 turns steering rack on Rix cross member base, engine will be chassis mounted.

Fully floating atlas axle casing (no diff or brakes fitted yet) twin taper bearing alloy hubs, Group-4 studs and alloy brace fitted.  4 link system with watts linkage via rear alloy diff casing. Bilstein turreted coilovers, 2.25" adjustable height coilover springs.

Manual steering for now: New steering column on billet alloy steering wheel boss. Motamec 3 spoke, suede rally steering wheel

Here we go, on its wheels: 8x13 genuine Minilite wheels, group-4 fitting, powder coated gold colour. Tyres are Kumho 215/50R13, an ideal size for the Escort Mk2 alloy tarmac arches
Full range of parts fitted to the Escort can be found here

Just back from a fresh coat of epoxy all white primer following its full group-4 fabrication by Meirion Evans at Wales Motorsport Fabrications. FIA Historic Escort Mk2 bodyshell, weld in cage, fully dry built, can be supplied fully painted to customer colour scheme, inside and out.
Price: £16,500 + VAT