Escort / Cortina based component cars
Discussion
Sorry too much info but this came to me while changing the bairns nappy...
Been fancying a Cortina Mk 1 or 2 or a Mk 1 Escort for a while now but a) they are getting damn expensive and b) the were rot boxes in the 60's and 70's so what chance now so, and here comes the thought;
What kit cars were manufactured using these as a basis that were used in competition and could be practical everyday vehicles.
My own list is pretty short:
Darrian/Davrian (some but most imp based and no rear seats)
Some Magenta (but most BL based, not the prettiest)
Marcos (no rear seats)
Been fancying a Cortina Mk 1 or 2 or a Mk 1 Escort for a while now but a) they are getting damn expensive and b) the were rot boxes in the 60's and 70's so what chance now so, and here comes the thought;
What kit cars were manufactured using these as a basis that were used in competition and could be practical everyday vehicles.
My own list is pretty short:
Darrian/Davrian (some but most imp based and no rear seats)
Some Magenta (but most BL based, not the prettiest)
Marcos (no rear seats)
Don't know of any kit cars using the Mk1/2 Cortina as a base, but a few did use the Mk1/2 Escort, including Dutton and Rickman '4x4 look' models.
These were certainly practical and could be used everyday, but hardly competition material.
Any Escort based cars that were used for competition are the basic 'Seven' types or full bodied versions of same - Duttons, Silva Striker, Fury.
Can't think of anything that really meets your criteria.
These were certainly practical and could be used everyday, but hardly competition material.
Any Escort based cars that were used for competition are the basic 'Seven' types or full bodied versions of same - Duttons, Silva Striker, Fury.
Can't think of anything that really meets your criteria.
The Sylva Striker was Escort MK 2 based and has been known to win the occasional race or two. 
I think your problem lies not with the Escort/Cortina base, but with the concept of a car that is practical for daily use also being competitive in racing. The bottom line is that most forms of competition have become so... ahem... competitive that suitable cars would be a bit extreme for daily driving.
For example, my Sylva Clubmans (Escort engine and axle, albeit with Sierra 5 speed box and Chevette front uprights) was built as a competitive 750MC race car, but would you really want to tolerate no windscreen or weather gear and an engine that won't pull cleanly below 3,500 revs on the commute to work on a wet February morning? De-tune the engine and fit a windscreen, heater, comfy seat and weather gear and it becomes a reasonable proposition on the road, but you'd be lucky to finish a motor race on the same lap as the 'proper' racers.
I think your problem lies not with the Escort/Cortina base, but with the concept of a car that is practical for daily use also being competitive in racing. The bottom line is that most forms of competition have become so... ahem... competitive that suitable cars would be a bit extreme for daily driving.
For example, my Sylva Clubmans (Escort engine and axle, albeit with Sierra 5 speed box and Chevette front uprights) was built as a competitive 750MC race car, but would you really want to tolerate no windscreen or weather gear and an engine that won't pull cleanly below 3,500 revs on the commute to work on a wet February morning? De-tune the engine and fit a windscreen, heater, comfy seat and weather gear and it becomes a reasonable proposition on the road, but you'd be lucky to finish a motor race on the same lap as the 'proper' racers.
Yes, Sam get your point.
Dutton Sierra I remember them, a mate had a pick up one for a while. Another friend had a Rickman Ranger.
Agree too most went into seven type vehicles
A Ginetta (27??) used Cortina stuff
Wasn't thinking of going competitive now, was more down the lines of it was competitive once, when in its prime so to speak
Guess its got to be either practical or competitive now.
Was looking for the simple to repair mechanicals as much as anything I guess.
Cheers
Tony H
Dutton Sierra I remember them, a mate had a pick up one for a while. Another friend had a Rickman Ranger.
Agree too most went into seven type vehicles
A Ginetta (27??) used Cortina stuff
Wasn't thinking of going competitive now, was more down the lines of it was competitive once, when in its prime so to speak
Guess its got to be either practical or competitive now.
Was looking for the simple to repair mechanicals as much as anything I guess.
Cheers
Tony H
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