Mini light
Internally the Mk2 is modern racer stripped
and caged with ultra-lightweight (3.4 kg each) Tillett race seats. The
smoothed-off dash panel has a flocked top, a carbon-fiber dash pod which houses
the Race Technologies programmable Dash2 digital panel, and a center console is
fitted with aero-style light-up switches. A brilliant twist on the modern
classic theme is the indicator stalk fitted to the steering column that lights
up green on the tip just like many will remember classic Minis having. All the
electrics are fed by a one-off hidden loom and fuse box put together by Mark at
Bespoke Looms, who Frank is now a massive fan of, too.
Internally
the Mk2 is modern racer - stripped and caged with ultra-lightweight (3.4 kg
each) Tillett race seats
Finished in time for the 2013 show season,
there's going to be a lot of interest in Frank's Escort this summer. The Mk2's
classic shape with modern styling is a prime factor, but keeping it retro with
the Pinto is what makes this build extra special. And what a motor it is; is
this the best Harris Pinto yet? Who knows, and there's bound to be more to
come, but for now it has to be among the top ranks of any out there and Frank
is one happy classic Ford returnee.
Tech Spec
Body
1976 Mk2 Escort 1300L, Tarmac arches and
front spoiler, Group 4 large gearbox tunnel, strengthened strut tops, Group 4
strut brace. Fuel filler removed, large radiator cut-out. Custom Carbon
carbon-fiber front corner bumpers and rear bumper, boot spoiler C-pillar vent
strips, custom HPE-logo carbon stripe kit, new fixings throughout, re-zinc's
catches, PIAA clear-glass headlamps, clear front indicators, new clear glass
set, East Kent Trim rubbers, FORD grille, carbon-look number plates,
quick-release bonnet pins, boot spring catches with carbon-fiber protector
strips. Paint: Renault Clio RS Silver
1976
Mk2 Escort 1300L, Tarmac arches and front spoiler
Engine
HPE 2.1-liter Pinto, Accralite pistons,
H-section rods, HPE full-race head and cam, lightweight valve gear, steel
flywheel, twin Weber 48 DCOEs, HT Racing billet inlet manifold, Sytec linkage,
MSD Digital-6AL ignition, coil and engine management. HPE stainless-steel
exhaust manifold and system, HPE bolt-in core plug set, cam-chain tensioner,
toothed belt-drive kit, Rose-jointed alternator adjuster, braided fuel lines,
Facet fuel pump, Filter King fuel regulator, alloy race tank, Ralloy Group 4
radiator, Stant rad cap, SPAL electric cooling fan, Mocal oil breather/catch tank,
Samoa Sport hoses, WOSP starter motor. Power. 215bhp and 187 lb.ft
Transmission
Type-9 casing with BGH custom gear set, AP
Racing clutch, single-piece prop, English axle With Tran-X LSD, Quaife
two-piece half-shafts
Suspension
GAZ Gold CGA coil-overs (custom shortened),
GAZ adjustable top mounts with spherical roller-type bearings, GAZ rear
dampers, de-cambered leaf springs, 1-inch lowering blocks, World Cup cross
member, alloy hubs with Group 4 bearings, double-width anti-dive kit, Twin Cam
anti-roll bar, Rose-jointed TCAs, RS steering arms, quick rack, Rose-jointed
anti-tramp bars, poly bushed throughout
Brakes
Front six-pot Hi-Spec calipers on vented
discs, rear Hi-Spec calipers on solid discs, bias-pedal box, Tilton adjuster,
motorbike fluid reservoirs, hydro/much handbrake system
Wheels and Tires
Minilite 9x13 inch alloys with custom
offsets, 225/45R13 inch Toyo Proxes R888 tires
OMP
roll cage with extra X-bracing and harness bar
Interior
OMP roll cage with extra X-bracing and
harness bar. Tillett Racing carbon-fiber race seats on custom mounts. TRS
harnesses, Race Technologies Dash 2 digital dash, flocked dash top Custom
Carbon dash surround and center console. Home-made switch panel with aero-style
light-up switches, custom wiring loom and bulkhead-mounted fuse box, light-up
indicator stalk, alloy door and rear cards with carbon-fiber covers, smoothed
dash panel, OMP suede-rim wheel, skateboard grip front floor panels, rear
firewall, tank stand, Peter Lloyd Rallying carbon-fiber boot liner, home-made
boot side panels, race battery.
