GRAFTERS: Mk2 Cortina
Your projects: With the Classic Ford Show calling, Tom Jackson is pulling out all the stops to get his updated Cortina Savage finished in time...
Savage-inspired Cosworth V6 project.
There’s nothing like setting yourself a deadline to get a car finished — just ask Tom Jackson. With the Classic Ford Show just a coupe of weeks away as this issue hits the shelves, Tom’s got his work cut out (literally) to get this Mk2 Cortina — complete with acres and acres of lovely patina — on the road and running with its new Savage-inspired running gear.
But if anyone can get a car finished in time, Tom can. He’s got previous with turning up at the show with a running and driving (usually Mk2 or Mk3 Fiesta-shaped) car completed just hours before — and powered by something slightly unusual like a SAAB turbo or even Citroen Saxo VTS powerplant. This time though, Tom’s keeping it strictly Blue Oval,
with his tribute to the legendary Essex V6-powered Savage Mk2 Cortinas built by Jeff Uren’s Race Proved outfit. Only Tom’s Mk2 will be powered by a 24-valve Cosworth V6, and as he reveals, dropping a BOA engine into the former 1300 Deluxe’s engine bay is proving remarkably straightforward — well, for someone like Tom who’s well versed in making up engine mounts and exhaust manifolds, anyway...
With the Fern Green Cortina’s bodywork in fantastic shape, Tom’s keen not to go overboard with this project and he’s well on the way to creating a patina-perfect sleeper — albeit wearing his now-trademark split-rims. We’re looking forward to seeing it burbling through Mallory Park’s gates on June 2...
Why a Mk2 Cortina,Tom?
I’d previously had one as a project that needed work. Too much as it turned out, as the more I dug, the worse it got — I was gutted and had to cut my losses. I had a couple of Escorts afterwards but they just didn’t tick the right boxes, so I started looking around for another Mk2.
Where did this one come from?
Belgium of all places. It was parked in a container which looked a bit dodgy, but the photos seemed to check out, so long story short, Ben Szanto and I jumped in a truck and 24 hours later it was in the UK.
Was it as good as it looked?
Yes, maybe even more so. It was complete right down to the original interior and the shell is really good. I had it up and running with the original 1300 but that didn’t stay in the car for long...
Was the plan always to fit a Cosworth V6?
No, I was initially going to fit a Lexus V8, but then I got offered good money for it, so sold it on. After that I was going to Pinto turbo it, then a SAAB turbo — even as far as getting this one in the engine bay — followed by a Vauxhall Red Top, but none of these seemed right. Then I thought a V6 would be more in keeping and when a friend in put a Cosworth BOA up for sale, I though it would be perfect to create an updated Savage tribute. We ended up bringing the engine home in the back of my girlfriend, Lauren’s Fiesta...
How hard was it to fit?
Actually, very easy — it’s a really nice fit in the Mk2 engine bay. I made up some mounts and have converted the front end to steering rack so the crossmember clears the sump, and I’ll fabricate some exhaust manifolds. What about the fuelling? In a perfect world I’d be able to buy some downdraught throttle bodies but in the meantime I’ll run the factory injection set-up on a standalone Canems ECU.
“THE COSWORTH 24-VALVE ENGINE IS PERFECT TO CREATE AN UPDATED CORTINA SAVAGE TRIBUTE”
Have you used the BOA’s autobox, too?
No, the engine’s going to be mated to a Mazda RX8 five-speed ’box using an adaptor plate. The gearbox fits quite well in the standard Series 2 tunnel — I’ve had to trim it a bit, but not too much.
And the rest of the running gear?
The front end is 2-litre Capri struts converted to coil-overs with Avo inserts, while the rear is Avo dampers. I’m keeping the original English axle for now, but will switch to an Atlas when funds allow.
Those wheels look familiar?
They were on my previous Mk2 initially, but ended up on my Sierra Estate which you did a Grafters feature on in the May 2018 issue. What are they? Compomotive FH500 three-piece split-rims, measuring 8.5x15 and they fit the Cortina a treat.
Are you going to touch the paintwork?
No, I think it would be a shame to ruin the patina. Once the car’s finished I’ll heavily buff and wax it, then leave it well alone. I’d like to keep the sleeper-ish look so will just run a subtle Cosworth badge under the Cortina script on the bootlid.
What about the interior?
It’s original black vinyl trim is in great shape apart from a small repair needed on the driver’s seat, so again I’m leaving it well alone.
When are you hoping to have the car finished?
The Classic Ford Show... you’ll know soon enough if I’ve made it! I’ve just bought another Sierra Estate to use as my daily, that I’m planning on bringing along to go on-track, too.
Anyone you’d like to thank for help so far?
Yes, Lauren for putting up with all the car stuff, Ben for helping me fetch the car, all my mates who’ve lent a hand, Avo (01604 708101, http:// avouk.com), and Dave at Canems.