SPECIALIST: Evans & Son Rally Spares

We check out the west Walesbased Escort specialists.

Nestled deep in the Pembrokeshire countryside, Haverfordwest is well placed for those who wish to take advantage of the best that south west Wales has to offer. Lush walks, stunning coastal views and that unmistakable sound of a Mk2 Escort going sideways at full chat. OK, that might not be the image the tourist board is aiming for, but it’s something every classic Ford fan will love.

This area is steeped in rallying history. It was the birthplace of Wales’ most successful rally driver, David Llewelin, and the base for the rather fine Mk2 Escort you can see in the pictures (driven by the prodigiously talented Gareth James in the Historics class). But Haverfordwest is also home - for the time being at least - to one of the UK’s most respected Mk1 and Mk2 rally spares specialists — Evans & Son Rally Spares.

These guys have made a real name for themselves, by offering quality brands and impeccable customer service, since the mail order business was formed by rally enthusiast, Ian Evans.

“I was working as a financial adviser and really wanted to do something else,” he explains. “Back in the mid-’90s I was competing in my own Group 4 Mk2 Escort and was always buying and selling bits to keep it on the road.” It turned out he had rather a knack for it and began selling parts to fellow competitors while still working full time at a bank. Things quickly progressed and the time came to hand in his notice and devote all of his time to his growing rally spares business. Now, turning your passion into your job is something that can be fraught with

challenges, but for Ian, it’s a decision that he’s never regretted, especially as Evans & Son has gone from strength to strength.

Initially based at home, Ian built up a strong client base with word-of-mouth referrals from the rally community. Having been immersed in this exciting scene for many years, he was a trusted figure and someone who knew what he was talking about. Although able to supply a wide range of classic parts, it’s the Mk1 and Mk2 Escort that Evans & Son has become synonymous with. “The place became a parts warehouse,” he laughs,

“I WAS RALLYING MY OWN MK2 ESCORT, AND WAS ALWAYS BUYING AND SELLING BITS TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. THAT’S HOW IT ALL STARTED”

“WE ACTUALLY PUT TOGETHER A MK2 ESCORT FOR A GUY IN NEW ZEALAND AND HAD IT SHIPPED OVER TO HIM”

as more and more orders flooded in. “My son, Matthew, joined me in the business around two years ago and we’ve been growing steadily since,” says Ian. The Evans & Son ethos is simple: provide quality parts and deliver fantastic customer service. With a huge stock of pretty much everything you could need for a road or rally-spec Mk1 or Mk2 Escort and fast delivery, they’ve helped to keep countless club drivers competing.

“One of our best sellers is the range of Atlas axles and we were sourcing between 120 and 140 Atlas centres each year, although they are now becoming harder to find,” says Ian. Brands stocked include Rix Engineering, Magnum Panels, GRP4 Fabrications, Faulkner Springs, Bilstein and many more.

World-wide

Although the UK makes up a large percentage of business, Evans & Son also ship worldwide and have customers across the globe. “We actually put together a Mk2 for a guy in New Zealand and then shipped it over to him,” says Ian. “The great thing abut this business is that you often end up becoming friends with customers and

we’re going to meet up with this chap when we head over there for a holiday later this year.”

It isn’t just new parts though. “We’re always on the lookout for Mk1 and Mk2 parts to buy — everything from individual bits, to full cars, barn finds, unfinished projects – you name it,” says Ian. A separate storage facility houses a plethora of classic Ford goodies, from genuine panels and doors, through to gearboxes, axles and much more. It’s also home to Ian’s van that’s earmarked for a full resto — just as soon as he gets some time to work on it. Talking of projects, Matthew is nearing completion of his own labour of love, a very tidy Mk2 Escort. The bare-shell rebuild will showcase the business and provide serious fun on the cracking roads around Haverfordwest.

So what does the future hold for Evans & Son Rally Spares? “We’re in the process of redeveloping our warehouse so we can hold more stock,” says Ian. The plan is to continue to offer great brands with excellent customer service and with next day UK delivery available, people can get the parts they need, fast. If you’re looking for quality Group 4 Escort parts, be sure to give them a shout.