CLIVE WEST S1 RS TURBO
Clive’s stunning S1 RS Turbo looked immaculate in the sunshine – he’s clearly a man who likes to keep his Ford looking pristine. Under the bonnet is equally as spotless, but it wasn’t always that way. “I bought the car in December 2014 off a mate who had just bought himself another one,” Clive remembers, “I’d always wanted one when I was younger but could never afford one back then. So, when the chance came along now I took it.” Clive then slowly but surely put his stamp on things; little bits of faded or broken trim were replaced, new glass fitted, and he generally tinkered, making small but noticeable improvements.
“Then I started having a few issues with it starting from cold,” he says matter-of-factly, “after lots of diagnostic work and fault finding, my local Ford dealer – Tarnock Garage – pinpointed the problem as a S2 ECU as the main culprit, along with a few other little bits.” Like so many fast Fords, this S1 had been tuned at some point in the past, and now Clive’s on a mission to restore it to its original former glory. Another man who’s been very helpful in this quest is Mark Sargeant from Ford Parts R Us. As a Mk3 Escort specialist, and based just around the corner from Clive, he’s proved an invaluable source of knowledge and parts. “He even lent me a few different parts to try when we were diagnosing the starting issues,” remembers Clive.
With the CVH running sweetly again, Clive then turned his attention to the bodywork. A little bit of paint here and there – although you’d never tell – was all that was needed to get this S1 looking showroom fresh once again. But Clive’s not stopping there. “At the end of the summer it’ll be going back to Mark’s for a full underside resto,” he informs us.
For now, though, Clive is happy enjoying the show season and sunny days out with the family – his son Henry particularly enjoyed the Escort anniversary parade lap on track too! QUICK SPEC S1 RST, silicone hoses, stronger actuator, stainless exhaust, braided brake lines, uprated cooling