JACK SMITH SAPPHIRE COSWORTH 4X4

We’ve met Jack smith before at one of the regular Squires Fordmeet events, where he often showed his Mk3 Fiesta RS Turbo. Modified to 200bhp, Jack spent years improving the Fiesta and finally getting to a stage he was happy with. But why is his Fiesta not here?

Jack explains, “I really liked the RS Turbo, but I always wanted a Sapphire Cosworth. I decided to make the change.”

Jack looked at three other examples before settling on this white 4x4, which benefited from still having original panels and glass, and no rust.

Jack says, “Unfortunately, after three weeks I blew the gearbox up. I had it rebuilt, and now it copes well with 365bhp.”

To achieve that power, the YB engine benefits from a T34 turbo, Siemens injectors, RS500-style intercooler, wastedspark conversion and a Pectel ECU board. The brakes remain original other than uprated discs and pads, but the suspension has been beefed up with the aid of Koni shocks and springs.

And that’s not to mention the anthracite Compomotive TH2 rims, which were always bound to look as hard as nails on this car.

Jack smiles, “I’m happy with how the car is now, but I might upgrade the callipers at some point. Owning and driving a Cosworth has so far proved to be just as much fun as I’d hoped.” We all knew it would be.

QUICK SPEC T34 turbo, Siemens injectors, RS500-style intercooler, Group A air filter, wasted-spark conversion, Pectel ECU board, Airtec intercooler, silicone hoses, Koni shocks and springs, uprated discs and pads, Compomotive TH2 17in wheels, tuned to 365bhp

Late-spec 4x4 with rare cloth Jack hoped no one noticed he’d trapped his watch strap in the window Jack says 365bhp is loads of fun

Sadly, we didn’t see this RS on track

Ultra-new-school is cool too “Watch this: when I lift my arm, the bonnet goes up”