Cafe racer question

zukebob wrote: The first thing I thought of when I read your question is rally cars. Probably dating myself but my first thought was of Austin Coopers and Ford Zodiaks modified for rally. Obviously a whole new breed of cars now. Never stayed up with the sport.

I must be old school but I think cars from the 50s and 60s should be restored to original condition but then again when Fired up Garage drop a massive crate engine into an old classic I love it. LOL I would just love an old Bronco or F100!!

Hmm classic American restomod yes please, I will have a 1950s dodge power waggon with a big Cummins in it thanks.

I have always fancied a Mk 3 Cortina with Cosworth running gear.

Oh yeah....the Cortina. That was one of the classics too.

Helijohn, you're bringing back memories. Restored a 55 Ford Crown Vic in my younger days. Factory two-tone blue and white using Imron paint. Put a 351 Cleveland engine with 4 bolt main and boss heads in it. Definitely not a rally car. Ended up giving it to my wife. Unfortunate since we divorced about 6 years later. From that experience (the car...not the divorce) I was really close to doing something very similar with the 55 Ford pickup you mention. VERY close. Sorry now I didn't.

And you are guilty of bringing back memories too 11/60. During that same period, an acquaintance of mine had, what I remember being, a 1948 power wagon that he was selling. That one I passed on since I was busy working mods on the 1976 40 series Land Cruiser that I bought brand new from the dealer.

Good times.

zukebob wrote: Oh yeah....the Cortina. That was one of the classics too.

Helijohn, you're bringing back memories. Restored a 55 Ford Crown Vic in my younger days. Factory two-tone blue and white using Imron paint. Put a 351 Cleveland engine with 4 bolt main and boss heads in it.

Very nice.
My all time favourite owned car had to be the twin cam Lotus Cortina with the RS2000 Escort second and in third place a Golf GTi but I have to confess today's cars are much better as transport.

I,ve had a few old cars, like daimler 2.5 v8 (1963) bmw 3000 (1970) , lotus (1978), golf (1988) etc.. But it got to the point where modern cars with pretty standard engines were just so much quicker, nicer to drive and better handling... well ok, we know nothing handles like a lotus!
But the rs2000, lotus cortina, and even the golf gti by today's standards are slow..
A 2.1 diesel is now doing 0-60 in 6.6 secs, over 150 mph and still 65+mpg... Plus every mod con you could desire. I know what i would rather be driving !