Gordon Murray's Restomod MK1 Escort Cosworth

Gordon Murray's Restomod MK1 Escort Cosworth. The man who brought the world the McLaren F1 supercar (and more recently the T50 and T33) has commissioned the build of his perfect mk1 Ford Escort. Using renowned restomodding workshop Retro Power, Gordon set out to create his perfect every day old Ford. Jonny not only gets taken out by Gordon in the car, but experiences the car himself.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
To read Jonny's blog and watch these videos earlier than public, why not become a Patreon member? / thelatebrakeshow
Thanks to Gordon Murray Automotive and Retro Power for their assistance in getting this film created.
***********
Merch shop: thelatebrakeshow.com/shop
******
Become a Patreon supporter: / thelatebrakeshow
******
Website: www.thelatebrakeshow.com
******
SUBSCRIBE for a broad-church of automotive appreciation spanning EV, classic, modified and future tech.
********
Filmed and edited by: Phil Vaughan Pritchard www.philvfilms.com/
Thumbnail by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
****************
Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
1:17 Meet Gordon
6:44 Driving with Gordon
11:38 Engine bay
21:17 Jonny drives
21:42 Interior design
30:06 Gordon's favourite aspect
31:22 Verdict and outro
#gordonmurray #mk1escort #thelatebrakeshow #4k

[@fantomas76]

We must give credit to Johnny to have made us see for the first time Professor Murray driving a car. This is an utter scoop!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

And what a pleasure it was. The man can pedal (as if we had any doubt). Next time hopefully on a track....

[@fantomas76]

@@TheLateBrakeShow and the same fact apparently led to Jonny Smith directly reply to my comment! What a day!

[@kalmmonke5037]

@@TheLateBrakeShow what if gordon murray auto and aptera made a 4 seater aptera

[@gavster023]

I’d agree with that ☝️

[@retropowercars]

Thank you Jonny for the great video! Didn't want anyone else to get this feature! (You are the only person other than myself and Gordon to ever drive it!) Thanks Gordon for being such a great customer! And huge thanks to the viewers for all your support!!

[@regfenster]

You don't have to thanks us, we keep coming back for the amazing content and stunningly realised cars you lads build, Retropower builds are some of the finest anywhere on the planet.

[@jameslewis8227]

This video was a real treat.

[@m3procar]

Your videos on this build stand out from the rest, because of all the details and thinking that went into it and which we were able to witness on your channel. More please on single build instead of videos of all the cars showing just small changes.

[@martinweston8147]

That’s about as good a testimony you could ever wish for.

[@afroaliens]

if anyone deserve the support it`s you guys Retropowercars!

[@fishbert17]

I am pretty certain that cars like this are more satisfying and fun to drive on public roads than any supercar

[@e28forever30]

I fully agree!

[@RSMK-yc9nf]

Couldn't agree more.

[@alxgu198]

Definitely. I think that’s also true of almost any ‘regular’ car.

[@breakshot7451]

this car checks all my boxes

[@michaelchamberlain879]

Mx5 gearboxes are stupendously satisfying combined with a lightened flywheel.

[@brianiswrong]

Can you imagine how overwhelming building a car for Gordon would be if you even do a quick 20min google search on Mr Murrays back catalogue, The fact that Gordon gives all the credit to retro power speaks volumes.

[@nickvegas8529]

My thought exactly!

[@simes205]

Watch the build video where they are talking / discussing suspension…..no pressure!

[@MrCukydoh]

retropower deserve the respect

[@TomHeavey]

Love how complimentary he is towards them, and how much credit he gives them. They must deserve it, but it's beautiful to see his generosity towards them. Gorgeous car, great work Johnny.

[@GB-vn1tf]

They did build it, who else would get credit?

[@dj_paultuk7052]

I watched every episode of this build. And still watch RetroPower weekly now. The design that went into this was beyond anything ive ever seen before. It really is Extreme.

[@sresto7943]

Finally we see the other side of the painting.

[@Jb001jb]

I tought the day would never come. Waiting for years to see the finished car

[@superchickensoup]

It's a mega build that's for sure and retropower is amazing. I also watch Project Binky they have been building a 2L Turbo 4x4 classic mini for 8 years now 🤯 the chassis engineering done is very extreme and well worth watching

[@mikesvwcorrado]

Same

[@huntingtreasure8855]

look at this kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5zbl5yAf7icn80

[@catmandoodoo7903]

This video is why I reckon this is the best auto channel on KZbin.

[@WilliamStevens007]

I couldn't agree more with your comment.

[@vector409]

easily

[@jbearmcdougall1646]

Love this car.. but a 2 year build with no cash flow issues is way too long.. gas Monkey would knock that out in a fortnight.

[@pauljackson6593]

Lol

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

Best automotive content, full stop :)

[@artfulcodger]

Gordon is a star. I just love the thought of someone proud of their bloated 200Hp hot hatch being thoroughly seen off by a mark 1 escort with what appears to be some nice old chap driving it.

[@mk1cortinatony395]

Love the fact that Gordon gives so much credit to the retropower guys. Very humble indeed. Nice one.

[@pervertt]

Imagine how intimidating it must have been to have Gordon Murray rock up as a customer ...

[@JakobusVdL]

Have you watched the Retro-Power build videos? They did most of the thinking to turn Murray's ideas into reality.

[@swississue8550]

My first car was a mk1 escort van in white. My dad put a 1.6 cc in it and threw me the keys before setting off to rebuild the runway on the Falkland islands. This is a very special half hour ! Thankyou ! Quite humbling i'm sure.

[@miketucker7466]

Gordon’s praise of retro power is a huge complement to them.

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Nothing better than watching Gordon at the wheel!

[@robbks]

I love Gordon's "serious face" when he floors it

[@2wheels6strings8]

I love how Gordon pulls the same face as every other person in the world does when showing off a car's power to a passenger.

[@alexbelmonte4581]

And leans forward in his seat like I do then feel stupid for doing so after.

[@davidelvy4788]

@@alexbelmonte4581 Millions of middle aged men sigh in relief. Followed by the involuntary glance in the rear view mirror….

[@simonwoodward438]

The right way to do a restro mod, not too much power and discrete looks, I love the way it looks simple and just enough, this fella Gordon should have a go a designing cars himself 😉 I'd love to see a Mk1 XR2 or Supersport done this way.

[@oldmanwillyboy2786]

Best car on the internet! Fantastic Restomod! My 1st car was a Mk1 Escort, with a 1600 Cosworth Twin-Cam, Roll Cage, Mini-Lite wheels etc............Cost me £600 in 1982........

[@Franface31]

One thing that I love from Gordon is that he seems like he's so approachable, very down to earth person, inspite of all his accomplishments he's made in life. I mean, watching him pulling through the gears of that Escort, it just puts a smile on your (and Jonny's) face.

[@tommarino69]

Cars like Gordon's Escort are so much more interesting to me than the latest "cutting edge" supercars. Restomods are where my money would go if I was wealthy enough. A BMW 3.0 CSL restomod with a similar philosophy to Gordon's Escort would be my dream car.

[@Shadowboost]

I would kill for a 3.0 CSL money no object restomod

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Totally with you on this. I have zero interest in the latest hypercar. It would be as much use to me as a tank. But a restomod like a singer 911 or alfaholic, I can daydream about.

[@aileronsintowind6835]

Agreed resto’s is where my heart falls. For me tho it would either be a Saab turbo 900 build or a MK1 Sierra cos worth

[@jwvandegronden]

Jonny, the ease with which you converse with your heroes is so impressive and inspiring! They are so at ease with you as well, acknowledging your role but most of all your level of expertise you clearly see Gordon enjoyed your response to all of his tidbits so important to him. Well done mate! I think I loved the interaction with him even more than the interaction with what clearly is a very desirable restomod of the Mk1 Escort. You are quite the homo universalis of this car corner of the interwebs!!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Jan, thank you. It was an honour to get the time with GM to download his mind on the car, but also to have his encouragement to drive it. Your comments are always welcomed on TLBS!

[@m3procar]

This is my favorite Mk1 Escort. I watched the complete build and couldn't wait for someone to drive it and give us an idea of what it's like to drive. So happy we finally have an idea. More please!

[@spyrosfr]

I was gonna comment of how beautiful this car is but my favorite part was actually seeing him drive it the way he did! Just lovely!

[@craigyirush3492]

Just when you thought Jonny’s videos couldn’t get any better … this is the perfect road car. I’m going to try GM’s 3rd gear test in my Elise tomorrow !

[@drewbuckley3702]

Cal, Nat and the team at @retropowercars are just the pinnacle of automotive obsession and understanding of tasteful design and engineering. Bravo.

[@ideasforu358]

Anything with Gordon is just pure gold.

[@johnbrown3951]

I would like to thank yourself for showing this film and to Mr Murray for creating in my eyes the most "Iconic" car that has ever existed and if my numbers came up I would buy one as my first purchase. It means so very much to me as it was my Dad's first car after coming back to Scotland from missionary work in West Africa and buying the 1st Mk1 Escort in North East Scotland. I was 5 and it made such a connection with me. I owned a 1.8 Si nearly had a RS2000 and drove an Escort Cosworth and been driven in one at 150 mph ( the fastest of any vehicle 2 or 4 wheels I have been in ). Now that I have lost my Dad that vehicle and his red bucket and yellow sponge on a Saturday afternoon listening to the football is the memory that will live forever in my mind. Simply thanks for the memory.

[@ilmelangolo]

I like this kind of british passion a lot; Cheers from Italy!

[@thefragglejack]

I've waited several years to see the outcome of Murray's Mk1. Thank you for filming this.

[@markellis796]

Gordon say's "what I didn't want was a hot rod, visually" although this is "not visually a hot rod" it is by definition most certainly a hot rod - an old car with up rated engine/running gear, and what a masterpiece it is.

[@jameskingston]

What a beautiful little thing

[@stu0508]

Loved seeing this car being made on Retropower. Absolute heroes and watch every single KZbin video they've done. Dream cars!

[@aDaWaN]

The passion shared between Gordon, Jonny and Retropower for a humble Escort is very pleasing to watch. Thank you all for the car and video.

[@alexandergreenfield91]

Is this quite possibly the best escort MK1 ever made.....I think it probably is. She's certainly the most tasteful. Bravo Gordon 👌🏼. If Singer did fords it would look just like this.

[@johnd296]

What a down to earth, knowledgeable and pleasant interviewee is Gordon Murray. A real pleasure to share his enjoyment of his craft

[@ole-martinlundefaret5876]

Very honourable that Gordon Murray gives such good credits to Retropower❤

[@klutchcustoms2428]

It's not often I 100% agree with all decisions on a resto mod or custom but that, to me, is perfect. Retro Power do some bloody good work.

[@alexcocking7288]

A great film about a great car for a genius made by brilliant craftsmen. A pleasure to watch this and to follow the #retropower films too. Thank you all.

[@TheDjcarlos67]

Gordon's list of changes to be made to the Escort remind me of the notes he made in the Mclaren F1 build process... very cool

[@joshuaknight1748]

He’s such a welcoming and open person isn’t he? And his passion comes through everything he says. Great vid Jonny.

[@hanstubben]

The Escort MK1 is the best super car! Even the 1.1 and 1.3L were brilliant. I was lucky to be alive when these were dirt cheap cars, I had 2 of them. Still it's the car that tops my list of cars that I want to drive. This Gordon Murray special is very well done! It says a lot that the man who made the McLaren F1 really enjoys the Mk1!

[@gdfggggg]

We had a 1.3 estate. My dad chucked a twin Webber on it and it was quite a bit faster, but thirsty. They were always rust buckets. I can still smell the vinyl.

[@anf2987]

Occasionally in the motoring world you see stuff like this and this is done to perfection.

[@bandidol200]

You have THE best job in the world. Being chauffeured around by GORDON MURRY in his hot Escort! What a nice guy he seems to be, one of the most accomplished and successful racing and road car designers that has ever been, and he just seems like an ordinary petrol head. Brilliant. 😎

[@Italanmo]

What an absolute masterpiece 👏 Kudos and massive thanks to Retropower for documenting the journey & high praise to Gordon for everything he has given the motoring world

[@Sinnistral]

I smiled the whole way through the video, just as I smiled the whole way through the build process at Retropower. Proper car, hewn from proper enthusiasm both from the builders, the owner and the channel. Massive hats off to you Jonny for bringing this one to us. For me, that little white car is pure, unadulterated, distilled want.

[@gezc16b]

Why this hasn’t got over a 1M views baffles me. One of the best engineered cars on the road, designed by the Prof himself.

[@ianwoods8593]

Gordon - what a legend!! Well done Johnny!

[@mikeormond7883]

Smashing it out the park with this content Johnny. Gordon is a national treasure 🇬🇧 ❤

[@tednruth453]

Which nationality? He's South African!

[@gustavoflorio5383]

​@@tednruth453 brits have a long history of stealing other countries' treasures 😅

[@stevemorris3710]

@@tednruth453 Born to scotch parents, so he's also British.

[@AndysWallace]

Incredible exploration of Gordon Murray's Mk1. Does make you hanker after one, but it would be hard knowing it couldn't match up to the version you had.a go in. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@jasonclary5072]

Great video, great memories my Mum's first car was a blue MK1, all the show, none of the go, school holiday trips to the coast with its rollback roof, wheels the wrong size, Speedo was a work of fiction 🥳

[@johnrowland9369]

Thanks Jonny for showing us around the completed mk1.These cars are a dream so long as there's a bit of power under the bonnet most of us petrol heads love them it's top of my list of owning a classic.I grew up helping find pinto engine's for them and the mk2 so we had more power and i loved it just like you could see this one growing on you though Gordon's is very special.

[@leeholden8658]

Brilliant seeing it finished. I watched it being built from part 1 on KZbin. The MK1 will always be my favourite car as it was the first one I watched on tv in the early 70’s on a Saturday being thrashed around the U.K. on the RAC Rally just an icon of the time

[@mikefpe]

Gordon seems like such a down to earth guy. I’d love to chat classic fords with him for hours on end. Great content as usual 👍🏻

[@woznaldo]

Love Johnny’s relaxed presenting style and I’ve always loved the Mk1 Escort. I live in Australia now and Mk1s are few and far between. The equivalent, and more popular, in Aus was the Datsun 1600 (510 everywhere else in the world). I managed to find a reasonable 510 and ran it with an 1800 for a few years. Now the old girl is getting a Honda K24A motor for an effortlessly fun car. Sub 900kg too! Probably won’t have the fit and finish of Cal, Nat and the crew at Retropower but, it will be mine and a whole lot of fun!

[@ImBarryScottCSS]

Brilliant thanks so much Jonny, I clicked this video so hard my mouse broke, thanks.

[@johnmoncrieff3034]

If Ford have any sense left in the boardroom they should commission this as a limited edition through Gordon & Retropower! This has been the culmination of a long term project by the best in the business. Gordon for the idea and his personal input, the work by Retropower and the presentation of the finished article by TLBS! well done all three!

[@LynGriffiths70]

I watched this car being built on here and always full of anticipation for the next episode ! This tops it off. 👍👍

[@allanwenzke749]

I have a MK2 escort from 1980. I bought it in 1998 as my first car. I would love to do that to it! I always wanted a 400hp sierra cosworth engine in mine. But now I am a bit older, I am with Gordon. Keep it simple! 250hp in 900kg is a seriously good power to weight ratio.

[@GT380man]

400 would be de trop, you’re right. It will make it a much more difficult & expensive build, and you’ve all the fun you can use on the road at 250. Power to weight is in the RS3 league, i would think.

[@resytechengineering753]

Gordon is a man of great taste. Nothing is overdone, it's just as it should be. lovely.

[@grayfool]

How would you fell if Mr Murray walked into your office and said "I want you to build me a car"? What a compliment and also a bit scary. Then, with him and the Retropower team, you know it's going to be something amazing. Brilliant job everyone and another excellent video Jonny.

[@jimspackman8527]

I can answer that! I took the call from him when he phoned Alfaholics. We talked about the cars for a bit and I asked him for his details so that my boss could call him to discuss build specifics. I nearly fell through the floor when he said "Gordon Murray". I asked him he was THE Gordon Murray and he replied "um, I suppose I am". I managed to stammer out "wow, I'm a big fan of your work" before mentally reviewing the last 30 minutes of conversation to see if I'd said anything stupid! Genuinely nice bloke and a pleasure to work with. And yes, we did build him a car!

[@grayfool]

@@jimspackman8527 OK, wow! I would probably have become a complete gibbering idiot. Full marks for sealing the deal.. I am also a huge fan of your work. P. S. Any free samples would be gratefully accepted. 😍

[@jimspackman8527]

Hopefully we'll see his Junior Zagato here!

[@Kolinu2]

Watched the build with RetroPower and wondered if it would ever be filmed on the road with Gordon. So pleased you did this Jonny,

[@MichaelCarmichael]

Restomod rather than supercar, hypercar or ultracar - every day of the week. Brilliant realisation of the Escort. Congratulations to all involved, and, of course, a hat-top to GM.

[@SeanChandler067]

That induction roar is one of the most glorious sounds ever created by mankind. I’ve changed my mind on where I’m going when I win the lottery. Singer can wait, I’m going to Retro Power!!

[@Lou-f]

Been waiting to hear gordon’s thought process on this car for a while, nice Jonny got to do it with fresh eyes. 👍 Glad to see the F1 money wasn’t wasted on the business 😁

[@robwalmsley4719]

Fantastic build by Retro Power. I had my '66 Mk1 Cortina GT media blasted by Retro Power with a view to them restoring it.. I ended up restoring the car with my Dad but totally agree that the lads at Retro Power really know their stuff.

[@jaypunga8233]

This was my first car when I was 15. Now I’m 53 and this video was so awesome to see. 😊

[@SergioGarcia-ge8nf]

Great video! Gordon Murray really love cars, you see how passionate is about driving mixing and Engineering. Top class.

[@964cuplove]

I love the fact that Gordon gives credit where credit is due…. regarding the rear suspension, the engine suggestion, the packaging of the engine bay AND the general abilities @ Retropower. Of course I followed the the build and though I’m not a crazy fan of these escorts I do love the result this must be the best one out there !!!

[@basilwatson1]

yup my feeling exactly !

[@robertpatrick3350]

That he calls the front struts ‘Chapman struts’ shows that he’s respectful of his peers.

[@andrewfraser4347]

Always enjoy listening to Gordon, and you too Jonny of course. Love the sound of the Cosworth, very reminiscent of the BDA Escorts. Good to see Gordon’s not afraid to give it a boot full !.

[@TheMase60]

I watched most of this build and the attention to detail was on a different level the rear suspension engineering work was brilliant.I love they hadn't modified the outside like a millennium youth with stupid wheels strips and spots.

[@stewartw.9151]

Always loved the Mk1 Escort, owned a few back in the 1970s. One of the most memorable drives though was in borrowed Mk1 which had the Cosworth BDA 2 litre engine. Took it on a 100 mile trip to the Lake District of England and return, over the Pennines with those twisty roads, hairpin bends and some very fast straight bits. This when the roads were not cluttered as today and the car just flew, bags of torque, lots of revs when needed and even without the major handling mods that Murray's car has, it managed the bends perfectly well. One of Ford's best in my book!

[@rennkafer13]

A beautiful build by Retropower (as though they do anything else) and it's lovely to see how much Gordon enjoys and appreciates the car. Also thought it was interesting that the Duckhams Special was parked behind it. That was one of Gordon's first designs and has a very interesting history. I was part of the team that restored it in the US in the early 2000's.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks Bill. More on that car in the next vid.

[@rennkafer13]

@@TheLateBrakeShow excellent, I'll watch for it!

[@funkyuk1]

Double dose of Retropower for a Sunday evening. Cheers Johnny. Nicely done ✅

[@markgadsby5568]

Love it. My first car was a white Escort Mk1 (1973) 1100 with these chrome hub caps. I put a 1300 Sport engine /gearbox in it and these Sport flared arches. Sold it in 1992 for £725… kinda wishing I hadn’t!

[@zesherman]

I mentioned this car in my postgraduate's final paper but didn't had the opportunity to see it in all this details. And on the road. Jesus, how it's good to know things like these are still able to exist somewhere in the world. I don't know how to thank you for being able to watch this. All of you, mr. Murray, Jonny and Retropower. Congratulations, you put a smile in my face that will remain for a long time.

[@danielsteyn7464]

This is great video Jonny. Well put together. And of course the almost perfect Mk1 Escort. Gordon knew what he wanted and we see that in the result. Thank you

[@russcooke5671]

Almost ??? What would you do to improve it. ????

[@danielsteyn7464]

@@russcooke5671 not me. But someone else could possibly find something to do different.

[@russcooke5671]

@@danielsteyn7464 I don’t think it can get any better. But what do I know.

[@danielsteyn7464]

@@russcooke5671 I think it's a great car. Best way to do a sleeper and a decent daily driver.

[@russcooke5671]

@@danielsteyn7464 it’s a great looking car. I don’t like the big bubble arches. They make it look like a fat bird in a mini skirt. No offence to fat birds.

[@cjp6527]

Absolutely brilliant. When Gordon mentioned about the Lotus Cortina, as his next figurative build, got me thinking how about a Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 2 door, that would be awesome...😎 Another top drawer episode, thanks Jonny and TLBS team.

[@colinsmith7385]

2 door Sapphire?

[@cjp6527]

@@colinsmith7385 would be great, a bit like a modern classic tribute to the two door Lotus Cortina...👍🏻

[@Neale78]

😂

[@jryalls]

It was good of you to finally round off the Gordon Murray Escort build that Retropower never got round to doing.

[@s10lucky]

Just watched this again. Fantastic piece on an amazing car. So true about supercars vs classic too. I’d take that escort over pretty much any supercar. It’s nostalgic, basic and non offensive. Brilliant 👍

[@KnowPorcelain1]

Great content, got to love GM, it's the dream isn't it, retro and unassuming, with the mod cons, and drives how the owner wants it to on modern roads.

[@oneeleven9832]

Absolutely brilliant watched every episode on Retropower perfect collaboration 👍

[@richardserridge2767]

Absolutely beautiful motor... I love a mk1 escort on hubcapped steels. The only car there I'm envious of!

[@jamesmercer6733]

I heard of Gordon Murray from the F1 introduction. He is such an amazing gentleman. Thanks for letting us get to know him through this video. Rock on Mr. Murray!

[@09gearchange]

Excellent video Jonny. Incredibly inciteful. Wonderful interview with a living legend. Gordon seems to be a really cool character and maybe just maybe he will build that Avenger .

[@ciaranburke3243]

Fantastic build Johnny, Gordon Murray is such a cool guy 😀👍

[@jimmyolsenschannel6263]

My favourite Escort? An exact copy of Hannu Mikkola's rally car from the very late 1960s. I was 12 and one day, out of the blue, it went past the windows of the classroom of the school I went to. I was a big fan and I couldn't believe my eyes! It turned out later that the car was visiting in relation to an exhibition and was being tested by a car magazine. Later a friend and I went to said exhibition and found the car there. We had to try the doors, and it turned out they were unlocked! So we got in and sat for a while turning the steering wheel and reaching our feet for the pedals until the attendants came and threw us out, of course!

[@kennedysingh3916]

Watched from Jamaica and my perents use to own a 1968 1100 super Ford Escort. It was not fast but still fun and very relieble.

[@FlashBastd]

Made me think MST could take some ideas from this lovely thing. Great video, thank you!

[@GazzaView123]

Great episode, Jonny! I followed the build over on Retropower & it's hard to believe that the build started two years ago. Blimey!

[@jonmarsden1366]

The build ended two years ago!

[@mertronael]

What I love about his collection the most is, they are all so modest. Nothing is flashy. Like with this car for example, he could've put those flashy sport wheels they used back in the day. But no, he kept the original wheels with hubcaps. He never goes flashy, even with his new cars. They are so elegant and pure. We needed him in the automotive scene badly. He is prioritizing everything that really matters and actually left behind the mainstream manufacturers. Lightness, the essence of driving/feeling, classy not-overdone styling... I respect this man so much.

[@stevemcrichards8768]

Ian Gordon Murray was an inspiration to me as a kid. I got "Driving Ambition" by: Doug Nye as a gift for my birthday and learned about who the man was and I knew I wanted to get into the automotive industry in some capacity. Gordon Murray's mindset for cars is a good reason why I find smaller cars that can be modified to make power and be as fast as much more expensive cars: lightweight, compact, packaging, nice driving position, nice gearchange and ergonomic interactions he takes all these things into great consideration to produce a car that is the best driving experience.

[@youtube-is-hopeless]

Lovely car owned and built by one of the greatest living engineers. The Cosworth connection is excellent. I was just considering selling my 1300 Sport, having watched this, I am not so sure now! Thanks Jonny and The Late Brake Show for showcasing the fruits of this build.

[@mjaymo]

Absolutely stunning build by @retropower and a great episode Johnny. Wonderful content as always sir.

[@adammccormack7494]

Wow so love the simplicity ..I to had a red escort MK1 1300 loved back in the day ...Thankyou Johnny

[@EDU4519Computing1]

Thanks Johnny. In Malta there was a craze for Mk1's during the 1970's and 1980's and most used to be fitted with 4-spoke Revolution aluminium and black spokes (I think they used to be 13" wheels) and they looked awesome on the Mk1. Ferrari red and an Alfa Romeo silencer completed the lot. Under the hood Weber 45's and K&N air filters and semi-racing cam or racing cam. Oh this has brought back some memories of my teen years. Thanks again.

[@tda2806]

When is Jonny going to spend a few days at Retropower?

[@GingerPiston]

The Retropower guys are going to be gutted - they’ve been promising a driving episode/update on this for ages, but just haven’t managed to get it scheduled. You just ninja your way in and beat them to it!

[@cliffordbody4516]

I was going to comment along the same lines another reason I'm not keen on Gordon I really dont see all this hero worship retro power never got there episode 17 or at least weren't going to untill Gordon is reminded

[@Jonsson474]

Omg! The car of my dreams. I’ve been thinking bout a mk1 like that for a very long time. It’s just perfect.

[@murrieteacher]

A car from my youth! I am 77 years old and when the Escort Twin came out I was racing a Mk1 Lotus Cortina. The local Ford dealer called me up to say there was a twin cam Lotus that the Ford company rep had and would I like to test it. That was the 1st car that I got in and put through some special dirt tracks out the back a small QLD (Australia) town with the Ford rep beside me that did what I wanted it to do. Thank you Jonny for the memories of that rep reaching for his seat belt half way through the drive. And Gordon drives like an old race driver... accurate, firm shifts up and down and car placement. Notice he doesn't turn to talk to you much, eyes on the road.

[@scottaubrey8392]

Anyone else wondering how much it must’ve cost??!! 😊

[@Twidile1]

Looks like a Escort 1100L . Shouldn't attract Hot Hatch nutters looking for a race .

[@1chish]

FunFact: The front split bumpers that are possibly the Twin Cam's and the RS1600's biggest styling cues were originally taken from the rear of a production Ford 307E Anglia van. Good old Ford raiding parts bins. And did you know ....... 🤭🤭

[@koolkar55]

Watched the build on Retro Power & what an amazing car. Gordon Murray, Such a nice man. Great video. Billy J.... Queensland, Australia.