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.....So what do your modded car-driving mates think then Dan?
"My mates like it cos it's a classic and it's clean. They like the front bumper. They've got respect for it, basically. Some people turn their heads... even the rude boys (sniggers). People are always looking at the wheels, it's just a good feeling really."
With all the work done at home by Dan and his brother (who he's eternally grateful to), the Fezzie is a perfect example of why nobody has an excuse not to own a classic Ford. Small wedge and big impact.
"Get one and keep it clean," says Dan. "Keep it subtle and don't go over the top. They've got something about them."
That's the spirit. Another on the list.
Jay And His Cortina...
You know when you're a kid and you can't stand Brussel sprouts? To even gaze upon one of the little demon nuggets of green would induce a gag? But now there's nothing better rounding off a bowl of 'em cold with some salad cream? Well opinions change, not that Jay would have gagged at the sight of an old blue oval sat in his drive, but he's probably the most surprising of the threesome here this evening.
"I've had a Nova, Fiesta, 205, 106 and an Escort."
That's some collection you'll agree, so what swung his thinking around?
"It's cheap to insure and it's different."
All true, the Tina being the oldest of the gathered trio, classic insurance is a paltry sum compared to the wage-blowing sums demanded for more modern metal.
Standard apart from a set of newer front seats, this is '70s style personified. The Coke-bottle flanks have always been a draw, and tonight there are a few hazy looks from the passing older generations over lost evenings on the back seat of a Cortina.
The 2-litre Pinto motor's a good 'un, and as Jay does the rounds for our shots, he's happy tussling with the modified traffic.
"Older people ask about it all the time and my mates love it. The best thing about owning this is the amount of interest you get really, but then that can be the worst thing as well, worrying about damaging it."
With no grief from the Police right across all three of our owners, it's obvious who's getting it right. Dan, Jay and Nikki don't head for the seafront at every given opportunity and you can see why. They don't have to parade up and down showing the world and his neon light what they've got. Wherever you go in a classic Ford you're going to get attention - the right sort.
It's well gone midnight and the arcades are closing down. On the far side of the road a large group of similarly-minded people to ourselves is gathered. Between them they have a mighty selection of rides, everything from Suzuki Vitaras to a brand-new Elise. One thing separates us though, and we really don't think we need to spell that out.
As we say our goodbyes, a rogue Mkll Escort shoots by, slammed with a set of Superlites. It seems somebody else has got the right idea too. Don't tell everyone though, or they'll all want in on the action.
Captions -
Middle-Right - Jay's Mklll smacks of retro cool. Despite being stock as a rock, it looks just fine. Capri seats (below) keep it comfy.
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