10. Nigel Hepburn – 1995 Ford Escort RS2000

We are lucky enough to have a number of Escorts on this year’s display, and the car you see here has real motorsport provenance. In 1995 it was driven by Gwyndaf Evans on the Manx Rally, winning the Formula 2 category and finishing second overall.

Nigel explains that he regretted selling a previous car, but knew about this one from its competition days. “I tried to buy it before without success, but when it come up for sale again it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. It was obviously meant to be.”

Although the car was in sound condition when it was acquired last year it still needed some attention to the cosmetics, although the owner didn’t want a concours example. And while the mechanicals were also fettled a full strip-down was avoided in order to retain the originality.

Under the bonnet is a high-revving, Mountune-developed engine that produces in the region of 230bhp, so there’s no shortage of straight-line performance. The only nonoriginal part is the gearbox, but it otherwise has the same running gear fitted almost thirty years ago and that’s something that really adds to this car’s appeal.

Nigel says that he’s not really had the chance to drive it properly as yet, but that he’s certainly looking forward to it. “I’ve owned and raced all manner of cars with both four and rear-wheel drive but with this one being front-wheel drive it’s an experience that is going to be plenty of fun.”

He goes on to say that while he’s not planning to use the Escort for competition it will be taking part in rally car demonstrations in the UK and Europe, so Group A enthusiasts should have plenty of opportunity to see it in action.