Archive for November 10th, 2009

’80s turbo talk: Ford 1600CVH

November 10, 2009

At roughly the same time as Ford of Japan and Australia’s development of the Laser TX3 in their joint partnership with Mazda, their counterparts on the other side of the world were hard at work tooling a turbo hot hatch of their own. Developed with assistance from Ford of America’s SVE (Special Vehicle Engineering) division, the Escort RS turbo promised to deliver a handsome challenge to the likes of hot hatch rivals VW, Lancia and Opel/Vauxhall on their home turf of continental Europe.

Some reckon the Mark III & IV Escort were built on BD Familia underpinnings - but who's to say? Photo courtesy of Ford Club Hannover (Germany)

Drawing from the success of the Sierra Cosworth (YBx) and Mustang SVO (Pinto 2.3) turbocharged engines, the humble 1600 Compound Valve angle, Hemispherical combustion chamber engine was chosen as the base upon which to develop the RS turbo version, possibly showing a certain parallel with Mazda’s similarly sized 1600cc B6T. (more…)

So, I can’t help myself. The opportunity to own another classic came up, so the daily driving 1994 Honda Accord I’d only bought two weeks prior went up for sale so I could get this;

Full feature tomorrow or later on in the week, depending on when it’s clear enough to take some decent shots of it.  For those unaware of what it is;  1972 Datsun 260C, known in Japan as the Nissan Cedric.

-Michael

P.S.  Should I consider it a challenge to fill in the gaps between 63 and 72?  With purchase of this fine steed I’m owner of 1963, 1972, 1973 and 1974 vehicles.  I wonder…