1989 Ford Orion
Fitted with a Zetec turbo engine producing over 200 bhp and a plethora of desirable upgrades

Finished in a striking shade of red, this well executed and evidently fast road build presents as a carefully considered and extensively modified example, combining period styling cues with significant mechanical upgrades. The exterior benefits from desirable RS-inspired enhancements, sitting purposefully on brand new Compomotive TH681 16 inch alloy wheels that have never seen road use, complemented by an Escort RS Turbo bonnet, 90-specification front bumper and a Sierra Sapphire Cosworth rear spoiler. The overall stance is further enhanced by RS mud flaps, giving the car an unmistakably purposeful appearance.

Inside, the cabin retains a strong OEM-plus feel, trimmed in a full Ghia Injection interior including correct door cards, alongside RS Turbo Recaro seats. Notable features include an Alpine head unit with MP3 capability, subwoofer installation in the boot, Infinity rear speakers mounted in original pods, genuine Ford rubber waffle mats, and an RS four-spoke steering wheel. Additional instrumentation has been tastefully integrated, with analogue oil pressure and boost gauges reinforcing the performance intent.

At the heart of the car lies a comprehensively built 2.0 litre Silvertop Zetec engine, paired with a rebuilt Garrett T3 turbocharger. The specification is extensive, including uprated valve springs, strengthened bottom end with heavy duty bearings and ARP fasteners, steel decompression plate and multi-layer head gasket, alongside VXR injectors, RS1800i inlet manifold and a Pectel T2 ECU with custom loom. Supporting modifications include a front mounted intercooler, bespoke boost and cooling pipework, twin radiator fans and a Magnex stainless turbo-back exhaust system. The car is further equipped with a limited slip gearbox, Helix paddle clutch and Cosworth front brakes, ensuring the performance is matched by capable stopping power and handling.

The model itself represents Ford’s often overlooked saloon counterpart to the Escort, offering similar underpinnings but with a more refined and understated profile. Increasingly appreciated in recent years, well modified examples such as this are becoming far rarer, particularly those built to such a detailed and cohesive specification.

• Extensively modified with high specification turbocharged Zetec engine
• Desirable RS-inspired styling with unused Compomotive alloy wheels
• Comprehensive performance upgrades including LSD gearbox and Cosworth brakes