retropowercars

#ThrowbackThursday

Duratina
FORD CORTINA MK1

CLIENT NEEDS
Create a cafe racer inspired Cortina with enough refinement for coffee meet duties, but enough go for maximum smiles-per-mile and mechanically capable enough for competent track duties when the desire arises.

RETROPOWER SOLUTION
A full bodyshell restoration incorporates MK2 Escort front crossmember and strut top locations to allow commonly-available Escort front struts and rack and pinion steering.

At the rear we retained the lively Cortina characteristics by implementing our take on the factory touring car axle location – a spherical jointed A-frame but with compliant bushings to the body to reduce harshness.

A Cosworth built Duratec provides the grunt through a Mazda MX5 gearbox and the cleverly trimmed Carbon low-back bucket seats bring a cafe-racer vibe!

KEY FACTS
- MK2 Escort front subframe & struts
- 260bhp Cosworth Duratec
- Life Racing PDM & Mil spec wiring
- A-frame located English axle
- Sub 1000kg weight

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 160

retropowercars

NEW! "Old Smoker" keyring and display tin. We make these in-house from top quality leather and as such you can choose your leather colour and hardware finish, with 115 possible combinations!
But never mind the keyring, we know you really iust want the tin to store blown fuses. fir tree clips for a car you don't own and rusty 1p coins.
Get yours now retropower.co.uk/product-category/merch/

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3 weeks ago | [YT] | 48

retropowercars

#MEMORYMONDAY

Kaiser MERCEDES W108



Client needs - Rework the classic W108 Mercedes saloon, adding V8 grunt, an interior to die for and the stance to match.
A machine befitting of the name “Kaiser”



Retropower solution - A bare metal bodyshell restoration included a rework to integrate mid 2000’s Jaguar XJ axles in a bit to not only cope with a significant power hike, but allow the car to run at a greatly reduced ride height without compromising suspension geometry.
The legendary LS3 V8 provides 430bhp in a reliable, compact and lightweight package, while a fully programmable 5-speed transmission transmits the power to the Jag LSD. Airlift performance bags and controller allow adjustable ride height, while bespoke 17″ steel wheels and hand-spun hub caps complete the look.
Inside gets a completely from scratch fabricated dash and console. The former hiding a pop-up nav screen on pneumatic actuation and the latter the suspension controller alongside a cordless phone charger, and of course – a Glenfiddich 15 for the passengers!

◾ Jaguar XJ axles with Airlift Performance suspension
◾430bhp 6.2 Litre V8
◾Vintage Air AC system
◾Alpine Nav & Audio
◾Bespoke dash and centre console
retropower.co.uk/project/kaiser/

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4 weeks ago | [YT] | 131

retropowercars

#MEMORYMONDAY
Project One - Ford Escort Mk1



Client needs - An interpretation of the classic MK1 Escort, inspired by Gordon Murray’s Retropower build but turned up to 11!
Wide arches that are subtler than the original bubble arches, a screaming 4 cylinder power plant and the highest level of execution throughout.
Quite simply, build the ultimate MK1



Retropower solution - A 2.1 litre, dry sumped, DBG twin cam engine brings the noise and the power, while a Mazda MX5 5-speed gearbox provides an incredible shifting experience while you direct the power to the RETROPOWER designed independent rear suspension, featuring a Quaife Torque-Biasing differential and Nitron 3-way adjustable damping.
Up front the car gets camber adjustable Nitron struts and electrically assisted power steering with assistance mapped to road speed.
Widened arches were first modelled in CAD to allow their shape to be reviewed in render form, before hammerform tooling was machined to ensure the shape was exactly per the CAD. A Carbon Bonnet and boot lid complete the bodywork.
Inside a bespoke dash hides a modern servo-controlled AC and heat system, high-end audio and motorsport spec electronics throughout.

Key facts
◾ Over 120 bespoke designed billet machined parts
◾265bhp, 2.1 litre, naturally aspirated engine – 9250rpm redline
◾Fully independent rear suspension
◾Motec electronics, including DBW throttle



Photos by BarnTech

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1 month ago | [YT] | 247

retropowercars

Different builds. Different eras, Different stories.
One shared obsession.
From old-school icons to modern monsters, this is what happens when passion is the only entry requirement. No egos. No gatekeeping. Just people who love cars - and the community that comes with them.
If your taste is eclectic, your weekends smell like fuel, and your camera roll is 90% car photos.. you'll fit right in at The Club
Thanks to all who attended Saturdays "Ten at The Den" coffee meet!
retropower.co.uk/membership/

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1 month ago | [YT] | 129

retropowercars

Utah MK2 JAGUAR
#takemebacktuesday

Client needs - Create a classy and elegant take on a MK2 Jaguar, but one that has modern technology seamlessly incorporated.
The power plant should provide a sting in the tail that belies the period styling. The straight six soundtrack is a must as is modern nav and AC.

Retropower solution - A truly elegant and contemporary take on the classic MK2 Jaguar. One that preserves its timeless charm while seamlessly integrating modern engineering and comfort.
With custom bodywork and subtly flared arch spats, we paired a formidable Toyota 2JZ straight-six engine to a BMW M3 Getrag six-speed gearbox, ensuring both refinement and a thrilling “sting in the tail.”
Beneath the surface, a 6-linked rear axle with coilover suspension delivers composed handling, while inside, a completely bespoke interior offers air conditioning, modern navigation, and heated electric seats—bringing together period style and cutting-edge sophistication in perfect harmony.

◾ Custom bodywork & arch spats
◾ Toyota 2JZ engine
◾ BMW M3 6 Speed Getrag gearbox
◾ 6-linked rear axle with coilover suspension
◾ Totally bespoke interior with AC, Nav & heated electric seats

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1 month ago | [YT] | 80

retropowercars

#MEMORYMONDAY

Opel GT RESTOMOD WITH C20XE POWER



CLIENT NEEDS- Restore my rare Opel GT and give it a little more performance!



RETROPOWER SOLUTION - The obvious choice was to replace the ageing Cam-In-Head engine with Vauxhall’s legendary C20XE 16V. Individual throttle body fuel injection and a DTA engine ECU add a bit more go and a lot more induction noise!
The transverse leaf front suspension was replaced with adjustable coil-overs, and the lower arms redesigned to give the longitudinal location lost by dropping the transverse leaf.
A full custom stainless exhaust manifold and system were fitted and the rear axle upgraded to that found in an Opel Manta.
retropower.co.uk/project/opel-gt/



◾ C20XE 16V engine
◾ Jenvey individual throttle body fuel injection
◾ Bespoke double-wishbone front suspension
◾ Bluetooth audio
◾ ATS 15″ alloy wheels

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1 month ago | [YT] | 99

retropowercars

Ian Callum podcast now available! YouTube, Spotify and Apple podcasts search Cars at The Den

1 month ago | [YT] | 75

retropowercars

#MEMORYMONDAY
FORD ESCORT RS2000 GROUP 1



CLINT NEEDS - Restore this “owned-from-new” Escort to it’s original Group 1 specification but incorporate modern parts where the rally conversion originally deviated from the Ford factory specification.



RETROPOWER SOLUTION - A bare shell restoration, retaining original parts where at all possible, and sourcing rare replacements if necessary.

A Dave Brooks built Pinto engine gives maximum smiles-per-mile while still conforming to the Carburettor-fuelled, 8V road rally ethos of the original.
Updates were restricted to items that were originally modified, so a Fabricated alloy fuel tank, braided fuel lines, 7″ wide Diamond Cut RS alloys and a bias pedal box, to name a few.
retropower.co.uk/project/hazeldine/


◾ One owner car – 13,000 miles
◾Group 1 converted from new
◾Dave Brooks 2.1 Pinto
◾7″ RS alloys

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1 month ago | [YT] | 107

retropowercars

#MEMORYMONDAY

Vauxhall Chevette Tarmac Rally Car



CLIENT NEED - Build the ultimate Chevette stage rally car to take on and beat, the best of the relentlessly successful MK1 & MK2 Escorts



RETROPOWER SOLUTION - We set out to create the ultimate evolution of the Chevette.
An unapologetic stage rally weapon built to not just challenge, but humble the legendary MK1 and MK2 Escorts.
Beneath its purposeful stance beats a 290bhp 2.1-litre Vauxhall C20XE, channelling its ferocity through a lightning-fast Quaife six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shift to a five-linked fully floating Atlas rear axle.
Life Racing electronics and dash bring modern precision to the cockpit, while Reiger damping keeps the car poised regardless of the surface.
retropower.co.uk/project/stables/


◾ 290bhp 2.1 litre Vauxhall C20XE
◾Quaife 6 speed sequential gearbox with paddle shift
◾5-linked fully floating Atlas rear axle
◾Life Racing electronics and dash display
◾Reiger damping

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1 month ago | [YT] | 163