The London Concours 2025, set against the historic backdrop of the Honourable Artillery Company, is poised to showcase a remarkable collection of Ford’s most iconic performance vehicles in the ‘Fast Fords’ class. Presented in partnership with Adrian Flux, this curated selection further pays homage to the brand’s rich legacy in motorsport and performance engineering. As a result, Fast Fords at London Concours 2025 promises to be an exciting experience for Ford enthusiasts.
The ‘Fast Fords’ class features ten standout models, each representing a significant chapter in Ford’s performance history. Fast Fords at London Concours 2025 will cover models from different eras:
1. Ford Capri Perana
The Capri Perana is a truly unique and potent creation, hailing from South Africa. Specifically, this special version of the popular Capri was born from a desire for more power and performance. To achieve this, Basil Green Motors, a South African tuning firm, took the standard Capri and transformed it. Instead of the relatively mild European engines, they swapped in a formidable 5.0-litre (302 cubic inch) Ford Windsor V8 – a significant upgrade. As a result, this V8 conversion gave the lightweight Capri immense power, making it incredibly fast. The Perana also featured suspension modifications to handle the increased output, along with distinctive visual cues like wider wheels and subtle body enhancements. Only a limited number of Perana Capris were ever built, adding to their rarity and desirability today.
2. Ford Capri Series X
The Ford Capri Series X holds a special place in the hearts of many UK enthusiasts, representing the pinnacle of performance for the beloved “European Mustang.” While not as well-known globally as some other Fast Fords, the Series X was a factory-sanctioned performance upgrade for the Mk3 Capri. Available through official Ford dealers, it offered a range of enhancements designed to extract more performance from the car. Notably, key among these was often a tuned version of the 2.8-litre V6 engine, occasionally with increased power output. In addition to engine tweaks, the Series X package often included improved suspension, a limited-slip differential for better traction, and more aggressive styling elements. As a result, these cars were designed to appeal to drivers seeking a more sporting and exclusive version of the already popular Capri.
3. Ford Cortina Lotus Mk1
The Ford Cortina Lotus Mk 1 is a bona fide motorsport legend, born from a brilliant collaboration between Ford and Lotus. Ford sought to homologate the Cortina for touring car racing, and Lotus, with its engineering prowess, was the perfect partner. Lotus took the standard Cortina body shell and extensively re-engineered it. They fitted a powerful Lotus twin-cam 1.6-litre engine, derived from the Lotus Elan, which produced around 105 horsepower. This might not sound huge today, but it was significant for a car of its size in the early 1960s. Crucially, Lotus also made substantial changes to the suspension, including A-frame rear suspension, to improve handling and reduce weight. The result was a lightweight, agile, and incredibly competitive racing car that also spawned a successful road version. The white body with a green stripe livery became iconic.
4. Ford Escort RS Cosworth
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a rally icon, instantly recognisable by its massive whale-tail spoiler. Built specifically for Group A rallying, it was a homologation special that brought incredible performance to the road. Despite its Escort name, it was actually based on the Sierra Cosworth’s four-wheel-drive platform, clothed in an Escort body. Under the bonnet sat a turbocharged 2.0-litre Cosworth YBT engine, initially producing 227 horsepower. This potent engine, combined with a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, gave the RS Cosworth astonishing grip and acceleration. It was a formidable rally machine, winning numerous events and championships. The road version offered a thrilling driving experience, blending raw power with rally-bred handling. The distinctive styling, especially that rear wing, became synonymous with rally performance.
5. Ford GT (2005)
The 2005 Ford GT was a magnificent tribute to the legendary the GT40, built to celebrate Ford’s centenary. It was a deliberate exercise in nostalgia, reimagining the iconic Le Mans winner for the 21st century. Despite its retro-inspired looks, the GT was an entirely modern supercar. It featured an all-aluminium chassis and body, ensuring lightness and rigidity. Power came from a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 engine, producing a staggering 550 horsepower. This power, combined with its aerodynamic design, allowed the GT to reach a top speed of over 200 mph. The car offered a surprisingly user-friendly experience for a supercar, while still delivering exhilarating performance. Production was limited, making it an instant collectible. The 2005 GT successfully captured the spirit of its ancestor, blending classic design cues with contemporary engineering. It proved that Ford could build a world-class supercar, firmly establishing its place in the modern performance landscape.
6. Ford GT (2018)
The 2018 iteration, for instance, is a futuristic interpretation of the GT legend, conceived as a pure racing machine for Le Mans, much like its GT40 forebear. In addition, this generation of the GT is a technological tour de force, built around a carbon fibre monocoque chassis. Moreover, its highly aerodynamic bodywork is a key part of its performance, with active elements like a deployable rear wing and adaptive suspension. In a bold move, Ford opted for a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, rather than a V8, producing a remarkable 647 horsepower. This engine, derived from Ford’s endurance racing efforts, delivered incredible power and efficiency. The 2018 GT is a track-focused machine, offering a visceral driving experience and astonishing cornering capabilities. Its limited production numbers and significant price tag reflect its status as a bespoke supercar.
7. Ford GT40 (Road Version)
The Ford GT40 is one of the most celebrated racing cars in history, famous for its four consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While primarily a race car, a small number of GT40s were built for road use to satisfy homologation requirements. These road-going versions, though still incredibly raw and uncompromising, offered a glimpse into the GT40’s legendary performance for private owners. They typically featured a high-revving Ford V8 engine, ranging from 4.7-litre to 7.0-litre, depending on the specific model and era. The name “GT40” famously refers to its overall height of just 40 inches, emphasising its low-slung, aerodynamic profile. Driving a road-legal GT40 is an incredibly visceral experience, demanding attention and skill. These cars are exceedingly rare and represent the pinnacle of Ford’s motorsport engineering prowess.
8. Ford RS200
The Ford RS200 is a rare and exotic homologation special, built for the insane world of Group B rallying. Designed from the ground up as a rally car, it bore little resemblance to any production Ford. Its mid-engined, four-wheel-drive layout was cutting-edge for its time, ensuring maximum traction and balance. The RS200 was powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder Cosworth engine, initially producing around 250 horsepower in road trim, but capable of over 450 horsepower in rally specification. Its compact, aggressive bodywork, designed by Ghia, gave it a unique and purposeful appearance. Only around 200 road-going versions were built to satisfy Group B rules, making it an incredibly rare and desirable car today. The RS200 was a testament to Ford’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of rally performance, even if its career was cut short by the demise of Group B.
9. Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR
The Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR, with “KR” standing for “King of the Road,” is an iconic American muscle car. This special edition Mustang was created by Carroll Shelby, the legendary American automotive designer and racing driver, in collaboration with Ford. Introduced in 1968, the GT500KR was designed to be the ultimate performance Mustang of its era. It featured a powerful 428 cubic inch (7.0-litre) Cobra Jet V8 engine, officially rated at 335 horsepower, though widely believed to produce significantly more. This immense power provided blistering straight-line acceleration. Beyond the engine, the GT500KR boasted a host of performance upgrades, including improved suspension, larger brakes, and distinctive styling elements like a fibreglass bonnet with a functional scoop. Moreover, it was a true powerhouse, embodying the raw, unfiltered spirit of American muscle cars.
10. Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
The the Sierra RS Cosworth became a cult icon in the UK and beyond, dominating saloon car racing and becoming a desirable road car. It was born from Ford’s desire to compete in Group A touring car championships. Cosworth, known for its high-performance engines, developed a turbocharged 2.0-litre YBD engine specifically for the Sierra, initially producing 204 horsepower. This potent engine, combined with rear-wheel drive, gave the Sierra RS Cosworth exhilarating performance. Its distinctive styling, especially the large “whale-tail” rear spoiler, was designed for aerodynamic stability at high speeds. The car was incredibly successful in motorsport, cementing its legendary status. The road version offered a thrilling and engaging driving experience, becoming an instant classic. Later iterations, like the Sierra RS500 Cosworth, pushed performance even further.
A Tribute to Performance Heritage
Each vehicle in the ‘Fast Fords’ class tells a story of innovation, competition, and passion. From rally stages to race tracks, these models have left an indelible mark on automotive history. As a result, their inclusion in the London Concours 2025 offers attendees a unique opportunity to appreciate the evolution of the brand’s performance lineage. Therefore, don’t miss the Fast Fords at London Concours 2025 display.
Engage with the Legacy
The London Concours 2025 not only celebrates these iconic vehicles but also invites enthusiasts to reflect on their impact. Which of these ‘Fast Fords’ resonates most with you? Do you have memories or experiences with any of these models? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
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