Big Bang Theory

Jake Swann drew on his experience building banger racers when he pulled together this awesome 201 bhp Pinto-powered Mk5 Cortina.

- Dan Furr

If you’re unconvinced by the notion of a 17-year-old liking nothing more than spending his time doting on a Mk5 Cortina restomod project, then you’ll undoubtedly dismiss the idea of that same lad racing in a Mk2 Granada hearse. “It’s true!” chuckles the now 22-year-old Ford fan, Jake Swann. “These days I’m all about stock cars, but I cut my teeth racing in a modified 2.8-litre Cardinal!”

With such a clear passion for the Blue Oval brand, it came as no surprise when Jake announced his intention to buy a Ford to use as his passport to the nation’s highways immediately after passing his driving test. “I did look at a number of different models, but the insurance premiums quoted to me were sky high. Out of curiosity, I asked various insurers about the price of cover on a Mk5 Cortina. Needless to say, that’s the car I ended up buying,” he smirks.

He acquired the very same Cortina that you see on the pages before you. Jake bought his Mk5 in 2011, and back then, it was dark metallic green and sitting on 14 inch Weller wheels. The car’s previous owner was halfway through its restoration when he had to call time on the project due to losing workshop space.

Unexpectedly having to abandon his joy-toy meant that he didn’t get the opportunity to sort the running issues generated by the 1.6-litre Pinto he’d fitted. There was a stack of exterior trim missing too, but Jake’s interest in motor mechanics combined with his ability to source old-school Ford parts convinced him that he could right the car’s wrongs without too much in the way of hassle. Consequently, he handed over his hard-earned cash and drove the green machine back to his home in Cambridgeshire.