Well, guys, 2025 is well and truly with us now, and we can all look forward to another year of events and meetings etc, hopefully, the weather will be kind to all the events across the country without the “storm this” and “storm that” and why do they need to give the names that are given to them? Numbers would be easier to follow, but that is just me, probably..

The new picture, we are sure you noticed, was taken at the NEC when we visited for the Classic Car show in November; you may recognize Sarah Crabtree, who is always happy to meet us for a chat and Mark Scott, who has been writing for us as well as being involved with the Old Skool Ford stand which we are all stood by, the Orange Escort is Mark’s own car and has been featured previously.

What have we got for you in this issue: The popular Club Review is featuring the Ford Taunus Club FTC-GB, who do a yearly charity donation, which is revealed at the NEC Classic Car Show. Features on Wayne Davidge – Escort MK1 – Le Mans Green, interesting colour but it is a genuine Ford colour, and Peter Woollaston’s 3.0 S Capri, this car was newly finished its restoration when we saw it earlier this year, really nice-looking machine. Rob Cheesmur continues his journey dealing with his “Not two Grand” pickup – each issue explaining what he has done in his efforts to give it some “street cred” It is already beginning to become well known out and about, so keep an eye out for it during the coming event season. A future Classic article looks at the MK1 Ford Focus, plenty more MK’s to follow no doubt as the years go by, for this article the car used was an RS belonging to Andy’s brother Ken, a nice car and conveniently accessible. Now for the big one – Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show at the NEC, a picture-packed review of the show from when we visited in November, sadly only for the 1 day. As a description, “a nice car” does not do justice to the feature brought to us by James Webber – Don Lyle’s Mk1 Escort Mexico, which is beyond nice and a good read. Classic Hot Rods from Andy Hankin is still a popular item, amazing how these cars manage to survive – “just knock the dents out and you aregood to go” seems to be the way. Rob Cheesmur has included a feature about a work in progress MK1 Fiesta which is being transformed into a 4WD beast by Gordon Laird, also 4 Readers cars completes Rob’s homework. Two comprehensive technical items from Rob Hawkins covers the RF TolmanXR3 project Part 2 and also a really interesting item which will answer a few questions about tyres, something we should all know about Q&A: Tyre technology with Longstone Tyres.

So that is mostly this issue items, but there is much more to read, and we will keep seeking out the interesting stuff for you as well as regular items.

ANDY ELLIS & JOHN WAIDE

Co-editors.