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Auto Express
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Best fast Fords - the greatest high-performance cars ever built by Ford
Few manufacturers have delivered as many truly iconic performance cars as Ford. From the Le Mans-winning GT40 and the rally-bred Escort Mexico, to the raucous Focus RS and playful Fiesta ST hot hatches, fast Fords have always struck a chord with car enthusiasts across the generations. So which are the best fast Fords ever made? With so many icons to choose from, it's a hard question to answer. Everyone has their own favourite depending on era, driving style or personal nostalgia for a particular model. In order to find the standout picks, the team at Auto Express has selected the models that left the biggest mark on them. These cars defined eras, beat the competition, delivered serious thrills to drivers and have earned a place in the fast Ford hall of fame. By Ellis Hyde On sale dates: 1964 to 1969 1964 to 1969 Power/engine size: 485bhp/7.0-litre 485bhp/7.0-litre Engine/gearbox: V8/four-speed manual V8/four-speed manual 0-62/top speed: 4.2 seconds/215mph 4.2 seconds/215mph Price new/price now: N/A/£10,000,000 Advertisement - Article continues below Everyone knows the story: in 1963, Ford tried to buy Ferrari, Enzo regretted the deal at the final hour and this put Henry Ford II on the warpath, determined to prove his company could dominate Ferrari in motorsport. Specifically, at the hallowed 24 Hours of Le Mans. The result was the Ford GT40: the greatest car the company ever made, and one of the most legendary cars ever. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below A mixture of British and American expertise brought the GT40 to life, with the first iteration completed less than a year after Mr Ford issued his decree. It stood just 40 inches tall, hence the name, looked like a missile with a windscreen, and a 4.2-litre V8 allowed it to reach 200mph. Just 31 road-going versions were built alongside the racers. However it wasn't until the heavily revised Mk2 took to the track in 1966 that the GT40 started to win races, including a podium lockout at Le Mans that year. Thanks in part to a new 485bhp 7.0-litre motor, the car broke lap records and hit 213mph. The GT40 went on to secure four consecutive victories for the Blue Oval from 1966 to 1969. By Tom Jervis On sale dates: 1963 to 1966 1963 to 1966 Power/engine size: 105bhp/1.6-litre 105bhp/1.6-litre Engine/gearbox: 4cyl twin-cam in-line/four-speed manual 4cyl twin-cam in-line/four-speed manual 0-60/top speed: 13.6 seconds/108mph 13.6 seconds/108mph Price new/price now: £1,100/£70,000 Advertisement - Article continues below The Ford Cortina Lotus, as it's officially named, was born after Ford noticed Lotus founder Colin Chapman had commissioned a twin-cam version of the Ford Kent engine for use in the Lotus 23 racing car. Ford asked Lotus to fit this revised powertrain to the Cortina for Group 2 touring car racing. It produced just over 100bhp, while the car sat on revised suspension and had lightweight body panels in iconic cream and green paintwork. The original plan was to produce just 1,000 examples, but in fact around 7,500 were produced across two generations. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The Cortina took touring car racing by storm, with Jim Clark winning the British Saloon Car Championship with Team Lotus and Sir John Whitmore securing the European Touring Car Championship under the banner of Alan Mann Racing – although this is just touching the surface of the Lotus Cortina's success. By Chris Rosamond On sale dates: 1967 1967 Power/engine size: 355bhp/7.0-litre 355bhp/7.0-litre Engine/gearbox: V8 twin-carb/three-speed auto V8 twin-carb/three-speed auto 0-62/top speed: 6.5 seconds/128mph 6.5 seconds/128mph Price new/price now: £3,700/£150,000 There are plenty of fast Ford Mustangs, but one of the most iconic is the 1967 GT 500 produced by racing driver Carroll Shelby's firm, Shelby American. Hired to spice up the Mustang and make it more suited to competition, Shelby first created the 289ci V8-powered GT 350 in 1965, with a relatively modest set of modifications including a bigger carburettor, free-flowing intake/exhaust and better brakes. Advertisement - Article continues below Then, in 1967, Shelby introduced a new variant using Ford's 428ci (7-litre) big block V8 making 355bhp in standard tune, and featuring various fibreglass body panels to help keep weight down, but also to give Shelby's Mustang variant a more aggressive look. Around 2,000 cars were built, and survivors are highly collectable today. There are plenty of replicas around, too, sporting the iconic twin stripes down the full length of the car, and GT500 lettering on the front wings. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Shelby American continues to market variations of hot Mustangs today, but there's nothing quite like the original GT 500 – the archetypal sixties muscle car. By Alastair Crooks On sale dates: 1970 to 1975 Power/engine size: 86bhp/1.6-litre 86bhp/1.6-litre Engine/gearbox: 4cyl in-line/four-speed manual 4cyl in-line/four-speed manual 0-60/top speed: 10.7 seconds/99mph 10.7 seconds/99mph Price new/price now: £1,150/£70,000 In 1970 entrepreneur Wylton Dickson came up with the bright idea of the 16,000-mile London to Mexico Rally, ending just in time for the World Cup in Mexico that year. The winner was the Mk1 Ford Escort, beating the likes of the BMW 2002 Ti, Citroen DS 21 and Mercedes 280 in the process. To celebrate the win, Ford decided to create a special version of the Escort - aptly named Mexico. Ford had conveniently just built a brand-new plant called Advance Vehicle Operations (AVO) in Aveley, Essex that became the home of the Mexico. Up until AVO's demise in 1975, 10,352 Escort Mexicos were built. Advertisement - Article continues below Its popularity wasn't based solely on its fabulous Coke-bottle shape, flared wheelarches and unique decals; there was also plenty to get excited about underneath. The 1.6-litre engine only produced 86bhp but it went to 13-inch rear wheels, while the car's superb balance was made all the more enjoyable by responsive steering and a sensational gearshift. True to its rally roots, the Mexico also received a strengthened body, and a revised suspension set-up. By Paul Barker On sale dates: 1984 to 1986 Power/engine size: 246bhp/1.8-litre Engine/gearbox: 4cyl in-line turbo/five-speed manual 0-62/top speed: 6.1 seconds/150mph Price new/price now: £49,995/£450,000 Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The wild RS200 was built to homologate a rally version that didn't manage to be competitive before the ill-fated Group B cars were banned. Just 200 road cars were built in the mid-eighties, with 246bhp from a mid-mounted turbocharged 1.8-litre Cosworth engine. In line with the car's slightly bizarre history, the road-going models were actually built by Reliant, famous for its fibreglass expertise with the not-so-legendary Robin three-wheeler. Around a third of the car, including most obviously the Sierra tail lights, was from Ford parts bins, but more than 40 years later it can still turn heads at a level massively out of proportion with its success or driving experience. Which is why I love it. Advertisement - Article continues below I was fortunate enough to get behind the wheel of Ford's own heritage RS200, and it's a heavy and uncompromised beast that you wouldn't fancy rolling down the high street in. But once you get over the fact that you're driving a piece of Ford history, and get used to having to be a bit brutal with the controls, it's a lot more lightweight and excitable than it feels. Clunky and clumsy at low speed, build the confidence to get faster and it dispels any notions of not wanting to meet your heroes. By Dean Gibson On sale dates: 1986 to 1987 Power/engine size: 224bhp/2.0-litre 224bhp/2.0-litre Engine/gearbox: 4cyl in-line turbo/five-speed manual 4cyl in-line turbo/five-speed manual 0-60/top speed: 6.5 seconds /149mph (RS500) 6.5 seconds /149mph (RS500) Price new/price now: £20,000/£150,000 Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Ford shook up the repmobile market with the jellymould Sierra, but it gained a lukewarm reception from conservative car buyers. To help inject some life into the car, Ford Motorsport joined forces with old sparring partner Cosworth to produce a car that would dominate Group A touring car racing. The road car's whale tail spoiler and deep front bumper were functional, while the flared arches were designed to accommodate racing slicks. Under the bonnet, Ford's tried-and-tested 2.0-litre Pinto four-cylinder received a makeover, with the turbocharged YB version making 224bhp in RS500 guise, while racing versions have been tuned to make a reliable 550bhp. Advertisement - Article continues below I've driven a Sierra RS Cosworth, and it's the epitome of a turbocharged sports car – it's very humdrum at lower revs, but there's instant surge once the turbo spools up. There's a fine line to tread, too, because too much power will quickly overcome the relatively skinny rear tyres. The rest of the driving experience is great, with decent steering and a nimble chassis that still delivers a relatively comfortable ride. By Richard Ingram On sale dates: Power/engine size: 224bhp/2.0-litre 224bhp/2.0-litre Engine/gearbox: 4cyl in-line turbo/five-speed manual 4cyl in-line turbo/five-speed manual 0-62/top speed: 5.7 seconds/150mph 5.7 seconds/150mph Price new/price now: £21,380/£75,000-plus A manufacturer only needs to mutter the words 'homologation special' and you know the result will be something a little out of the ordinary. And that was exactly the case with the iconic Escort RS Cosworth – a poster car (alongside the Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari F50!) of my youth. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Built to allow Ford to go rallying in the nineties, the RS Cosworth was so much more than an Escort with a bodykit and big wing. Fitted with a bespoke, longitudinally mounted Cosworth YBT 2.0-litre engine and a massive turbo, a five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive, cars left the factory with around 225bhp. Few stayed that way due to the highly tunable nature of the powertrain, however. Finding an unfettled example these days is nigh-on impossible. Advertisement - Article continues below Do so, and you'll be knocking on the door of £100,000; it seems some of those who coveted them as a child (me) can now afford (not me) the vastly inflated price it takes to secure one. By Alex Ingram On sale dates: 1997 to 2002 1997 to 2002 Power/engine size: 123bhp/1.7-litre 123bhp/1.7-litre Engine/gearbox: 4cyl in-line petrol/five-speed manual 4cyl in-line petrol/five-speed manual 0-60/top speed: 8.8 seconds/126mph 8.8 seconds/126mph Price new/price now: £14,550/£1,000 Any reader of our sister title evo magazine will know The Knowledge; the back pages where every evo-worthy car's stats are stated along with the verdict on the car. For a time, two cars stood out for their identical summary, 'Pros: Everything. Cons: Nothing.' One of those cars was the Ferrari 550 Maranello. The other was the Ford Puma 1.7. It might be hard to believe that a little Fiesta-based coupe could be held in the same regard as a Ferrari, but it doesn't take long behind the wheel of one to appreciate why Evo's verdict was so on the money. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Firstly, there's the engine. The Yamaha-developed 1.7-litre is to this day one of the smoothest four cylinder units around, and its appetite for revs let you wring all 123bhp out of it - all of the time. That it's matched to a sublime manual gearbox is merely a bonus - Mk2 Escort aside, no other Fast Ford shifts as sweetly. Advertisement - Article continues below But it's the chassis that's the real star. The Mk4 Fiesta was a fine handling supermini in its own right, but the Puma gained a sportier suspension setup and a wider track to make it among the most playful, approachable, communicative and agile cars of its era - and any other. It's the way that the chassis and powertrain feedback gel so perfectly in the Puma that make it such a delight to drive. While the Racing Puma is more exclusive and slightly quicker, it's no more fun to drive and becoming hugely expensive now, so the fact that a 1.7 can still be picked up for less than a grand makes it seem like the bargain to topple all Fast Ford bargains. By Ryan Birch On sale dates: 2009 to 2011 Power/engine size: 300bhp/2.5-litre 300bhp/2.5-litre Engine/gearbox: 5cyl in-line turbo/six-speed manual 5cyl in-line turbo/six-speed manual 0-62/top speed: 5.9 seconds/163mph 5.9 seconds/163mph Price new/price now: £27,575/from £22,000 Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Fast Fords have always been popular with enthusiasts, but fewer cars from the Blue Oval had a bigger impact on the world than when the Mk2 Ford Focus RS was launched. The car's deep front splitter, side skirts, vents and rear spoiler added the visual clout which made the RS stand out against the Mk2 Focus ST. More importantly, while the RS might have borrowed the same 2.5-litre in-line five cylinder engine from the ST, Ford gave it some serious steroids. With bespoke pistons and camshafts, a larger Borg Warner K16 turbo, a special exhaust system and a bigger intercooler, the Focus RS produced a stonking 300bhp and 324lb ft of torque. This was more than enough to put some of the best sports cars around at the time to shame. Advertisement - Article continues below At low speeds, the Mk2 RS wasn't that different from the regular Focus hatch, just a bit on the firm side. But open the taps up and the car will be tugging from side to side due to the prodigious amount of torque steer it produces. Ford developed the RevoKnuckle front suspension and heavily modified the Quaife limited-slip differential from the first-gen RS, but even that wasn't enough to eliminate the effect. That's all part of the charm, though, because the overall driving experience is spot on. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The car had plenty of power and was huge fun to drive. Plus it could do all the practical things the regular Focus could do. By Jordan Katsianis On sale dates: 2012-2017 Power/engine size: 180bhp/1.6-litre 180bhp/1.6-litre Engine/gearbox: 4cyl in-line turbo/six-speed manual 4cyl in-line turbo/six-speed manual 0-62/top speed: 7.0 seconds/142mph 7.0 seconds/142mph Price new/price now: £18,950/£6,000-£10,000 Ford's best drift car ever may well be the Mk7 ST – even though it's front-wheel drive. This relatively unassuming supermini, with its 1.6-litre engine and tiny wheels changed the hot hatchback genre when it arrived in 2012, with a balance that didn't just kill fun-sapping understeer, but actively promoted oversteer when off-throttle in a corner. Many supermini-sized hatches have had a sweet chassis, but here, it's not at the expense of usability. The ride, while very firm on earlier models, wasn't a bar to daily driving, while the excellent seats and practicality only helped matters. A sweet chassis balance wasn't this car's only ace card, as the turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder 'VCT' engine and six-speed manual transmission were just as finely honed and brilliantly executed as the rest of the car. Sure, some of the interior plastics were a little low-rent; the glovebox lid doubled as a parmesan cheese grater, so rough was its finish, and the infotainment system was more like a child's game than a grown-up user interface. But this really was a highlight in Ford's already illustrious career in designing and engineering hot hatchbacks. Shame it'll never be repeated. Now you can buy a car through our network of top dealers around the UK. Search for the latest deals… Car Deal of the Day: Grab a Ford Focus while you can for less than £250 per month The Ford Focus may be on its way out, but it's still great value. It's our Deal of the Day for 15 June Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more Best cars & vans 13 Jun 2025 Volkswagen Golf alternatives: great options for family hatch buyers The Volkswagen Golf is often thought of as the default family car, but there are plenty of other models to consider in this class Best cars & vans 10 Jun 2025 Ford Focus alternatives: ten cars to consider instead of the family hatch icon As the Ford Focus prepares to bow out, we suggest some other great cars worthy of your attention Best cars & vans 6 Jun 2025 New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it's for China only Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there's a whole lot more too Audi's not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
Forbes
9 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Inside The $185 Million Costa Smeralda Compound That Just Became Italy's Most Expensive Home Ever Sold
Costa Smeralda Villa in Sardinia, Italy In a historic transaction that has broken records, a massive waterfront property once owned by former Saudi oil minister Ahmed Zaki Yamani has sold for more than €160 million (US$185 million), becoming the most expensive residential sale ever recorded in Italy. Located in the small town of Romazzino on the Northern side of Sardinia's famed Costa Smeralda, the 5.7-acre compound is a stunner with 1,000 feet of private and exclusive shoreline. The estate includes two secluded beaches, two private docks, and a mooring capable of accommodating a 280-foot superyacht. In total, the extensive property consists of three villas, 28 bedrooms, 35 bathrooms, three large swimming pools, and a separate staff residence. Costa Smeralda Villa in Sardinia, Italy Aerial view of the compound featuring three massive villas Designed in the 1970s by iconic architects Luigi Vietti and Michele Busiri Vici, the villas reflect the traditional Sardinian style with whitewashed walls, terracotta floors, and red-tiled roofs. Vietti's signature style is reflected in two of the villas, where his clean, modern lines blend perfectly with the lush surroundings. The compound was first owned by Henry Ford II, grandson of automotive pioneer Henry Ford, and was later acquired by former Saudi oil minister Ahmed Zaki Yamani. Yamani, who acquired the home in 1974, died in London in 2021 at the age of 90. It was during his ownership of the compound that the area was transformed into one of the most fortified residences in the world, including a no-fly zone. It was often referred to as Italy's version of Camp David. One of the compounds three pools Vast areas of grassy lawns fronting the sea at the compound Shiekh Yamani was reported to have lived on his superyacht, moored directly in front of his compound. When he would have lunch or dinner in his residences, he would have his staff prepare the tables in all three homes until he decided where to go, all purely for security reasons. The property has three main villas, each with a guest residence, gardens, outdoor pool, and beach access, and a separate staff house with a total of 32,292 sq ft living space. The compound features a collection of architectural marvels designed by some of the most acclaimed architects of their time. Despite intense speculation, the identity of the new owner remains unconfirmed. Local residents and the press suggest that the buyer is an American crypto billionaire, though Sotheby's International Realty, which represented both the buyer and seller, has declined to comment. I recently spoke with Marco Alberti, Head of Sales for the Sardinia office of Sotheby's International Realty, to find out why Costa Smeralda is so popular with international buyers—and what lies ahead for luxury real estate in the area. 'The area offers a meticulously curated blend of world-class amenities,' Alberti explains. 'In addition to its natural beauty and architectural exclusivity, Costa Smeralda now features an impressive lineup of new luxury developments, restaurants and hotels like W Mandarin Oriental, and Forte. They join longstanding icons like; the Romazzino by Belmond, the Pitrizza by Cheval Blanc, and the Cala di Volpe by Marriott's Luxury Collection.' 'Costa Smeralda also boasts one of Europe's most prestigious marinas and yacht clubs, a championship sea-view golf course, and private beach clubs reserved for elite clientele,' he adds. 'With its blend of discretion, luxury, and heritage, it's no surprise the region remains a magnet for global investors and discerning second-home seekers.' Villa Balmoral, a magnificent waterfront property in the Bay of Porto Cervo 'A major draw for families investing in summer residences here is the region's unparalleled combination of safety, privacy, and exclusivity, offering a serene alternative to the crowded tourist hotspots of southern France and Spain,' says Alberti. 'The nearby countryside villas (15 minutes from the sea) with high end finishings, designer layouts and elegant furnishings are also definitely on the rise in requests. Villa Montecanaglia, just about to be launched on the market with an asking price of €9.8 million euro, is a very good example of this type of elegant high end country villa.' 'Waterfront properties in Costa Smeralda and its surrounding areas are among the most valuable and sought-after in the Mediterranean because properties cannot be built on the Italian coast any longer.' he adds. The Tiger Bay Estate in Punta Volpe, Porto Rotondo Several new off market previews from Sotheby's include: 'Many buyers are drawn not only by the region's beauty and quality of life, including its 'Blue Zone' health benefits, but also by Italy's favorable tax regime. The €200,000.00 flat tax policy for foreign residents has proven attractive for international buyers considering a fiscal move to Italy.' says Alberti. Villa Certosa, the Silvio Berlusconi's home in Sardinia. While the sale price is the most expensive ever seen in Italy, another Sardinia home is valued at more than double its price—the Villa Certosa belonging to former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's heirs. With its 2,800 acres, Villa Certosa is one of the most famous real estate properties in Sardinia, made known by the former Prime Minister and leader of Forza Italia Silvio Berlusconi. The villa is located in Porto Rotondo. The five children of Berlusconi, who died in 2023, have agreed to sell the property, with reports indicating a sale price of up to 500 million euros. The villa offers 68 bedrooms, a 2,000-sf garage, and an additional 174 parking spaces. There are unusual features like the "cave of the stars," a boat landing carved into the rock, allowing guests of the villa to access directly from the sea through a basement. There are four bungalows, a movie theater, a greenhouse, a gym, a thalassotherapy room, and a huge organic garden. The property features multiple swimming pools, football fields, an amphitheater, and a massive park. costa smeralda
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Detroit's RenCen: Historical photos of GM HQ take you back in time
Detroit's Renaissance Center has been a crowning gem of the city's skyline since the 1970s. But since General Motors announced plans to move its headquarters out of the towers, the RenCen has faced questions about its future, including the possibility of demolition. With the fate of the skyscrapers at stake, we decided to take a peek into the photographical archives, back to when the project was announced, its groundbreaking, big events and eventually, its status as a ghost-town, when COVID-19 temporarily cleared the building in favor of remote work and GM moved some employees to Warren. Scroll through the gallery below, for a look into the history of the iconic landmark. Here are some recent news stories to capture where the development discussions stand: Historic review: Detroit City Council shoots down RenCen historic review, paving way for GM, Bedrock plan Sound off: Detroiters feel mixed about RenCen demolition plan Neal Rubin: I explored the almost-vacant RenCen. Here's what I found. The RenCen consists of seven towers, of which GM owns the original five. The original structure opened in 1977 and consists of four 39-story office towers surrounding a central 73-story hotel, which is now a Marriott. The original plan for the RenCen was proposed in 1971 by auto magnate Henry Ford II, then chairman of Ford Motor Co. The architect was John Portman and the development's original ownership was a 49-member partnership spearheaded by Henry Ford II. The restaurant near the top of the central tower at one time featured a revolving floor. In 1981, two additional 21-story towers were built. Those two shorter towers were sold in 2023 by a New Jersey utility company, which had owned them for years, to Farmington Hills-based real estate firm Friedman Real Estate. One of those buildings houses Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The other is mostly vacant. GM bought the RenCen in 1996 to be its world headquarters. Previously, GM was located in Detroit's New Center area in what was then called the General Motors Building, now known as Cadillac Place. The automaker went on to spend over $500 million on renovations and upgrades to the RenCen in the late 1990s and early 2000s that were widely credited with making the center better, and its labyrinthine corridors somewhat easier to navigate. The weekday population in the RenCen plunged following the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued popularity of remote and hybrid work arrangements. GM also relocated a number of workers from the RenCen to its Technical Center in Warren. The Detroit Free Press contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's RenCen: Historical photos of GM HQ take you back in time Sign in to access your portfolio
