2000 Ford Racing Puma

Ford Racing Puma #159. An extremely rare and mint example. One of less than 500 produced Ford Racing Pumas, of which around 270 remain. The FRP has gained a cult following in the car community, as an appreciating, fast Ford classic. This was a limited track focused version, designed by Ford Racing and converted by Tickford which, among others, featured these major differences over the standard 1. 7 puma:

-   Wider track and tyres, wider aluminium arches and lightweight fibreglass bumpers to accommodate

-   High flow inlet plenum, high lift racing cams and a 21% power increase of 30bhp to 155

-   High flow sports exhaust with 200 cell sports cat

-   Sparco racing interior with blue Alcantara trim

-   4 piston high performance Alcon brakes and rear discs

Full Service history present 2004 - 2010. The car then went into long term dry storage 2010 - 2017. The engine was replaced in August 2017 through no fault of the vehicle; to seize an opportunity to bolster the car's value. Documentation including photos and confirmation from the chair of the FRP owners club, prove a new engine was fitted by Pumabuild in Aug 2017. New Engine was fully run in through proper break-in process. Full service history 2017-2024 with no expense spared.

Between mid 2023 through early 2024, #159 has undergone a near full restoration. Underbody, mechanical overhaul carried out by none other than Puma specialist, Chris Allison. The following list is non exhaustive, but provides some key points of work carried out:

-   Fuel tank removed and refurbished, fuel pump and sender unit replaced and fuel pipes replaced

-   Rear axle removed and refurbished, with new spacers

-   Front and rear brake lines replaced

-   Rear callipers overhauled, pads replaced and handbrake cables, disc shields replaced, new ABS looms

-   Driveshaft inner/ outer boots replaced

-   Rear underbody sanded down, rust proof treated and coated

-   Exhaust mid section and sports cat replaced with new gaskets and fixings, hangers replaced

-   Fixings, suspension arm bushes, nuts and bolts replaced

-   Engine removed and serviced with new timing belt (with FRP timing tool), tensioners, cam shafts removed and valve clearances checked, reshimmed, gaskets, cam and crankshaft seals replaced. Upper engine mount replaced

-   Gearbox removed and clutch slave cylinder replaced, gearbox oil renewed

-   Alcon front brakes fully overhauled, pads replaced, low mileage discs skimmed/ lapped

-   Battery replaced

-   Fluids all renewed (brake, coolant, power stering)

-   Filters all renewed (Pollen, fuel, K&N intake filter cleaned)

-   Auxiliary belt, pulley and tensioner replaced

-   Throttle position sensor replaced

Other recent work completed
- Lambda O2 sensor renewed
- New Air Conditioning pressure lines, seals and spring locks fitted, Compressor and accumulator/ dryer replaced. Leak check and regassed professionally inc anti bacterial fumigation.

Bodywork

The car has been garaged most of its life, keeping corrosion at bay. However in March 2024 the bodywork was professionally restored with any signs of corrosion removed, with the rear arches refabricated, preventatively retreated and resprayed in original Imperial blue metallic, to a high standard. All sills and arches are in great condition with no rust perforation. The tailgate was also resprayed to match. The bonnet was fully resprayed on both sides meaning a full blue coat on the underside, where most lack paint from assembly. As such the car has had a near full respray and paintwork is in exceptional condition all round. The car has been since fully detailed and high-durability wax coated.

Clean MOT, no advisories. Full detail carried out to interior and exterior. All electrics operate normally, heated windscreen, power mirrors etc.

4x like-new premium tyres (2x Pirelli, 2x Uniroyal rainsport 5) with excellent tread, alloys clean with no kerbing.

Interior trim immaculate with NO visible wear to seat bolsters or alcantara.

AC blows ice cold

Window rubbers/ seals all in good condition and not hard or perished

Original Racing Puma floor mats in good condition. Sold with box of spare parts including indoor car cover, Ford racing driver and passenger Sparco seat covers.

11 previous owners, all of which are listed by a VQ7 document, produced by the DVLA. Registered ULEZ COMPLIANT.

Smoke and pet free, HPI clear, 2 keys.

Extensive history folder including coveted owners guide supplement and brochure. Test drives to verify mechanical soundness welcome for genuine buyers. Please enquire for more information, videos and photos. A replacement engine in Aug 2017 makes FRP #159 one of the FRPs with the LOWEST mileage (circa 3, 000) on its engine.

This car was fitted in 2017 with an upgraded Fiesta ST150 clutch (compatible part) as part of its engine replacement. As such, the clutch also only has circa 3, 000 miles.

This particular example, #159, has been in my care for the past 7 years, and after undergoing an extensive overhaul and restoration, combined with new engine, there isn't another FRP for sale like it.

I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of ownership, I bought this as a Ford enthusiast and aircraft engineer by trade. I always wanted a unique weekender car that I could renovate and restore. The Puma always captivated my attention with its new edge styling. The Racing was my opportunity to be part of a highly exclusive owners club group, with a feeling of owning something personal and truly special to me. Despite its name, and track built purpose, this example has never been track raced, though it always put a smile on my face through undulating B roads. The Japanese Yamaha-Ford developed 1. 7 has a throaty and raw sound, the Puma is always eager to pull through the bends. Just reading the reviews on the Racing Puma will tell you everything you need to know about why it's so special. But the truth is the Puma can't just be written about, it has to be experienced.

This car has been garaged for most of its life and has avoided winter/ salted roads from Dec - Mar. It is strongly recommended to keep in garaged storage when not in use, to preserve its condition.

Regrettably selling as I am in the process of buying my first home, but in no rush to sell for less than its worth, so respectfully, while open to reasonable negotiation, will not entertain low offers. Looking for a loving home as a meticulously cared for example. Minimal expense due and peace of mind from full resto and respray. These cars continue to appreciate in value as the FRP now approaches its 25th anniversary. Excellent investment opportunity becoming a true classic Fast Ford.

The car is currently in dry winter storage, and SORN. It is still kept ticking over and active, off public roads. Ready to go with a clean MOT.