Project 55 returns – looks the same, but it’s vastly improved

Project 55’s back, MoT-tested and with an all-new floor. Karmarthen Kenny’s done a great job bringing the ploddy old blue-oval back to life, and not a moment too soon.

All the work’s out of sight though, so the next stop is reviving the visuals. But in the meantime there’s an all-new floor replacing what was left of the Halewood original. Unlike the factory, Kenny’s given that entirely fresh underside a massive dolloping of underseal. All being well it’ll never even have an MoT-test advisory about the state of the floor.

Serious rot – unsurprising on a Ford of this era – secured a proper MoT-test failure. But sentimentality can have a strong pull, even when by rights this 55 should have been binned.

As an example, at short notice it helped Team Special move house and on one day the engine wasn’t turned off for 10 and a half hours, and it didn’t miss a beat. But that’s it: it just works, in a cheerful, honest and dependable fashion. It doesn’t ask for much, other than regular servicing

And unlike the factory, Kenny’s given that entirely fresh underside a massive dolloping of underseal. All being well it’ll never even have an MoT-test advisory about the state of the floor.

With refreshed rear brakes, new cambelt and a full-on service it’s running well, the powerful heater being especially welcome as Autumn comes in with gusto. It’s already been cleaned inside and out (the de-toxifer doing a great job) but there’s more work ahead.

Next stop – the re-paint. In this part of Wales trying to find a decent sprayer isn’t easy, but we might just have struck lucky. Progress – or non-progress – report to come.