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- Oct 3, 2007
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Copied for posterity:
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=30788" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It seems that if any car is priced attractively enough, the buyers will come. See the ongoing popularity of the Vauxhall Corsa. But if the price of a car it too high it becomes a hard sell no matter how accomplished it is.
The Ford Racing Puma is a perfect case in point. The basic idea was tantalising; take the already superb Puma and ask Tickford to make a proper fast Ford from it. Paint Imperial Blue. Add Alcantara. Job done. Who wouldn't want one of those?
Well at more than £20,000, not enough. Ford wanted to make 1,000 Racings but eventually produced just 500 and even some of those were offloaded to staff. It's CSL syndrome but even more severely. When the standard car is so exceptional, a flagship that is only a little more powerful but considerably more expensive can look poor value initially.
With a couple of modifications and M Division's move to turbos, the M3 CSL's inherent specialness is becoming appreciated. Given the current hoopla over many RS Fords it seems surprising that the very rare, very talented Puma is so affordable. That's relative to other fast Fords of course, not standard Pumas.
Now nobody say Integra Type RIs it the lack of a Cosworth badge? Is it the initial unpopularity? The lack of a turbo? Either way, the Racing Puma seems to have skirted under the radars of many for a while. Autocar's Ford story in 2012 suggested good cars were £5-£6K, exactly where this car is now.
And far more importantly, it's a truly fantastic driver's car. There never were and never will be any complaints about the way any Puma goes down a good road, the Racing even more so. And look at that peak power figure: 155hp at 7,000rpm. It needs revs, it thrives on revs and that approach is augmented massively by one of the sweetest manual gearboxes around.
It still looks brilliant too. Badged 'Racing' but with a real tarmac rally car vibe the Puma's whole appearance is perfect. The stance, the wheels, the arches, the paint. It's great. And yet still quite pretty.
oBut the Racing Puma's arch nemesis new remains a threat used: DC2. The first UK Type Rs were faster and, going by most accounts, just that bit more exciting to drive than the Ford. There aren't currently any at the Puma's price point, this Milano Red 'Teg available for just over £4K and a Championship White car up at £7K. Latter looks lovely, doesn't it?
Hmm. The Puma appeals so much as the underdog, the car that was always hampered by its high price and, as a direct consequence, that damn Honda. It's a fine car though. And when Mk5 Escort RS2000s are £7K, there surely isn't a better time to put £5,000 into one.
FORD RACING PUMA
Engine: 1,679cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive, limited-slip differential
Power (hp): 155@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 119@4,500rpm
MPG: 34.7
CO2: NA
First registered: 2000
Recorded mileage: 84,000
Price new: £21,995
Yours for: £5,500
See the original advert here.
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=30788" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
