• Fresh build to a high standard

• 2.9 litre Cosworth V6 with 240bhp

• Power steering and 5 speed gearbox

• Wilwood discs front and rear

Initially launched in 1971 based on the Cortina Mk3, and subsequently the Mk4 from 1977, the Cortina pickup was renamed the P100 in 1982. In late-1987 the P100 was re-bodied with the new Ford Sierra-based cab. Engine choices were originally the Sierra's 2.0 litre "Pinto" or a 1.8 diesel.  

The range was built in Portugal for the European market, to a design set out by Ford UK.  It proved a strong seller, particularly in the UK market, and was a common sight on UK roads. Production of the P100 came to an end when the Ford Sierra was replaced by the front wheel drive Mondeo range in 1993.

The P100 was bought recently as a 95% completed project by the Vendor when the previous owner was offered a US built Ford F100 pickup that he couldn’t resist. 

He has spent some time finishing the project, completing various aspects that had yet to be done, or could be improved.  Before its conversion into the impressive custom build it is today the P100 was originally purple, and was powered by a 1.8 turbo diesel.  

Now powered by a 2.9 litre 24 valve Cosworth V6 with a 5 speed gearbox thought to have come from a later Ford Scorpio, and with numerous upgrades it has covered a mere handful of miles since completion earlier this year. 

The history file for the P100 is a bit thin as any bills pertaining to its previous life have been lost, but that isn’t really a problem as it is now a very different proposition! There is a V5c and an MoT that is valid until September 2022.

The interior appears to have been refurbished and overall is in good, clean condition throughout.  The grey cloth seats have no marks or tears and the grey carpets are similarly clean and tidy.  

It’s likely that the whole dashboard has been replaced as this one doesn’t look like it’s had a previous life as a working pickup in the 90s; for a start the ashtray hasn’t been used!  There are a few nice upgrades such as electric windows and mirrors, and a Cosworth leather steering wheel in good condition.  

The light and airy feel of the interior is helped by the glass sunroof, which tilts up properly.  The instruments are all clear and appear to function correctly.  

The gear stick is correctly marked as a 5 speed.  The door panels are in great condition, showing no shoe marks and are well fitted.  A couple of small faults to note: there is a small burn hole in the driver’s side armrest, and the glovebox is held closed with a cable tie as the button catch appears to be missing.  

On the outside the P100 looks great, the dark red metallic paint has been well applied completed to a good standard throughout. A quick look through the photos and you’ll agree that the dark red suits the truck.  There are upgrades and lots of nice touches that make the P100 stand out from the crowd.  

The bonnet is the correct item from a Sierra Cosworth as is the distinctive front bumper incorporating front fog lamps. The truck sits on 17” 12 spoke alloys that really suit the car.  Finished in metallic dark grey they have Ford centre caps and are all unmarked with no curb rash.  Tyres are very lightly worn, almost new.  Fronts are 205/40 Diamondback, rears are Michelin Primacy 205/45.  

Visible through the wheels are the sensibly upgraded brakes, Wilwood ventilated discs and callipers both front and rear which should be up to the job of stopping the truck!

The rear bed has been painted to match the exterior in dark red, with a coating of bedliner paint beneath which gives it a textured surface.  The tailgate folds down correctly and it’s clear that nothing has been carried in the back since the build was completed.  The bed isn’t perfect, but good from a distance.  At the rear a large single exhaust exits below the tailgate, and looks to be about 3” size.  The exhaust system is all stainless throughout and well fitted. 

There are a couple of extra items included that aren’t pictured; there is a fabric tonneau cover and a ladder rack if you wanted to use the P100 for high speed ladder delivery!

The first thing that should be noted is this build has been mechanically well executed; it’s no amateur lash-up!  The P100 has XR4i rear suspension and differential. There are coil over springs and shocks, so a far more sophisticated setup than the original leaf springs!  

The front running gear is also XR4i, incorporating power steering. The photographs show the attention to detail on the underside; it’s all beautifully installed by someone who obviously knows how it should be done.

Under the bonnet the engine is nicely finished and fills the space!  With the intake and other parts painted in dark red matching the exterior, it’s clearly been well planned. The engine bay itself is well painted and clean. All the ancillaries and pipework look new, and there is no evidence of any leaks.

Whether you decide use it as originally intended as a working truck or promotional tool, or you prefer to cruise the field in style at car shows, this P100 will not disappoint.  

A well-built and nicely finished example it looks and sounds great.  It also goes like a train, steers and stops, plus it will turn heads wherever you go; lots of fun to be had here!