Description
Ford Racing Puma #159. An extremely rare, immaculate example. One of around 270 remaining Ford Racing Pumas. Less than 500 were ever produced. 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
Original service history 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. A new engine was fitted by Pumabuild in Aug 2017 and was fully run in through proper break-in process. Full service history 2017-2025, carried out annually regardless of mileage.
Between Jan and May 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
- Wheel bearings replaced
- 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, with only minor blemishes such as small stone chips to the front bumper. The car has been since fully detailed and sealed.
The above restoration resulted in a clean MOT, with no advisories. Will be sold with one year MOT. All electrics operate normally, heated windscreen, power mirrors etc.
4x premium tyres 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, new wheel centre caps, Ford racing driver and passenger Sparco seat covers.
11 previous owners (one of which a dealership). Quite normal for a track/ sports car so don't be put off. Previous owners are all detailed in a VQ7 document, produced by the DVLA. Extensive history folder proves it's been looked after.
Registered ULEZ and Clean Air Zone compliant.
Smoke and pet free, HPI clear, 2 keys.
Extensive history of receipts and invoices. Coveted owners guide supplement and brochure has been preserved like new. 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.
This car has been garaged for most of its life and has avoided winter/ salted roads Dec - Mar. It is strongly recommended to keep in garaged storage when not in use, to preserve its condition.
Minimal expense due and peace of mind from the extensive restoration. These cars continue to appreciate in value as the FRP now surpass its 25th anniversary. Excellent investment opportunity becoming a true classic Fast Ford.
