Classic Car fan to compete at NEC

Ballymena classic car fan Chris Rogers' 1971 mk1 Escort 1600 which will be in the .National Concours Final Birminghams NEC later this week.

Having competed last year with his 1977 Escort RS1800, local man Chris Rogers is back this year with another Escort, this time a 1971 mk1 Escort 1600.

Held as part of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show from November 14-16, the Meguiar’s Club Showcase brings the finest classic cars from across the United Kingdom together to form a genuine ‘best of the best’ classic concours.

“When I got the car it still had its original paint, which was 40 years old. It’s taken three long years to get it to the condition it is now in,” he revealed,

Chris spent many years working in motorsport before suffering an accident in 2001 which left him seriously injured, however, he wasn’t willing to let that come between him and his love of classic Fords.

As well as renewing the body and paint, Chris has rebuilt the engine, gearbox, rear axle and suspension parts. Inside, he’s recovered the seats.

“The only work that was outsourced was the top-coat of paint - every other detail was painstakingly carried out by ourselves” says Chris.

To have reached the final once is an impressive achievement but Chris is excited to be heading back to the NEC. “I feel really good about reaching the final again,” he says.

“Although I do this for my own interests, it is great to have my work recognized and I get a great feeling of achievement when I see it on the Meguiars’ showcase stand.”