First published in the May 2026 issue of Street Machine

“I’ve owned my 1977 TE Cortina for over 20 years, and in that time it has seen multiple backyard-built combinations.

“It has morphed from being a cream colour which looked mouldy green, to a contrasting red hue, to the current white-and-black combination.

“My brother helped with panelwork and the respray, and it has come a long way from the $300 machine I purchased 20 years ago.

“Today, the old girl is running a 302 Windsor with a large solid flat-tappet Comp cam, AFR Renegade CNC heads and a Holley Hi-Ram, which is ideal for the high-performance set-up.

“Fuel is supplied by a pair of 450cfm carbies, and the engine is backed by a C4 transmission with a 4800rpm TCE torque converter.

“The rear end is tubbed to fit the shortened BorgWarner diff, with 31-spline Moser axles and 4.10 gears.

“An Auto Meter gauge set-up displays readings to the driver, and as you can see, it loves a skid!”

Photos: Michele Beresford (Chele_Bero Images)