1970 Ford Cortina Mk2 V6 Savage
Jeff Uren established Race Proved Ltd in 1967 after managing Ford’s Works team and the Willment racing operation, recognizing an expanding market for engine conversions rather than traditional head-and-camshaft tuning.
His approach centered on installing larger-displacement engines into production platforms, with the Mk2 Cortina identified as an ideal candidate for transformation into a high-speed touring car.
The Essex 3.0-liter V6 (producing 138 horsepower in standard form) replaced the Cortina’s four-cylinder, with Weslake offering various tuning specifications ranging up to around 190 horsepower, and a fuel-injected competition variant quoted at up to 218 horsepower.
The conversion required substantial chassis modifications. Seam-welding reinforced the structure, while a custom front crossmember accommodated the heavier V6. Front suspension geometry received negative camber adjustment, stiffer springs, uprated dampers, and a front anti-roll bar.
Power transferred through a close-ratio four-speed gearbox to a Powr-Lok limited-slip differential with a 3.77:1 ratio and strengthened axles. An additional eight-gallon fuel tank mounted in the trunk extended touring range.
Autocar’s August 1967 road test concluded the Savage moved “in a manner that will leave practically everything else standing.” Production totaled approximately 1,000 Mk2 Savage conversions across all specifications, making surviving examples notably scarce.
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