Resurrecting a Legend: Tom Johnston's 1990 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet

Tom Johnston

1990 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet 

Instagram: @grey_escort

Performance Stats:0-60 - 9 seconds, top speed 120mph

Meet Tom Johnston: A Lifelong Passion for Cars

At 38 years old, I'm a gas engineer and plumber by trade, but my true passion lies in cars. With petrol in my blood, I've been obsessed with anything on four wheels since I was a kid. My love for car modification started early—at 17, I installed my first sound system for a friend and was instantly hooked. I grew up devouring magazines like Max Power, Redline, and Revs, which fueled my passion for customizing cars.

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The Influence of Car Culture

Cars have always been a major part of my life. The magazines I read and the shows I attended inspired me to start modifying my own vehicles. I’ll never forget my first day in college when a few mates and I took a spin in a friend’s RS Turbo. From that moment, I knew I had to own one of these iconic cars. It was through the car scene that I met my mate Rich, who has been a massive influence, guiding me through every project and helping me with all of my builds.

The Birth of a Passion Project: The 1990 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet

This particular car—a 1990 Ford Escort XR3i Cabriolet—came into my life by chance. It arrived at a local body shop where I was working, in desperate need of a full rebuild. The car was in rough shape, but much like how Arnie fell in love with Christine in the classic film, I fell for this beaten-up Escort. The more I worked on it, the more I wanted it. When the car was finally restored, I jumped at the chance to buy it from the owner.

A Labor of Love: 12 Years and Counting

Fast forward 12 years, and the Escort is now a reflection of countless hours of work, creativity, and dedication. Although it’s a constant work in progress—because, let’s face it, a project car is never truly finished—it’s a true showstopper. When parked next to a standard model, the extent of the modifications becomes crystal clear. The car gets compliments everywhere I take it, and every journey includes at least a half-hour stop to chat with people about the build.

Overcoming Setbacks

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. There was a time when the car sat outside, neglected for a couple of years due to a lack of time. During that period, parts were stolen, and some damage was inflicted on the car, causing me to lose heart. But everything changed when I saw an announcement from Max Power Reunion on Instagram about a show in Towcester. That event reignited my passion and, with the help of Rich, we resurrected the Escort into the beauty you see today. I owe a huge thanks to Mark at Max Power Reunion for giving me the motivation to save the car—who knows what condition it would be in today without that push?

A Unique Build: The Challenges of a Cabriolet Audio Car

I like to think this car is unique because not everyone chooses to build an audio car from a cabriolet. The limited space and challenges with audio quality make it a less popular choice, but I love a good challenge. I replaced the cluttered cable setup in the boot with 8mm copper pipes, which not only look clean but are also functional—the live and ground pipes are actually live if you test them with a multimeter! Driving this 34-year-old car is a Spartan experience. There’s no power steering, ABS, air conditioning, or modern conveniences. The amount of body flex, especially with the top down, makes it a bit hairy through the twisties, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Build List: A Comprehensive Transformation

• Engine: Race engine from XR Challenge car, race cam, double valve springs, four-branch manifold, Scorpion exhaust system, Super Chipped ECU, power boost valve, K&N filter.

• Exterior: RS accessory splitters blended into front and rear bumpers, RS Turbo skirts and arches, RS Turbo smoothed and debadged bonnet, Morette twin headlamps, debadged boot lid, clear side repeaters, hidden indicators in grille, underglow lighting.

• Wheels & Suspension: Wolfrace Katana 17” wheels, lowered 40mm on shocks and springs, Mondeo V6 front brakes with Black Diamond drilled and grooved discs.

• Interior: RS Turbo Recaro seats, Halfords chrome gear knob, gauges replacing the old head unit, underglow lighting under the dashboard and seats.

• Audio System: MTX Terminator TR12-04 subwoofers x4, MTX Terminator TR50S speakers x6 (2 per door, 2 in boot pod under boot lid), MTX Terminator TR65C coaxial speakers x2 in rear pods. Alpine V12 MRD605 Monobloc amplifier x2, Alpine V12 MRD1005 amplifier for components, Kenwood DMX120BT head unit, Hifonics 1 Farad power capacitor x2, custom copper pipework in boot replacing cables, underglow lighting through Perspex shelves, hidden strobes, 7” monitor in custom pod under boot lid.

DIY at Its Best: Who Did the Work?

All the work was carried out in my garage by myself, Rich, and Adam. There’s something special about a back-street garage home build, and this project is a testament to that hands-on, DIY spirit.

Future Plans: Always Evolving

The work is far from over. I’m currently building a new fiberglass box for the subwoofers that will also house two more screens. Additionally, I’m working on new fiberglass door pods and planning to add another two screens in the doors. A full leather retrim is also on the horizon. The journey continues, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

Shout Outs: Gratitude for the Support

I want to give a huge shout-out to Mark at Max Power Reunion for giving me the motivation to get the car built, Rich and Adam for their invaluable help with the work, my daughter Ebony for assisting with the wiring and bleeding the brakes, my parents for accepting endless parcels and allowing me to mail order 90% of a car through their house, and my girlfriend Kirsty for putting up with all the hours I’ve spent working on the car.

Dream Car: The Ultimate Goal

If I could own any car, it would be a Ferrari F40—a true icon and the epitome of automotive excellence.