Words and Pictures: FFDave Click here to print this article

To say this XR2 looks different would be a bit of an understatement! Its looks have been altered sufficiently to make it very unique but at the same time it keeps the traditonal XR2 shape that we know and love...

This view shows the most obvious body modifications and most clearly...

...Chris has had his bonnet manipulated by the bonnet experts cool louvres and as well as the louvres a Supra scoop helps to give its unique aggressive look!

In case you were wondering the taped headlights arnt Chris's attemp at a styling mod but were in fact to protect him and others at a recent track day he attended!

The standard Ford headlights have been done away with and in there place sit a pair of morette quad headlamps, again altering the standard appearance...if you look closely at the bumper you will see where Chris has moved the indicators too...Golf-esque you may be thinking and you would be correct, they are indeed a set of Golf repeaters...well when you cant get Ford ones you have to look elsewhere!!!

A clean and smoother than normal backside is a pleasant site and lets face it being as this is turbo'd for a lot of cars it will be the only thing they see anyhow! What a shame with such a tidy and unique fron end eh!

The tailgate has been de-wipered which gives it a fresh and smooth look to complement the rest of the car, along with the clear rear light clusters and euro number plates. A very modern look for a 13 year old car!

Chris has gone all out on the interior and it has to be said that it looks damn fine! A sparco influenced race Interior is his chosen method with matching Sparco blue ancillaries. Even the front speakers match the colour scheme - now theres attention to detail for you!

Door cards are not uniform grey on this interior, a black covering ensures the continuing unique theme...

Uprated Cross Drilled and Grooved discs ensure that stopping is not an issue...these are combined with EBC's GreenStuff pad to ensure efficient stopping is on tap if required...These sit smartly behind a set of 15" TSW's ever faithfull Stealth alloys.

The TSW's are lovingly wrapped in Falken low Profile rubber.

What could be more pleasing than opening your bonnet to find a nice clean engine staring back at you? A turbo'd shiny engine of course...

...not going down the usuall route of an Escort Turbo lump or attempting the Turbo Technics conversion, Chris has opted for Fiesta Turbo power...the parts came up at a good price and so a simple unbolt one part rebolt this part style swap ensued with this being the final result...150bhp for only a few mods is not to shy either, especially when considering thats a lot more power than a standard Fiesta Turbo but in a lighter car!

A smart looking XR2 with more trick bits than a gadget shop! Clever use of colour coding and an aggressive and unique front end ensure that this little pocket rocket leaves its mark on its victims!

Its not often you see an XR2 that has ventured away from the norm and more to the point one that looks good...Chris has definately achieved that and then some!

91 FRST Engine 1.6 Turbo with blue Samco's, Custom intercooler, dump valve, chip, K&N 57i induction Kit and various under bonnet shiny bits with plenty more to come!

Graham and Chris at Staines Rapid Fit

Billy Allan at Billy Allan Autos in Twickenham (0208) 8941854

Scott, Tracey and Rochelle for funds and patience!