There was uproar within certain automotive enthusiast circles when Ford announced that the Puma was going to be revived in the form of ‘yet another small crossover’. As it turns out, the new Puma is seemingly an excellent car, which manages to tap into the current mood of car buyers – exactly what the original did so well back in 1997.
It might have been based on the unassuming Mk4 Fiesta’s underpinnings, but some clever tweaking – including stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars – gave it a cracking chassis set-up. Unlike the Fiesta, the Puma got a 1.7-litre version of the Yamaha-developed Zetec SE engine. This rev-happy 16-valve VCT (variable cam timing) engine put out a healthy 123bhp and 116lb ft, and was connected to a snappy five-speed manual ’box, with pleasing metal gearknob.
It was marketed as ‘a driver’s dream’ when it was launched, and raised a few eyebrows with a clever ad campaign featuring a CGI-imposed Steve McQueen driving the car on the streets of San Francisco. It lived up to the hype, though, and was an instant hit.
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Naturally, Ford introduced smaller engines and various special editions throughout production, which came to an end in 2001. It’s easy to be snobbish about cars like this, but it delivered one of the most driver-focused packages available at any price. That didn’t mean it couldn’t be improved further…
A motorsport programme had been mooted and dismissed, but that didn’t stop development of the limited-production Racing Puma road car, launched in 2000. Based on a standard Puma, which was built in Cologne, the Racing was then converted to its final specification in the UK by Tickford. The most radical change to the body was the wide aluminium wings at the front, and even wider steel quarter panels (bonded to the standard panels) at the rear. Within those cavernous arches was a set of 17-inch multispoke wheels, needed to house a very serious motorsport-derived Alcon brake set-up.
Inside, a pair of blue Alcantara-trimmed Sparco seats set the scene. Spiralling development costs meant that it didn’t get the turbocharged engine it needed to make the most of the chassis, but power from the 1.7-litre engine was boosted to 153bhp thanks to uprated camshafts, a new (and individually numbered) inlet manifold and a free-flowing exhaust.
Ford planned to build 1000 examples, but that dropped to 500 (all for the UK) when Germany cancelled its order. All were painted in Ford Racing Blue and offered at a slightly eye-watering £22,750. At the time, that was more expensive than the Subaru Impreza Turbo, which offered 200bhp and actual motorsport pedigree, and the Racing Puma was a slow seller when new. It does offer a singularly focused driving experience, with a staggeringly good chassis, and that’s reflected in values today.
The great thing is that, even if the Racing Puma seems too highly strung or simply out of budget, you really can’t go wrong with the regular 1.7 Puma. Find a relatively rust-free example, and enjoy one of the finest-handling cars of the 1990s from £1000.
Ford Racing Puma Common problems
• No surprise, but corrosion is the Puma’s biggest enemy. Rear arches and sills are the giveaway that trouble is ahead. Check the boot floor. Racing Pumas are, sadly, even more susceptible and very costly to put right. The rear quarters can hide terrible rot within, which attacks the original panel below.
• The glassfibre bumpers are unique and difficult to replace.
• The original 17-inch multi-spoke wheels are essential to the car’s look and handling. Check for any damage or kerbing on the wheels. Ensure that the tyres are in good condition and have even tread wear.
• That Alcon braking set-up is delicate and is specific to the Racing Puma. As great as it it when properly maintained, lack of regular use, or improper servicing can cause issues. Even when working properly they do like to squeak.
WHAT TO PAY?
For the regular Puma, there are plenty of rough examples around, but good 1.7-litre cars start from £2000. Up the budget to £3500 and you should find an extremely good example. Prices for the best have been creeping up, with some of the best carsh pushing £6000-7000.
Due to low numbers and the fact that it’s a ‘Fast Ford’ (a brilliant one, too), the Racing Puma has collectable status already. That means that even the roughest cars start at around £6000, but don’t expect much change from £15,000 for a tidy one. The best? Upwards of £20k.
