Forgotten Fast Ford: The Racing Puma, Reviewed

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

Today I am driving one of the strangest chapters in Ford history - the Racing Puma. The base Puma was a cult hit here in the UK, and for years they were the go to car for cheap motoring thrills. But, when the Racing Puma was launched, sales were so bad Ford had to give them away to executives just to clear stock. Now, people want serious money for them - can they possibly be worth it?
#Ford #RacingPuma
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Пікірлер: 541

  • @marcgreaves4354
    @marcgreaves43543 жыл бұрын

    Jay's shirt looks like a bowling alley's carpet in the 90s.

  • @JayEmmOnCars

    @JayEmmOnCars

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha

  • @hribc78

    @hribc78

    3 жыл бұрын

    It´s like James May was his stylist, haha! It´s a quirk and feature, as one certain youtuber would say, and the vids are great! loads of cool cars, hopefully loads to come!

  • @NSX.R

    @NSX.R

    3 жыл бұрын

    Or casino carpets. Making people dizzy and all before putting down crazy bets.

  • @HQBProductions

    @HQBProductions

    3 жыл бұрын

    Perhaps Claudio Lugli...😎😎😎....a shirt to remember!😃😃😃

  • @peterallam6494

    @peterallam6494

    2 жыл бұрын

    27/2 22. Puma & shirt from same era ? New Edge !

  • @adamthomas1323
    @adamthomas13233 жыл бұрын

    When I was 10 my dad had one of the first of the original Pumas and Ford really /really/ wanted him to buy a racing. So they sent him a lot of promo stuff; but the price never worked. I became obsessed, and 10 years later I got one. On paper it makes no sense; it’s a 90s fiesta in a dress with not enough power. But somehow it’s a much greater sum of its parts; oozing the passion of the small, focused team that put it together. It makes you work as a driver. The fact it doesn’t have much power means that a few more mph going into a corner make it difference down the next straight. The fact that the chassis and controls are so perfect mean you can drive the same bit of road over and over again making minor improvements and never get bored. It’s friendly too; overstep the mark and even 20 year old me could keep the thing out of the hedge. I’ve had a lot of special cars since the Puma; but I miss the little garish smurf an awful lot. This is the only review I’ve ever seen that gets close to getting what this car is about.

  • @Reddsoldier
    @Reddsoldier3 жыл бұрын

    I have a great anecdote about the Racing Puma. My dad helped wrap up production on these and managed to snag a box of unused "Racing" badges at the end of the production run. For years afterwards every household appliance was a "Racing" edition. My personal favourite being the Racing hoover that had a makeover into a similar blue to the Racing Puma. Another general Ford one for all fords of this era, was that the funny big buttons radio that everything from the Fiesta to the Mondeo got was known internally as the "Fisher price" radio, at least in my dad's department at Dunton.

  • @mickmiller9936

    @mickmiller9936

    2 жыл бұрын

    Racing hover 😂😂😂. That’s hilarious

  • @speedshed
    @speedshed3 жыл бұрын

    I had one for 8 years. Brought my two newborn boys home in it. It’s one that sticks in my memory for all the right reasons.

  • @stewester
    @stewester3 жыл бұрын

    Had a normal 1.7 Puma as my first car after learning to drive. It was the only vaguely exciting car that I could insure for a sensible price. Even after Lotuses and BMW M cars it's still one of the best cars I've ever owned - handling, steering feel, gearshift all brilliant. I sold it to a girl who had just passed her test. She crashed it the very same day...

  • @possibly8180

    @possibly8180

    3 ай бұрын

    Talk about going out with a... That's actually quite unfortunate.

  • @leccybadger
    @leccybadger3 жыл бұрын

    An incredible wee motor, owned a standard 1.7 which was just smiles per mile, had a drive of the FRP and never stopped grinning. Interiors are awful, the parcel shelf was laughable but all was forgiven. Swapped mine for a 3 series coupe, Hewn from granite in comparison but not as fun through the narrow country lanes... Hello to any former Pumapeople forum members reading this 👋🏻👍🏻😁

  • @Salgandarin
    @Salgandarin3 жыл бұрын

    I'm gutted the new puma is a totally different car and they didn't go for something along the same lines as this.

  • @carolynhollingworth4082

    @carolynhollingworth4082

    3 жыл бұрын

    My thoughts exactly.

  • @Steve-K.G.

    @Steve-K.G.

    3 жыл бұрын

    I don't think they ever intend to make anything like it again, they wanted another SUV and just used the name. I doubt it was meant to be a MK2. I don't mind it, but find another bloody name for it!!

  • @andyb7788

    @andyb7788

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yet another casualty of this all consuming addiction to lardy, heavy, less aero dynamic, needlessly thirsty SUV type vehicles that people demand these days. It can only be down to a perseived sense of 'status' that people want them as, in every other area they are flawed. In most cases, more usable space can be had from an equivalent estate, which will go faster, handle better, use less fuel and be generally easier on the eye. These buyers have all but killed off the coupe market apart from the german manufacturers. This current way of thinking also dictates that hot hatches have to come with 5 rather than 3 doors, well other than a Fiesta ST perhaps. Sad times😒

  • @dungareesareforfools

    @dungareesareforfools

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@andyb7788 Couldn't agree more.

  • @dungareesareforfools

    @dungareesareforfools

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's just a name, there's no other commonality. A bit like the 1960s Galaxie versus the Galaxy!

  • @smilepermile888
    @smilepermile8883 жыл бұрын

    When I think of the Ford Puma, Tiff Needell's FWD stunt driving lessons from the 90s come to mind. Handbrake turns, J turns, scandinavian flick you name it... I'm sure a few years ago, they would've been great 'first cars' but the rust issues and the rear looking like 'Roz' from Monsters Inc put me off a bit. Have to say, the Racing Puma is a gem with those flared arches - dare I say Aston Martin like. I was intrigued with this car as Yamaha helped develop the 1.7-litre engine too.

  • @MilitaryHistory2011

    @MilitaryHistory2011

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wondering how many Pumas got binned after people watched Tiff working his magic in one. Scary how easy he made it look

  • @bst857

    @bst857

    3 жыл бұрын

    Tiff is awesome, he spent a long time at Thruxton, driving people around in an M3 like a total maniac. He can't have earnt much money from it, but he just loves doing it, sharing it with people. I remember on track I was in a formula ford, and he shot past me and powerslid round the corner in front of me, tyre smoke billowing out the back, was a great day.

  • @Lukec4ge

    @Lukec4ge

    3 жыл бұрын

    The Ford Puma in standard 1.7 form is an excellent car- first time drivers, or otherwise. I’m about to sell my son’s silver one and my partner’s Black Edition, only because they are not ULEZ compliant where we live. Great handling cars, quicker than you think- they weigh about a ton- so they’re so agile. Tiff Needell immortalised it on film (stillgot the dvd). Evo rated the standard car higher than the Racing Puma. Just wish I’d bought a racing Puma for the looks, and their current value, when they were around for about £6k....

  • @paulcarmi8130

    @paulcarmi8130

    3 жыл бұрын

    You lost all credibility when you mentioned monsters inc

  • @smilepermile888

    @smilepermile888

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@paulcarmi8130 Why are you offended that I referred to the rear of the car looking like a character from Monsters Inc? I was making an assosiation and never seeked for validation about it. Couldn't care less about getting so-called 'credibility' from you, if that concerns you so much

  • @PT82
    @PT823 жыл бұрын

    Cool cars. The steering wheels degraded really quickly. Great chassis. Deserved the Mk1 Focus RS engine.

  • @Nando_Florist

    @Nando_Florist

    3 жыл бұрын

    And even better, 4wd.

  • @gusmicklewright8589

    @gusmicklewright8589

    3 жыл бұрын

    Apparently it was originally meant to have a turbo and 180hp, but costs got out of control so they had to scrap that :/

  • @dr_ovi_kintobor1408

    @dr_ovi_kintobor1408

    3 жыл бұрын

    The steering wheels last longer than some might think, with mine it turned out to be gunked up with dead skin and grease but it looked bald and black! All that was needed was some warm soapy water, some squeezing and dabbing (no scrubbing!!!) and it came up quite well.

  • @stephenbates8370

    @stephenbates8370

    3 жыл бұрын

    I think you've hit the nail on the head there 👍

  • @endlessroadie3131

    @endlessroadie3131

    3 жыл бұрын

    Bit much for a go kart but the 2L from the st would have been plenty of power in my humble opinion

  • @unknowntm1724
    @unknowntm17243 жыл бұрын

    6:16 I’m assuming the TVR Sagaris will be appearing on a review at some point! Also the genuine joy on your face when you started putting the hammer down a bit, that was awesome, just goes to show you don’t need a huge engine to have fun.

  • @myname6455

    @myname6455

    3 жыл бұрын

    Of course. Because in the video, he said the owner of the puma came with his father and his father came with a much cooler car, which he will review next. So that TVR should be it. Reference 5:03

  • @andrewnorris5415

    @andrewnorris5415

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@myname6455 It's most likely agreed. But not 100% certain wise men careful of assumptions as you must know:)

  • @leftyplayz6908

    @leftyplayz6908

    3 жыл бұрын

    I thought it was a T350 but then again it's a similar shape to a Segaris

  • @bighands69

    @bighands69

    3 жыл бұрын

    TVR were pure sports cars that could wrap the wrong person around a tree. The Puma was a wannabe yuppie metrosexual car intended to show females how much they cared.

  • @richardharrold9736

    @richardharrold9736

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@bighands69 bullshit, the Puma is every bit as much a driver's car as the TVR. Also, your outdated sexist stereotypes haven't been funny since the 1970s.

  • @Justin225
    @Justin2253 жыл бұрын

    I had a regular Puma 1.7 and did over 100k miles in it. Loved it. Spent most weekends thrashing it down my favourite countryside roads. The handling/chassis and the fun factor when driving it was truly great. I even preferred it to both the Clio 182 and Lotus Elise I owned afterwards which were both great cars and faster, of course, but somehow just not as fun to drive as the Puma was down a B-road.

  • @vinaychauhan7936
    @vinaychauhan79363 жыл бұрын

    The original Puma etched a permanent memory in my head when I was a Ford engineering summer intern at Dunton. Someone threw me the keys to do a 5 minute errand. I went missing for an hour. Was just soooo much fun, so easy to be a lift off oversteer hooligan in, handling that you could genuinely steer on the throttle and that zingy Yamaha engine. Managed to a VMax it on the a127 and I only stopped when i completely missed a turn loool on a country lane, as I’d been hammering the brakes so much they just went soft suddenly. What a car.

  • @bighands69

    @bighands69

    3 жыл бұрын

    It was a horrible looking car that did not appeal to men. It was more ugly that the Ford Fiesta which is saying a lot.

  • @vinaychauhan7936

    @vinaychauhan7936

    3 жыл бұрын

    bighand69 I’m not mad about the looks, more about the driving, but at least you’re consistent - your username suggests a slight masculinity insecurity issue 🤣🤣

  • @imaweerascal

    @imaweerascal

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@bighands69 I'm a man and it appeals to me. So much so that I've driven mine for 14 years. Everyone has different taste

  • @bighands69

    @bighands69

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@vinaychauhan7936 Why would you think that about my user name?

  • @bighands69

    @bighands69

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@imaweerascal There are men that wear high heels and lipstick I suppose.

  • @MartinArgg
    @MartinArgg3 жыл бұрын

    6:30 that is the cutest sounding engine I’ve ever heard.

  • @rogerwennstrom6677
    @rogerwennstrom66773 жыл бұрын

    That "Sorry, I sounded like Predator dying there, didn't I" was hilarious :)

  • @MrMairu555

    @MrMairu555

    3 жыл бұрын

    I think many of us probably joined in with the Predator laugh at that point! 🤣🤣🤣

  • @wackythiefzg
    @wackythiefzg3 жыл бұрын

    Love to see Puma getting some love in this day and age. I was a mere pre-teen when it came out, but I remember I fell in love with it the second I lay my eyes on it. Still is in my top 5 list of cars I'd love to own. Thank you so much for a trip down memory lane and doing an amazing job at reviewing not only Puma, but every car you review, Jay.

  • @resnonverba137

    @resnonverba137

    3 жыл бұрын

    If you can find one without rust, you won't regret buying one. Have the suspension checked too. The standard 1.7 was a great car.

  • @DogsbodyFRP
    @DogsbodyFRP3 жыл бұрын

    I've owned a Racing Puma for 14 years now. Been my daily driver and trackday car in that time.. it can still surprise me just how well it handles and how much speed it can carry through a corner.

  • @iainmurray9961
    @iainmurray99613 жыл бұрын

    6:14 is nice to see a TVR in it's natural habitat... Broken at the side of the road ;)

  • @R-Tap

    @R-Tap

    3 жыл бұрын

    Possibly the next video? 😂

  • @TonyRule

    @TonyRule

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@R-Tap Yeah, I figured that too.

  • @Dan23_7

    @Dan23_7

    3 жыл бұрын

    It is his next vid but I bet you've watched it now

  • @iainmurray9961

    @iainmurray9961

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Dan23_7 I've not watched it yet but I had my suspicions

  • @Dan23_7

    @Dan23_7

    3 жыл бұрын

    Iain Murray Oops sorry mate. It's interesting 👍🏻

  • @andrewnorris5415
    @andrewnorris54153 жыл бұрын

    Jay: "You can be a hooligan in this car". And yet super cute looking. Reminds of me the "cute-em-up" computer games, cute looking enemies that play far harder than they could ever be imagined to have credit for.

  • @X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X
    @X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X3 жыл бұрын

    The Puma* is exactly the car I'd love to see on sale today. *the original one, not the horrible SUV.

  • @morganmorris2698

    @morganmorris2698

    3 жыл бұрын

    Shame people don't buy these cars anymore, they are so cool. Also the big luxury saloon cars are dying aswell

  • @X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X

    @X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@morganmorris2698 It truly is. People seem so insecure they "need" SUVs and Crossovers, cars which are no good at anything.

  • @neilwilliams8741

    @neilwilliams8741

    3 жыл бұрын

    mate had a black one I had a dull Vauxhall tigra..no were near as good or handled as good as the puma ..cost me 250 and I had it 18 months so good value..

  • @morganmorris2698

    @morganmorris2698

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X ye really shame, however I do like the big suvs like range rover and q7 cos they are good all wheel drive cars but the mid size and small suvs are a complete waste of money

  • @markwright3161

    @markwright3161

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@morganmorris2698 I like the proper offroaders like Range Rovers too. Something like the Audi A6 Allroad is as close to a crossover as I would get, because they're an estate car with a bit of offroad ability. All the other rubbish that's just a looks package on a 'lifted' hatchback platform, the stupid crossovers that aren't even 4/AWD, if anything should be scrapped prematurely it's those.

  • @dr_ovi_kintobor1408
    @dr_ovi_kintobor14083 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for finally reviewing one of these. So glad you enjoyed it. I had mine for 10 years and loved every second of it! They're so much fun!

  • @SabotsLibres
    @SabotsLibres3 жыл бұрын

    Don't forget, the poppy exhaust was something you didn't normally get in those days...and these days, it is a manufactured noise...

  • @DanteICE
    @DanteICE3 жыл бұрын

    Am I the only person who thought there was going to be a crash at 11:00? Because that silver car seems REALLY close!

  • @benkirkham2017

    @benkirkham2017

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, that was really close... worth slowing down for tight corners

  • @noseyparker6622

    @noseyparker6622

    3 жыл бұрын

    No.....it only looked close because its being recorded on a go-pro sticking out on a mount outside the car.

  • @der4815162342

    @der4815162342

    3 жыл бұрын

    takes you a sec to realize the cam isn't centered but 10cm to the side of the car

  • @bst857

    @bst857

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@noseyparker6622 Yeah its no wider than the wing mirrors

  • @richardcruickshank4026

    @richardcruickshank4026

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah he was in the middle of the road as well has to remember these are public roads

  • @Matt-go7ss
    @Matt-go7ss3 жыл бұрын

    My gf had a regular Ford Puma. It's still one of the best handling cars I've driven. The steering and gearshift was brilliant. A cracking little car. Shame they didn't replace it and that most of them have rusted away

  • @petelattimer6808

    @petelattimer6808

    3 жыл бұрын

    gearchanges on all fords were like that before they changed over to teh shitty cable linkages. these had rods, and were far more precise

  • @bighands69

    @bighands69

    3 жыл бұрын

    I hear wearing high heels is a great experience but I doubt that real men would wear them.

  • @leebrady3640

    @leebrady3640

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@bighands69 need to drive a big man's car to compensate for something?? 😄

  • @rsjm5632
    @rsjm56323 жыл бұрын

    I bought a 1.7 this year as wanted a GTI but 205's are crazy money and never a big Golf fan. Found a 2002 one owner mint 26k miler with no rust and haven't looked back. Great little fun machine and would 100% recommend one.

  • @stevenspilsbury9801
    @stevenspilsbury98013 жыл бұрын

    I always remember Tiff saying that the racing Puma was an absolutely brilliant little car and I might be wrong but I'm pretty sure that top gear named it car of the year

  • @MilitaryHistory2011

    @MilitaryHistory2011

    3 жыл бұрын

    Correct on both fronts. Theres a video of Tiff showing what tricks you can do in a standard version of one of these and the thing can fly.

  • @matthewpumfrey2178

    @matthewpumfrey2178

    3 жыл бұрын

    I remember it well, the way he threw that car around has stayed with me forever!

  • @resnonverba137
    @resnonverba1373 жыл бұрын

    The main problem for this car, apart from price, was that the standard 1.7 was so good. I have fond memories of mine, and for fun per pound there were few that came close.

  • @andrewnorris5415

    @andrewnorris5415

    3 жыл бұрын

    Like it's like the Clio 192 vs the Trophy.

  • @jeremywilkinson2111
    @jeremywilkinson21115 ай бұрын

    I have never driven a FRP but this is one of the best delivered and most interesting test drives I have ever watched. Well done and thank you.

  • @willotoole4118
    @willotoole41183 жыл бұрын

    Underrated Fast ford and great informative review of this Rare Puma

  • @LaceyTheVampire
    @LaceyTheVampire3 жыл бұрын

    The Ford Puma is a car many of the Ford people of today refer to as the forgotten ford. Sadly many Puma’s have met cruel a fate. Either rust or their engines ripped out and put into a fiesta and occasionally a KA. None the less, it is on a brighter note that there is hope for this forgotten Ford. Several folks on the Puma owners group are restoring these unusual nuggets. Two have even wound up in Australia! It’d be sad to see these Ford fade into myth

  • @megapangolin1093
    @megapangolin10932 жыл бұрын

    Still have my 1.7 Puma after 20 years, garaged, start smiling from the off and don't finish smiling until arrive at destination motoring. Nothing beats it for UK B roads, including my Boxter S, small, nimble and dances around roundabouts. Utter joy.

  • @N3onDr1v3
    @N3onDr1v33 жыл бұрын

    "More wheel drive" excellent

  • @jimthegun69
    @jimthegun693 жыл бұрын

    I had one of these when I was in my early twenties and absolutely loved it. Great content as always 👌

  • @Tombrosapien
    @Tombrosapien3 жыл бұрын

    6:40 ZETEC JUST KICKED IN YO!

  • @delidan1

    @delidan1

    3 жыл бұрын

    Zetec is just trim level

  • @andyb7788

    @andyb7788

    3 жыл бұрын

    Zetec is now just a trim level but was originally a name used for a number of Ford engines. These were previously known as 'Zeta' engines but apparently Lancia owned the trademark to Zeta and threatened legal action. Personally, I had a Fiesta 1.25 with a Zetec engine. The trim was 'L' however.

  • @petelattimer6808

    @petelattimer6808

    3 жыл бұрын

    except they were set up to give 90% of torque from 1500rpm (at least they were on the standard 1.7, and the 1.7 in the racing puma wasnt hugely different) so shouldnt have felt 'zetec' at all!

  • @urbanpkrider31

    @urbanpkrider31

    3 жыл бұрын

    Andy Bergman These Zetecs are actually know as ‘Sigma’ engines. The inlet and exhaust are on on the opposite sides to the Zeta family, with barely any interchangeable parts between them. Lovely little engines, especially in 1.7 form.

  • @gpzfan5272

    @gpzfan5272

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sam Russell did you watch the video? The engine even has Zetec stamped on top of it.

  • @benistingray6097
    @benistingray60973 жыл бұрын

    Never heard of a racing Puma, looks great with the wide fenders!

  • @djsammy.b
    @djsammy.b3 жыл бұрын

    I almost bought one😢this is the most fun I've seen you reviewing a car. Brilliant. If the was a love button I'd press it. Keep em coming J!

  • @superjody
    @superjody11 ай бұрын

    Love that you get to drive cars we can only dream of and here you are absolutely loving an old slow ford

  • @mattxr3i
    @mattxr3i3 жыл бұрын

    I like the way that you have said in previous videos that you are not a Ford person but i sense you are gradually coming round to them! As for the Puma, we had a 1.7 back in the mid 2000s and it was a cracking car, so much so - we bought another about 5 years ago for my wife to use as a track car. We used it for 1 track day, where she didnt really push it and is now tucked away in the garage as it didnt cost much and we use it for S & G (Sh*ts and Giggles). Such an epic car. Took me a while but i found one with no rust underneath with no prior welding, just a few bits on the rear arches. Great review

  • @VoloKinProject
    @VoloKinProject3 жыл бұрын

    6:14 a Sagaris wow, couldn't miss it.

  • @tigermafiastudios401

    @tigermafiastudios401

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah probably broken down lol 😆

  • @chrisclark7181
    @chrisclark71813 жыл бұрын

    I owned #245 & loved it, sort of wish I'd kept it but I could say that for many cars I've owned over the years. Not sure if its still running but the FRP number plate is not on some boring renault megane 🤦🏻‍♂️

  • @ChrissyThePoo
    @ChrissyThePoo3 жыл бұрын

    I've seen way too many of the new 'puma' and it upsets me greatly.

  • @OwainF

    @OwainF

    3 жыл бұрын

    I got an advert for one halfway through watching this and nearly threw up 😂

  • @Mr.Marbles

    @Mr.Marbles

    3 жыл бұрын

    the sad thing is it could have been so cool. imagine the design from the new puma but as a small coupe/roadster so flatter and wider but still based on the fiesta with the 150hp 1L or the ST engine. that would have been so much cooler and actually close to what the puma was. why cant they just leave the old names alone when they want to make suvs?

  • @TheMadTatter

    @TheMadTatter

    3 жыл бұрын

    I think the new Puma is a decent looking car in its own right but its not a Puma, not even a bit.

  • @sparky4878

    @sparky4878

    3 жыл бұрын

    They even did it with bringing out the Kuga which is nothing like the Cougar. Never even been in a Cougar (Mondeo in a posh frock?), but I do like a saloon size coupe e.g. 406 coupe too.

  • @TheMadTatter

    @TheMadTatter

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@sparky4878 see also: Vauxhall Viva and Nissan Pulsar

  • @5amH45lam
    @5amH45lam3 жыл бұрын

    This was a belting little budget car, when I was coming up. My pal had one and I used to drive it often. It was great fun in our late teens/early 20s. An even more budget, fun Ford motor of that era, was the original shape Ka, with the 1.6 engine. Another pal had one of those. Man, that was fun as well! Ahh, memories!

  • @TheShinyShow
    @TheShinyShow3 жыл бұрын

    Love these. My neighbour had a normal Puma and in the next street had a mk1 Vauxhall Tigra that was modded to the gunnels. Pearlescent paint and everything. Shame we don't really see this those types of car now

  • @ians2868
    @ians28683 жыл бұрын

    Always wanted to drive one of these and your review has just confirmed it. Even the base 1.25 engined fiesta of this era was a sweet handling car. I used to love watching the faces of tailgaters who thought I’d be slow as they had a brown trouser moment at corners on the back roads. Audi drivers I’m looking at you

  • @Clones_and_coffee
    @Clones_and_coffee3 жыл бұрын

    Was happy to see a review on this car! I always wanted a racing puma back in the day. Wish I had purchased one as when I wanted one they could be picked up for around 5k lol. But I did own a 1999 1.4ltr Puma as my second car, it was fantastic. To this day it's still the car I have owned for the longest, about 7yrs, and two engines. Unfortunately rust combined with the second engine blowing, along with some muppet putting a huge dent in the side of it at a car park, meant its time was up. I moved on to V Spec mx5 afterwards, and I felt although MX5's are rear wheel drive they did feel remarkably similar in characteristics.

  • @klasseact6663
    @klasseact66633 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jay, another gem we didn't get in the states, we got the Contour SVT 1998-2000 (Mondeo ST200) and in 2002-2005 the Focus SVT. The CSVT could've been so much better but the FSVT was better balanced.

  • @technicalscience
    @technicalscience3 жыл бұрын

    Cracking video! I've always liked the Puma, never had the chance to drive one. This one looks and sounds great.

  • @grahamnutt8958
    @grahamnutt89583 жыл бұрын

    I could be wrong but this must be the first time I've seen JayEmm wear a shirt that complements the car 😆. Good review - as always 👍.

  • @markdoyle6414
    @markdoyle64143 жыл бұрын

    I've watched and listened to exhaust notes and gear changes on KZread and that sounds brilliant. Way better than anything I've heard with a DCT/Auto box and it has a proper car sound. What a great sound. I had a 1.6 Focus estate and to be fare it was a great car to drive. Good time for Ford, shame about them rusting away in no time. It's probably really good because it never had to go around the Nurberg Rind in two and half minutes.

  • @solardiymadesimple.3779
    @solardiymadesimple.37793 жыл бұрын

    Another great honest review 👍 keep um coming jay.

  • @dct1
    @dct13 жыл бұрын

    Nice one Jay! I used to see 2 of these regularly in Stirling, Scotland but that was a long time ago. My parents had the same coloured normal 1.7 version. I’ve always wanted a puma but the rust issues put me off 😩

  • @andrewonmyway8184
    @andrewonmyway81843 жыл бұрын

    Had two old pumas here in Sweden. 99 and 2001. What great little cars they were. Fantastic steering and handling. Very reliable engines some goes passed 200 000km. Pity about the rust. Still a classic and puts a smile on my face when I think back.

  • @keirbourne5323
    @keirbourne53233 жыл бұрын

    I've driven round track alongside one of these and they are absolutely awesome. One of the best looking cars ever to come out of Ford too.

  • @Mouse2113
    @Mouse21133 жыл бұрын

    I've always loved them. Even my mums 2001 Fiesta Black had fabulous steering, possibly the best I've experienced

  • @petelattimer6808
    @petelattimer68083 жыл бұрын

    turning circle, rear end looseness and following road camber was always better in the standard 1.7 puma. tyres were smaller so it balances the weight out on the tyres a little better, smaller wheels/tyres with narrower tyres also mean it doesnt tramline in the camber etc .

  • @dickononfilm
    @dickononfilm Жыл бұрын

    I part exed an E36 M3 for a 328i, never regretted the transaction. It was just a wonderful drive, uprated front shocks and springs which sharpened turn in beautifully - it was fantastic at Brands, and a fantastic daily drive for 40k miles... You got it so right with this video - thanks for the reminder! 😊

  • @boogiewoogieadventures308
    @boogiewoogieadventures3083 жыл бұрын

    I drove one of these when they came out, utterly brilliant handling but a little underpowered. Your review is spot on Jay

  • @nickbitten6037
    @nickbitten60373 жыл бұрын

    Happy days- i recall when the stock version came out they used the Bullit theme and put Steve McQueens face in it. That was inspired.

  • @slideways8022
    @slideways80223 жыл бұрын

    I only remember this because of video games, it is so under the radar.

  • @bighands69

    @bighands69

    3 жыл бұрын

    It was so under the radar because the car would not click with men. It was a call centre workers car that would out of the price range of most female call centre staff.

  • @GirlsYouTube1991
    @GirlsYouTube19913 жыл бұрын

    My fiesta with this engine the seats and wheels on completely stripped out what memory’s. Wish I had it it’s not all about huge power cars.

  • @NobodyI991

    @NobodyI991

    3 жыл бұрын

    No you never kid.

  • @poovaneswaransupramaniam19
    @poovaneswaransupramaniam193 жыл бұрын

    Cool car...nice throwback....used to read about this car when they were new

  • @user-qq2mo1ek2r
    @user-qq2mo1ek2r3 жыл бұрын

    The Puma was a great handling little car, my ex mother in law had a stock one and I loved driving it. The Racing exhaust sounds lovely.

  • @liamschannel6294
    @liamschannel62943 жыл бұрын

    My step dad used to have one these when him and my mum first met, would have been 7 at the time but even back then I genuinely couldn’t fit in the back without my legs being squashed😂.. can’t remember the exhaust sounding that good though, sounds amazing in this video!

  • @ackovski
    @ackovski3 жыл бұрын

    Got one. Modded ECU to 7200rpm, shifted earlier ignition, more gasoline added in the map, KN intake filter, gasiline valve regulator 2.7 bars, fuel pump from a Porsche, no catalysator... MS Design spoilers, front, sides, back... 70km/h in first gear! Gears: 70/115/155/190/5th gear is dangerous to go max, you should hear the sound of it... I love the car!

  • @justinjay6930
    @justinjay69303 жыл бұрын

    best B road car to drive ..nice exhaust crackle, the engine calibration guy must have been smart :-)

  • @SharpblueCreative
    @SharpblueCreative3 жыл бұрын

    There is a Ford Puma sport regular Ford Puma & a Ford Cougar less than 100 yards from where I sit.

  • @johnshepard8387
    @johnshepard83872 жыл бұрын

    The Ford Racing Puma was never sold in my country, so i get the regular 1.7L mk1, and it's still a very fun car !

  • @khew1
    @khew13 жыл бұрын

    Great little car. I truly love the MK4/Mk5 Fiesta dashboard. It's curvy and love the cutout passenger side , very Alfa 145-esq. I'd love to see you review a MK4 or 5 fiesta

  • @pitabread79
    @pitabread793 жыл бұрын

    It looks like that Sagaris is next, which is awesome because I've wanted you to do one for a while!

  • @TheOmniscientAtheist
    @TheOmniscientAtheist3 жыл бұрын

    I remember seeing a few Pumas when I was a kid but they weren't that common, that was back when every other car on the road was a silver 2003 Focus.

  • @danielfitzhugh9649
    @danielfitzhugh96493 жыл бұрын

    I had a Mk5 fiesta zetec s 1.6 based on the same platform, was an absolute hoon! Probably the most fun car I've owned! Can see why the resale values are going up

  • @jase_llan

    @jase_llan

    3 жыл бұрын

    Any Fiesta with a Sigma engine in (at least up to a MK6, particularly the MK5 Zetec S like you say) is a great car to drive if you ask me.

  • @Stormy177

    @Stormy177

    3 жыл бұрын

    I had one of them in Imperial Blue. When I got beaten away from traffic lights by a couple of chavs in a G-reg 2.0 Astra I looked into upping the power (because the handling was razor-sharp), but the only serious upgrades seemed to be swapping out the 1.6 Zetec engine for a 1.7 from a Puma, and that was about £3k. As the Fiesta had only cost me £4.5k, I decided to pass.

  • @AllTorque
    @AllTorque3 жыл бұрын

    I actually still own a standard Puma 1.7 Thunder ... Which I loosely had on my channel some time ago. It's now going in for the usual arch and sill repairs .. rust has always been the killer with these ... I'm tempted with it not being a Racing Puma to make my own version with a custom build lol. Fantastic cars and still a vast amount of fun.

  • @deans6571

    @deans6571

    3 жыл бұрын

    All Torque I had a green Puma myself, loved the car but as you say, the rear wheel arches were VERY prone to rust sadly.

  • @jagmaster25
    @jagmaster253 жыл бұрын

    Desperately miss my two Thunders. Used to rent a workshop 40 miles away and would do late night runs to and from using the Sussex and Kent backroads in the Pumas, simply so much fun and character. Biggest negatives were rust and seating position.

  • @WalkableBuffalo
    @WalkableBuffalo3 жыл бұрын

    Couldn't have clicked on this any faster! A regular Puma is definitely something I'd like to acquire but you really need the right place and right time to get a good one. Thankfully prices are still very good for a normal model.

  • @joemacleod-iredale2888
    @joemacleod-iredale28883 жыл бұрын

    Loved my normal 1.7 puma, super entertaining, used it for big toad trips with four people, as a silly van and got it to go jolly fast on the M6 toll as an uncle told me there was no limit on there!

  • @benday1218
    @benday12183 жыл бұрын

    I once went on a weekend to France '4 up' in a Puma. I'm just under 6 foot and I survived the journey ok in the back! I was younger and thinner then...

  • @123willbishop
    @123willbishop3 жыл бұрын

    That exhaust note is perfect 👌

  • @petelattimer6808

    @petelattimer6808

    3 жыл бұрын

    exhaust isnt standard.

  • @GirlsYouTube1991

    @GirlsYouTube1991

    3 жыл бұрын

    Pete Lattimer was.

  • @bst857
    @bst8573 жыл бұрын

    I have a Puma with the FRP bits on (wide arches, FRP suspension, track, etc), kind of an unofficial FRP. I like it though because I don't feel bad about modifications. If I had a real FRP I'd want to keep it standard... and that gets boring for me. I think you hit the nail on the head Jay when you said it's fun, that's why I like it. On paper it doesn't look like anything special, but when you drive it, its just addictive, and in its proper habitat the speed isn't a big issue, its like how a good steak doesn't need any sides to compensate for a lack of flavour. I feel that today, a lot of cars are trying to be a jack of all trades, and when that dampens the fun, they just compensate for it by adding more speed. But speed gets boring after a while, and you're left with something that is kind of dull. I had a Mk3 TTS and it would DECIMATE the Puma anywhere, any time, rain or shine. But its too refined, its too easy, you have to go crazy to get a thrill from it, whereas the Puma is fun doing half the speed. Having said that I am putting a small turbo on mine, kind of an experiment to see if it makes it even more fun.

  • @jimjamz.

    @jimjamz.

    10 ай бұрын

    Nice. Do you still have your wide-arch, wide-track Puma? How much did that cost to do? Any further mods you've had done?

  • @R-Tap
    @R-Tap3 жыл бұрын

    Always liked the FRP, great colour. Funny, I thought they had a cool looking big spoiler back in period.

  • @andrewnorris5415
    @andrewnorris54153 жыл бұрын

    Lovely exhaust note 6:23: Edit jay said a bit too poppy for his liking. Nice note though, I liked it a lot myself!

  • @dungareesareforfools

    @dungareesareforfools

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, and without any electronic fakery!

  • @andrewnorris5415

    @andrewnorris5415

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@dungareesareforfools wonderful!

  • @stevennorth6484
    @stevennorth64842 жыл бұрын

    lovely little car, what a shame so few have survived.

  • @DragosDreamer1989
    @DragosDreamer19892 жыл бұрын

    "sounded like Predator dying..." - LOL! Good one!

  • @SabretoothBarnacle
    @SabretoothBarnacle3 жыл бұрын

    I played with one of these about 15 years ago and feel like your description of the suspension charactoristics are different to what I recall from the time. Maybe the shocks are a little tired and there is a bit too much toe-out in your example which may account for the bounciness, camber sniffing and slight delay with turn in before settling? Brilliant review as normal - keep up the good work :)

  • @leccybadger

    @leccybadger

    3 жыл бұрын

    Seconded.... Tight as a gnat's chuff is my recollection, hooned up and down Gledhow Valley Road in Leeds (before traffic calming measures), popping and banging on the overrun. Happy happy days, all thanks to the mad cat lady of Warrington...

  • @Tom_Hadler
    @Tom_Hadler3 жыл бұрын

    Never driven a racing puma but the 1.7 normal one was a cracking fun car to drive. Zippy and revvy, and the short wheelbase and lightweight made it a hoot in the twisties

  • @5amH45lam
    @5amH45lam3 жыл бұрын

    And, if you have a wee bump, you won't plummet into despair and need to take out a bank loan. Top car.

  • @HerbsmanRevs
    @HerbsmanRevs3 жыл бұрын

    Always loved the look of these.

  • @mrdaykurutakuchannel
    @mrdaykurutakuchannel3 жыл бұрын

    I love this puma's cool body lines!

  • @stevep2710
    @stevep27103 жыл бұрын

    I’m guessing Alex’ dad has the Sagaris, (turns to camera) Nice 👍🏻

  • @charlieodonnell1709
    @charlieodonnell17093 жыл бұрын

    I picked one up after having a brand new E46 M3 for a year back in 2003. The Puma remains the only car I regret selling. I done knockhill, Donny & Anglesey in mine and all it ever needed was 2 services and a set of front brake pads. The thing was a joy and very cheap to run but after Impreza & M3’s it just didn’t have to power to keep me interested as a early 20’s lad.

  • @TheMadTatter
    @TheMadTatter3 жыл бұрын

    Had all of the Pumas with the exception of the Racing Puma and the new one, which while fairly nice in its own right is a travesty to the Puma name. They are such a fun, well rounded mini-coupe and in my experience they really strike a good balance between being accessible, affordable and fun (the FRP doesn't really tick the affordable box admittedly) I think the Puma and the Cougar almost look good enough that they'd blend in with modern cars, the styling has really stood the test of time. While I wouldn't say it was in the same league as the Integra Type R in terms of being the best front wheel drive car, for the money (particularly for a standard 1.6/1.7) you'll find them hard to beat. And yes, for a small car they have the turning circle of an oil tanker, good old Ford in that respect. Thanks for a great video and review as always 👍

  • @jase_llan

    @jase_llan

    3 жыл бұрын

    Have a go in a MK6 Fiesta ST - 11.2m turning circle I believe, which is actually equally as bad as my parents' 7m long campervan...

  • @JonsTunes
    @JonsTunes3 жыл бұрын

    Great car for the smaller British roads, lots of fun. Shame the engine wasn't just that little bit bigger. Even with the standard 1.7 engine Ford made the engine in England, shipped it to Japan where Kawasaki striped it down, did there stuff (cams etc), then they shipped it back for Ford to put it in the car.

  • @titan-worldsoldestcat8657
    @titan-worldsoldestcat86573 жыл бұрын

    The puma is and always will be a fun car - ive had 5 - unfortunately not an frp - but the millies, thunders etc are still eminently driveable - shame that often people just use and abuse them and dont understand them and know that with a bit of welding and care they are prob one of the best cars you will ever drive ... i like them stock and try not to mess with them but if you do - do it properly and use quality stuff and you will find you have a stunning beast that isnt a hair dressers car and will make you smile - its the type of car that the stig should hammer around the Nurburgring track and make 100K + cars look stupid ( you will find a few cracking videos of ones like this on youtube and it always makes me smile ) - i can confidently say of all the cars ive driven over the years, and thats more than 30, the puma is still one that makes me smile ! Especially in 3rd going from 30 - 80...

  • @jamesengland7461
    @jamesengland74613 жыл бұрын

    Great looking car! American- market Escort ZX2 looks similar, but longer, lower, wider and not really as attractive. I loved the ZX2 I had until someone totaled it. Wouldn't say it was as fun to drive as that Puma though

  • @shaneweightman
    @shaneweightman3 жыл бұрын

    About 14 yrs ago the wife had one for a short time and it appeared to pick up in speed for overtakes considering think it was 1700cc , she only had it for 4 months but to be honest it wasn’t a bad car looking back , cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧

  • @MilitaryHistory2011
    @MilitaryHistory20113 жыл бұрын

    Such a shame these had next to no rust protection from the factory.

  • @sparky4878

    @sparky4878

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not helped by those big arches just stuck over the stock ones, horrendous rust trap.

  • @GirlsYouTube1991

    @GirlsYouTube1991

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sparky was not stuck over standard ones you fool lmao

  • @NobodyI991

    @NobodyI991

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@GirlsKZread1991 STFU.

  • @DjNikGnashers
    @DjNikGnashers3 жыл бұрын

    Great little car, especially on bumpy UK B roads, they just soak up the bumps and glide over them.

  • @parttroll1
    @parttroll13 жыл бұрын

    Had the standard 1.7 Puma thoroughly fun car to drive and chuck into corners.

  • @02dufjos
    @02dufjos3 жыл бұрын

    Had a puma as my first car 4 years ago. Bought for £700, was an awesome little car, so chuckable and the light weight and VVT made it feel really quite torquey for a small engine. Unfortunately I drove it all through the winter and it disintegrated around me 😒

  • @Ben-Rogue
    @Ben-Rogue3 жыл бұрын

    I think the Puma makes a very nice noise!

  • @patrickdiks8930
    @patrickdiks89303 жыл бұрын

    I got a 99 puma 1.7 myself. I love it the only downside is the small mirrors

  • @camrunner6633
    @camrunner66333 жыл бұрын

    These will shoot up ovrt the next 5 years, all 90s stock is going to explode

  • @Gentleman...Driver

    @Gentleman...Driver

    3 жыл бұрын

    Assett prices (cars, houses, stocks, precious metals, artwork, etc.) are always the first thing that will go down if we hit a global recession. The only reason why the Assett prices are that high is because all the central banks are pumping money into the market.

  • @Tom_Hadler

    @Tom_Hadler

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Gentleman...Driver If asset prices threaten to go down the government and central banks make money printer go brrrr and that means tangible stuff such as cars and houses will - in nominal terms - increase in value. It's a mess

  • @Gentleman...Driver

    @Gentleman...Driver

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Tom_Hadler Thats the point. They did this already. In the end, the car is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it

  • @BlatentlyFakeName

    @BlatentlyFakeName

    3 жыл бұрын

    Most rare/exotic things approaching 25 years old will rocket as that's when people in the US can import them. Expect S1 Elise prices to go up quickly soon. Classic cars are actually a safe place to invest in a recession as they don't tend to drop.

  • @keirbourne5323

    @keirbourne5323

    3 жыл бұрын

    These things are already worth loads. They are worth around £25-30K. Nothing as reliably valuable as a Fast Ford !

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