The Ford Ka is a subcompact passenger vehicle that was introduced for the UK market back in 1999, where it hung around until 2008. As with any model, the Ka has a subset of enthusiasts who are all about making the little vehicle go as fast as it can, a challenge that Twin Engine Corsa on YouTube has taken to the next level by cramming a Cosworth engine and all-wheel-drive (AWD) into the tiny coupe – and not only is it still kicking, it’s an incredibly fast ride.
DJM Motorsport is responsible for the Ford Ka build, which it executed almost 20 years ago. It’s packing an AWD powertrain motivated by the 300 horsepower YB Cosworth engine, and it pulls surprisingly well. It’s certainly a tight fit, with “millimeters” of clearance in the engine bay. The front subframe had to be adapted to accommodate everything, but unfortunately, those modifications rendered this Ka ineligible for rally competition.
Underneath, the Ford Ka’s guts are protected by a massive bash plate. What can be seen is the highly specialized suspension, which was built from the ground up to support the small racer over uneven terrain. Unsurprisingly, the rear end is fully custom, too, featuring a Cosworth differential to match the engine, too.
Inside, the Ford Ka has been gutted and refitted with the bare necessities. Overall, the racer took 1,200 hours to build, with 700 of those hours dedicated to the bodywork alone. It’s one of two Ford Ka rally race cars that were built, and differs slightly from its sibling. This particular model was geared toward tarmac racing. Even after 24 years, this Ford Ka is still an incredible build.
The Ford Ka never made it to U.S. soil – at least not as a production model, although Ford Authority spotted a Ford Ka StreetKa tooling around in Michigan last year, a rare sight stateside. The closest thing to the rally-prepped Ford Ka that reached the U.S. is the Ford Festiva Shogun, which is upgraded with the 3.0L Yamaha V6 lifted from the Taurus SHO, though one example of the incredibly rare vehicle met an early demise in a wildfire a few years ago.
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