5 minutes with Ben Szanto

A prolific car owner and builder, Ben likes his classic Fords very low, very fast and preferably not on fire...

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How did you get into cars?

My Grandad was a big influence, but I’m afraid it was mainly through banger racing. I bought a Capri when I was 16, built it and raced it on paper-round money at Brampton Raceway. I did this for a while but after spending two solid weeks building a fresh car, only to be pushed into the wall before I’d even completed a lap, I thought, enough’s enough and it’s been road cars only since.

What was your first road-going Ford, then?

A 2-litre Laser Capri. Not long after I bought it I got offered a complete but rotten 3.0S so I swapped all the running gear over. I was only 20 at the time and the insurance was horrendous.

What happened to it?

I sold it to a good friend and I’m pleased to say he’s still got it.

How did you go from building your own Fords to doing other people’s?