The UK-centric Ford Puma isn’t what you first think of when you imagine a rallycross machine. Well, in reality, this monster is more Escort Cosworth than it is Puma, but owner Mike Manning wanted a slightly different exterior to stand out. The surging, whistling exhaust note from the tried-and-true Cosworth YB 2.0-liter also draws some attention.

The engine is a prepared by English tuning shop Godfrey, and the custom Puma uses a FFD four-wheel drive transmission system to transmit that power to the asphalt—and it needs it. With that massive snail spooling quite late in the rev range, the way the motor kicks makes a Clydesdale’s hoof to the gut feel like a shiatsu massage.

With onboard suspension and plenty of turbo ancillaries, there’s little room for a radiator.

Manning has owned several highly-tuned Escort Cosworths in the past, and to build his interpretation of the ideal hillclimb-come-rallycross machine, he decided to drape the skin of a Ford Puma over the diminutive frame of the ‘ol Cossie. Much of the frame has been tubed to help cornering as well as put all of that power to the ground, so it’s really a racing machine with little in common with the roadgoing car.

Widened fender flares house massive wheels, and snorkles behind the B-pillars feed the cooling systems in the rear.

As this is a purpose-built racer, space is minimal. So, it appears Manning has mounted the radiator in the back of the car, hence the massive snorkels. Complementing those racy intakes are canards up front, a striking green paint job, and an unmistakable soundtrack. It might be based off a bland roadcar, but the choice of hide make this monster completely unique.