The Ford Festiva, a compact car with a surprising motorsport history, continues to capture the imagination of racing enthusiasts. This article explores the Festiva’s unique origins, its unexpected performance capabilities, and its enduring appeal in low-buck racing series like the 24 Hours of Lemons.
The Festiva’s journey began in the 1980s as a collaborative project between Ford and Mazda. Initially designed by Mazda, the Festiva was produced in various markets before Kia, another Ford partner, began licensed production in South Korea. The Kia-built Festiva, imported to the U.S. in 1988, featured a 1.3-liter Mazda B-series engine, the same engine found in early Miatas and other sportier models. This shared heritage opened up exciting possibilities for performance modifications.
One notable example of the Festiva’s racing potential is the Braking Bad Racing team’s entry in the 24 Hours of Lemons. This Texas-based team took a bold step by swapping the Festiva’s original engine with a factory-turbocharged B6T engine from a Mercury Capri XR2. With an external intercooler to address the Festiva’s limited underhood space and some budget-friendly boost enhancements, the modified engine generated an estimated 200 horsepower. This significant power increase in a car weighing under a ton transformed the Festiva into a formidable competitor.
Braking Bad Racing’s commitment to showcasing the Festiva’s capabilities extended beyond engine modifications. They entered eight diverse cars, including V8-swapped BMWs, Miatas, Mustangs, and a Celica-powered Toyota Tercel, in a Lemons race at MSR Houston. Against this varied field of 110 cars, the turbocharged Festiva proved its worth, finishing 13th overall and outperforming many more powerful vehicles.
The Festiva’s success in the 24 Hours of Lemons underscores its appeal for budget-minded racers. The car’s affordability, lightweight construction, and adaptability to engine swaps make it an ideal platform for creative and cost-effective motorsport projects. The Festiva’s performance in endurance racing demonstrates that ingenuity and driving skill can triumph over sheer horsepower.
The Ford Festiva’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of grassroots motorsport. It’s a car that defies expectations, proving that even seemingly ordinary vehicles can achieve extraordinary results with the right modifications and a dedicated team. The Festiva’s legacy in low-buck racing continues to inspire enthusiasts to push the boundaries of automotive performance and ingenuity.
While the 2023 Ford Festiva may not exist as a new model, its spirit lives on in the hearts of enthusiasts who appreciate its unique history and potential. The Festiva’s story serves as a reminder that passion for motorsport can be found in the most unexpected places. It encourages a creative approach to car modification and demonstrates that racing success can be achieved with ingenuity and determination, regardless of budget.
