Dad and I are on the lookout for something similar and we've pretty much decided on a Mk1 or Mk2 escort. The only problem is there aren't that many ready to go examples that are cheap. The plan for us will be: 2 door Mk1/Mk2, strip out everything we can, sort suspesion, diff, 2l pinto and away we go. Should go well for awhile with the pinto and once its on the go we can start putting together a 2.3 or 2.5 duratech for it. 700kg and 200-300hp with the duratech, it will be great fun