HJ RESTORATIONS : 1987 MERKUR RS4TI
A CATEGORY WINNER OF THE "2023 SEMA BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS"
TEXTS EDITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAIN LEMIRE
PUBLISHED ON JULY 6, 2024
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It’s like she put on her sunglasses, got on the podium and said, “Look at me, I’m the star of the category!”
PASSION, INSPIRATION AND INNOVATION
Assembled by JH Restorations in Windsor, Ontario, the 1987 Merkur RS 4TI, in Aera51 Blue with orange and black accents, hides under its hood a Ford Performance 2.3L Ecoboost Short Block engine, nicknamed “Ecobeast”. With a 5-speed Tremec TKX transmission and a 2018 Mustang 8.8 rear differential, it’s ready to roar like never before!
BETWEEN THE CHASSIS AND THE ROAD
The wheels installed on the car are American Racing VF529 with Toyo Proxes tires. Under the rims, a Wildwood disc brake
system has been added for lightning-fast stops.
SOME Corvette C6 suspensions are attached to the chassis. Subsequently, they are pimped with QA1 and Anembo Engineering parts. The Ecobeast has slightly moved the wheels apart, boosting the handling and beastly look of the car.
When the Ford legacy of the 80s meets
today’s Ford Performance innovation,
the result, obtaining a prestigious award
at "SEMA Show Battle of the Builders 2023"
a REDESIGNED bodyWORK
A body job inspired by the legendary Ford Sierra RS500, using futuristic 3D scanning technologies, was made to create larger 4-inch parts with a more ferocious style, added to the car for a racing beast look.
The hood, modeled in a retro carbon fiber design, was designed to accommodate the imposing engine, like an oversized hat for a giant.
KEYS TO THE 1980 DECADE
Inside, it’s a real festival of nostalgia and sportiness! The leather sports seats of a Ford Focus RS have been redesigned with a vintage Recaro fabric, as a nod to the 80s.
The headrests of the seats come straight from a Mustang Fox Body, adding a touch of muscle car. This same Recaro
fabric is also found on the door panels, just to mark the occasion.
The Fun Haver sports steering wheel is the icing on the cake. With its colors perfectly matching the seats, it pays tribute to the RTR drift team
of Vaughn Gittins Jr.
Imagine yourself taking turns like a pro!
ATTENDANCE IN MAJOR EVENTS
I had the chance to see this wonder in person!
Yes, yes, I met the beast at the Toronto 2024 Motorama and the 2024 Carlisle Ford
Nationals. It was like meeting a car celebrity, ready to pose for photos like a fashion model!
A STORY OF PASSION AND PISTONS
It all started in 1979, when the founding family first got their hands dirty. Imagine a young father and son, armed with wrenches and a lot of courage, turning an
old carcass into a brand new car.
Since then, father and son have accumulated nearly 35 years of experience, and they can proudly say that they know exactly what your car needs. JH Restorations is here for you.
They can turn a rusty, dilapidated car into a sparkling beauty, ready to shine on the road.
Each project is a unique adventure, whether it’s bringing a classic 1960s car back to life or upgrading an old vehicle with cutting-edge technology.
read more on lemireautomedia.com
Links to continue your visit to Lemire Auto Media with some of interesting custom cars seen during the 2024 winter indoor shows
the page sponsor space...
A personalized automotive portrait signed by Alain Lemire offers a unique way to celebrate and immortalize your beloved vehicle.
The high-end printed printed piece of art thus reflects your special bond with it, prompting praise and questions from visitors about the work, a daily source of inspiration,
recalling your passions and successes.
about lemire auto media'S EDITOR
Since 2014 from Laval, Canada, Alain Lemire has managed a specialized website that shows his passion about classic, modern, and exotic cars and write about their history.
An image creator specialist
As a photographer and automotive portraitist, he uses his artistic knowledge to create stunning images restoring the ambiance of a world-class nationals US events, prestigious Concours d'Élégance, and auto shows.
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An invitation is made for you to fill the Lemire Auto Media newsletter inscription form on this page footer and follow when new articles on events, private vehicles, and museums related to his passions while on various trips will be published.