Ford Ka inspires a klub of enthusiasts

Few current cars acquire cult status and develop a following from their owners that results in an enthusiasm normally reserved for coveted classics. The Ford Ka has done that and although many are used for their immense practicality, economy and comfort, there is another band of owners who treasure their Kas and modify them.

Rebecca Holley from Guildford, Surrey, has owned her Streetka for two years and uses it as everyday transport. Rebecca says: "I saw a Streetka in a local petrol station, so I went to Ford for a brochure and totally fell in love with it…I just had to have it!"

Although Rebecca’s Streetka looks rather chic it has actually been cleverly modified without detracting from its original style. It now has a modified exhaust, Eibach lowered suspension, magenta interior lighting including the instrumentation, new grille, indicators in the door mirrors, and complete colour coding. Rebecca says she hasn’t worked out how much she’s spent, deciding it was better not to know.

Steve Stunt from Middlesex is the founder and Chairman of the Ka Owners Club and the owner of a Kool Ka. With numerous body, interior and performance modifications Steve has lost count of the number of times people admire his Ka.

Having spent in the region of £11,000 on his Ka he says: "The car is the best car I’ve ever owned. Owning it has made me so many friends. I’d never had the inclination to have anything to do with an owners club for any car I’ve owned before, let alone start one. Being the founder of Ka Klub GB is pretty much the major achievement of my life."

There are many owners happy with their Kas just as they are. Helen McCulloch from Lincolnshire is one. Although she made some modifications to her first Ka she has not modified her Sportka that she has owned for just six months. Helen says that her Sportka gets a lot of positive reaction: "The Sport gets looked at a lot, its quite eye-catching and faster than people think." Her Sportka has just featured in Fast Ford magazine too for a buying feature.

Andy Turner from Lancashire has clocked up 140,000 miles in his Ka that has received modifications including a 1700cc Puma engine conversion, 4-2-1 manifold with stainless exhaust system, cone induction, coilover suspension, full MSD body kit, vented bonnet, triple headlights, triple rear lights, 15” alloys, Puma brakes front & rear, full Cobra retrimmed interior and Sidewinder front seats. Andy says it was Ford’s concept that attracted him to the Ka: "I liked the original concept, the 'Saetta', and hoped it would eventually reach production. The Ka was close enough when it arrived and the appeal of an excellent chassis and roadholding along with cheap insurance was enough to persuade me."