RIDE OF THE WEEK: Fantastic Ford

by Michael Golubiewski
Production Editor

A few weeks ago, Geno Zini of Scranton was a Weekender Man of the Week. This time, it’s Zini’s car, a 2001 Ford Escort ZX2, that takes the spotlight. One of Ford’s best selling models, the Escort was produced from 1981-2003. Zini says his Escort was professionally customized in 2006-2007.

“The car has been in local car shows and turns heads wherever it is driven,” he says. “As a matter of fact, the car has been stored in winters and only driven during the summer.”

Zini says the Escort’s drivetrain is basic stock and is great on gas. The ZX2 features a 2.0L Zetec DOHC four-cylinder engine. To the engine Zini has added a JBA Performance Header, it features a stock catalytic converter with dual stainless steel magna flow mufflers with stainless steel exhaust tips and a K&N Typhoon air intake system.

The exterior color is Copper Pearl Metallic, and the body has also had an AAS Urethane Body Kit installed (Buddy Club Kit), fiberglass front fenders (J-Class), a fiberglass side rocker skirt with ground effects, a carbon fiber (invader type) hood with a stainless mesh air vent.

The Escort also sports a carbon fiber (JSP Motorsport) rear wing, stainless wire mesh grill, PIAA fog lights have been set into the Escort’s bumper openings. Zini installed Altezza carbon fiber taillights, a front strut tower brace, short stub aluminum antenna, S/R (Street Racer) trunk badge and Momo Quasar 17 inch chrome wheels with Toyo Proxes ZF4 205-40-ZR17 tires. The Escort features cross-drilled rotors on the front brakes as well as braided stainless brake hoses. The calipers have also been painted with lime green epoxy.

The interior features a 6-disc CD player and aluminum shift handle. There is neon undercar lighting with a color controller (flash steady, music activated or RPM). Green neons under the dash are controlled by a switch as is a neon light in the rear window deck. A custom switch panel with indicator lights is mounted under the radio, and the Escort has both Momo brake and gas pedals and Momo front and rear black floor mats.

After all the work on this Escort, Zini says he is planning on starting over by customizing another vehicle, so he is considering placing his Escort up for sale.

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