Stock motor, was a hell of a lot quicker than the SD1 V8 3.5 it replaced, after its autobox fell out, me and autoboxes don't like each other.
I had a Mk1 red Consul GT as well, manual 3.0 manual steering, limited slip diff, would drift round any roundabout in 3rd.
Best version of Essex was in a Mk1 Capri Paddy Hopkirk replica my insane brother built. Manual box and steering, and a 3.1 RS with Kent Hi-lift cams and a Holly carb. if you ever want an adrenalin rush 140mph clocked on Rostyles with 165/85 13 inch michelins is the way to go
