Ford Fam Feature: Lily Newton and Her Dual Fiesta ST180 Builds

Lily Newton’s journey into the Ford scene began with her first car – a 51-plate Fiesta – and since then, she just can’t get enough of them. Residing in Wiltshire, Lily’s passion for Fords has only grown stronger over the years, leading her to own not just one but two Fiesta ST180s. With a profession as a groom, Lily finds solace in cars, appreciating the reliability of her Fords compared to the unpredictability of horses.

For Lily, the inspiration to dive deeper into the Fiesta scene came from owning a red ST, which she and her partner initially modified for performance. As the build progressed, it naturally evolved into a passion project that led her to purchase a second ST180 in December, this time in white. While the red ST, affectionately named “Sally,” focuses on performance and potential track use, the white ST serves as a more general-use and show car. Lily envisions taking the red ST to a track day this year, while the white ST is set for a full respray and power upgrades down the line.

Building Two Unique Fiestas

The red ST features Stage 3 Airtec induction, a Vudu symposer delete, Turbosmart blow-off valve, Milltek Supersport exhaust, and a Vudu short shifter, giving it the edge in both sound and performance. Lowered on Eibach Redline special edition springs and riding on Bola B1 wheels, this car’s stance perfectly complements its power.

The white ST, currently equipped with Stage 2 Airtec induction, a mid-height intercooler, Vudu symposer delete, and a Pumaspeed exhaust, serves as the versatile sibling. Set to go on coilovers soon, the white ST already turns heads with its Wolfrace wheels and MTEC drilled and grooved brakes.

One of the most significant challenges Lily faced was fitting the exhaust system on the white ST. After dealing with a tricky removal of the original exhaust, she eventually opted for the Pumaspeed Vulcan system. Despite the struggles, Lily’s hands-on approach and persistence ensured the car came together as planned.

Living the Ford Life

Driving the Fiestas daily while balancing life with horses and a toddler isn’t always easy. But for Lily, it’s all worth it when she gets behind the wheel. The red ST might not be the most practical family car, but it’s an essential part of their lives, alongside their more family-friendly RSQ3.

The Ford community has been a huge support system for Lily, especially through her own car club, Modified Society UK. Connecting with other enthusiasts and being part of the fiesta groups on Facebook has offered insight, advice, and camaraderie. One of her most cherished memories was attending Halloween Action Day at Castle Combe with her dad and his imported 1993 F250, which won a top 50 spot despite his health challenges. Being able to share those moments with family while celebrating Ford pride made it all the more special.

Mental Health and Motivation

Building cars hasn’t just been a hobby for Lily – it’s been an emotional journey. Both she and her partner have faced significant challenges, particularly with mental health. At one point, they even considered selling their beloved ST during a period of financial difficulty. However, their passion for Fords and the support of the community kept them going. Now, Lily uses her cars as a positive outlet, and seeing her toddler share in the excitement makes every effort worthwhile.

What’s Next?

Lily is gearing up for an exciting summer with the Ford Show in July, Ford Fair in August, and several Castle Combe action days. She’s aiming to bring the white ST to a healthy Stage 3, complete a full respray, and continue evolving both builds while keeping the red ST running strong.

Her advice to other Ford enthusiasts? Take your time and enjoy the process. There’s no rush, and it’s essential to research parts, companies, and garages. More importantly, never let stress take the joy out of the hobby – remember why you started.

Lily’s message to the Ford Fam community is simple: Be kind and supportive. Everyone’s build is a reflection of their personal journey, and respect goes a long way. As she puts it, “Fords are cool.”

Follow Lily’s journey on Instagram: @skully_st