Ford Fam Feature: Ruben Lamelas and the Street-Ready Fiesta Zetec S

From Portugal to the Streets of London: A Ford Journey Born from Passion and Purpose

For many of us in the Ford community, passion runs deep—built from memories, family, or childhood dreams. For Ruben Lamelas, that passion started in Portugal, sitting beside his father in a Porsche 944 with a thundering 2.7L engine. It intensified in 1999 with the release of Need For Speed: High Stakes, and later, the iconic Fast & Furious series. But Ford? That came with a purpose.

In February 2024, Ruben made the leap to car ownership in the UK—not just for fun, but for necessity. As a single father to a 6-year-old daughter with autism, he needed freedom of movement, flexibility, and reliability. Enter his 2016 Ford Fiesta Zetec S—a car that started as a solution and quickly became a passion project.

Building Zeta: A Daily, Yet Show-Ready Companion

Ruben’s Fiesta Zetec S already came with a few mods when he picked it up—tinted lights and H&R springs. But like most enthusiasts, he couldn’t leave it alone. When one of the springs snapped, he didn’t just replace it—he upgraded the entire suspension system to Stance+ coilovers, opting for a lower, more aggressive stance.

“I wanted the car a little lower than it was, so I just went for the full setup,” Ruben shares.

He followed that with a custom double-tip exhaust, adding some growl to the 1.0L motor, and wrapped the roof black for a sleek contrast. Black mirror caps, sequential indicators, and Japan Racing JR21 alloys complete the transformation—creating a clean, stylish ride that balances form and function.

Life in London, Mods in Mind

Living in a London flat without a garage or extensive tools has made car modding a challenge. But Ruben, who works full-time as a Cardiac Physiologist for the NHS, knows how to make it work.

“It’s not always easy, but even the smallest mod brings joy,” he says. “It’s a project you build over time—not all at once.”

Support has come from shops like Polimax (roof wrap in Bethnal Green) and AJ Motorsports, where Ruben had a full service and discovered the car had already been remapped—giving him a healthy 146hp and 156lb-ft from the little 1.0L turbo engine.

From Peugeot Clubs to Drive Fusion

While Ruben’s Ford scene experience in the UK is just kicking off, he’s no stranger to car culture. Back in Portugal, he co-founded a Peugeot 208 sub-club—one of the first to organize local events and bring enthusiasts together.

Now based in the UK, he’s joined Drive Fusion, a growing community that he says “feels like home already.” His goals? Attend shows, build the car clean, and focus on tasteful mods that reflect his personality—not just trends.

“My first ever meet-up in Portugal was nerve-wracking, but everyone was supportive and full of ideas,” Ruben recalls. “That’s what the scene should be about—helping each other grow.”

Future Vision: Clean, Legal, and Purposeful

Unlike many who chase wild power gains or extreme builds, Ruben is keeping his project realistic and reliable. He’s eyeing a TRC low line kit, custom headlights, and a wheel refurbishment to elevate the Fiesta’s show appeal.

For him, it’s not about flexing—it’s about freedom, personal pride, and having a car that’s his.

Advice to the Ford Fam

Ruben’s advice is real, relatable, and wise:

“Do it for you, not for others. Don’t rush it. Enjoy the car with every mod you do, even the smallest one. They all add to the journey.”

He also emphasizes the importance of keeping the scene clean:

“I was recommended a few illegal mods but ignored them. We need to set a good example.”

What’s Next for Ruben?

While he dreams of one day making the Fiesta a proper show car, Ruben’s focused on balance—between being a dedicated father, a healthcare professional, and a Ford enthusiast.

“Owning a car has given me more freedom than I ever had with public transport,” he says. “It’s part of how I care for my daughter and how I express myself.”

📍 Location: London, UK
📸 Instagram: @rl_fiestazs

Closing Words from Ruben:

“Support everyone, enjoy everyone’s build, and take ideas from each other.”