The Beginning of the Journey

Like many enthusiasts in the early 2000s, the first obsession wasn’t necessarily performance or body styling — it was sound. During that era, car audio culture was exploding, and massive bass systems, custom installs, and boot builds were dominating the scene.

The Ford Laser quickly became a platform for experimenting with audio upgrades, bigger systems, and cleaner installs. What started as a passion for music and bass slowly evolved into something much bigger.

By the mid-2000s, the vision changed completely.

Instead of simply building a loud daily driver, the goal became creating a full show car — something unique, personalised, and capable of standing out at car events across the country. Countless hours were spent modifying, fitting parts, experimenting with styling ideas, and carefully transforming the Laser into a vehicle that reflected creativity, dedication, and attention to detail.

The hard work paid off.

Over the years, the car collected nearly 70 trophies on the show scene before officially being retired from competitions in 2011. For a Ford Laser platform to achieve that level of recognition speaks volumes about the quality of the build and the passion behind it.

Life After the Show Scene

Once retired from shows, the Laser returned to everyday life and became a reliable daily driver once again. Unlike many show cars that disappear after their competitive years, this one continued to be enjoyed and driven regularly.

However, time catches up with every project.

In 2020, the car was parked in the garage, where it remained for almost four years. Many enthusiasts know this phase well — life gets busy, priorities change, and projects pause temporarily. But true passion projects are never forgotten.

Last year, the decision was made to revive the Laser and give it a fresh new appearance worthy of its history. The Bailey brothers in Somerset West handled the body restoration work, breathing new life into the iconic build while preserving the character that made the car special in the first place.

Today, the Emerald Green Laser once again turns heads, reminding people of an era where individuality and hands-on craftsmanship defined the custom car scene.

Vehicle Details

• Make & Model: Ford Laser Tonic (323 shape)
• Year: Late 1999 model
• Colour: Emerald Green

Exterior Modifications

The exterior transformation played a massive role in giving the Laser its unmistakable identity. The styling combined influences from Mazda and Nissan platforms while still maintaining the original shape of the car.

Key exterior modifications include:

• Modified bonnet featuring aggressive “bad boy” styling
• Crystal headlights and bumper indicator clusters
• Mazda 2.0 EGi custom grille
• Modified front bumper fitted with a custom Nissan Sentra STI spoiler
• Rear hatch cleaned up with the rear wiper, lock, and badges removed
• Colour-coded side mirrors
• Mazda 2.0 petrol flap conversion with internal lever release
• Mazda 323 Sting160i Prestige panel
• Multiple custom modifications completed at home

The final paintwork was supplied and sprayed by Bailey Motor Worx in Somerset Strand, helping restore the Laser’s deep Emerald Green finish to its former glory.

Wheel Fitment & Suspension Setup

The stance of the car perfectly complements its show-car personality without sacrificing everyday drivability.

The setup includes:

• 17-inch MR 5-spoke wheels
• Roadstone 205/40/17 tyres
• Jamex 40mm lowering springs
• Monroe Gas Rider shocks

The combination gives the Laser a clean, balanced appearance while improving handling and road presence.

Interior Transformation

Inside, the Laser received a complete custom treatment designed to blend comfort, sportiness, and show-car detail.

Interior upgrades include:

• Modified front and rear seats
• Ford Laser 3-spoke steering wheel with indicator switch
• Mazda 2.0 EGi instrument cluster
• Mazda 160i centre console
• Mazda 2.0 EGi short shifter
• Aftermarket handbrake lever and gear knob

One of the standout features of the interior is the upholstery work. The seats and door panels were customised and recovered in genuine leather by Russel Trimmers, adding a premium finish that elevated the entire cabin.

The Car Audio Era

No early-2000s show car would be complete without an impressive sound setup, and this Laser proudly represented that era.

The audio system included:

• Pioneer DIVX DVD player
• Two 7-inch TFT screens mounted in the headrests
• Kicker 6.5-inch 2-way speakers in the front doors
• Hybrid 1-inch tweeters mounted on the A-pillars
• Kicker 4-inch 2-way rear fill speakers
• Two 12-inch MTX Audio Road Thunder subwoofers
• Pyle 1400W 2-channel amplifier for the subs
• Pyle 400W 2-channel amplifier for the front stage
• Rockford/Starsound wiring throughout

Perhaps the most meaningful part of the audio installation is that everything was custom installed by the owner himself with the help of his sons. That hands-on involvement is what makes builds like this special — every wire, every panel, and every detail carries personal memories.

Engine Setup

While the Laser focused heavily on styling and presentation, the engine bay also received attention.

The setup includes:

• B3 motor with a bigger bore
• K&N filters
• Cowley branch
• Cowley free-flow exhaust system
• All bolts and nuts replaced
• Colour-coded tappet cover

The combination improved breathing, sharpened the sound, and added a cleaner, more detailed engine bay appearance.

A Legacy That Continues

What makes this Ford Laser truly special isn’t just the trophies, the modifications, or the years invested into the build. It’s the story behind it.

From being bought brand new in 1999, to dominating show scenes in the 2000s, serving daily-driver duties, sitting patiently in a garage, and eventually being restored again — the car has remained part of the family throughout every chapter.

Now, a new generation is taking over.

Today, his sons are enjoying the car and continuing its legacy, ensuring that this iconic Emerald Green Laser remains more than just a vehicle. It’s a symbol of passion, family, dedication, and the golden era of South African custom car culture.