Tiny silver car to raise thousands

Jeweller Russell Lord spent around 1,500 hours creating the beautiful 6.5 inch model 1976 MK2 Ford Escort but wanted money made from sale to go to different charities. He chose us through his family connection to Jodie Willan, who died of meningitis in 2010. The Jodie Willan Forever Fund has already raised an incredible £63,656 for Meningitis Now.

Diamond mounter Russell, whose company Lord of London is based in Shenfield in Essex, has had a life-long love of Ford Escorts after his father gave him one as his first car. He was encouraged to take the car apart and reassemble it – and this intimate knowledge of the inside of the vehicle helped him craft the model version. 

The tiny car has working steering and suspension and is made of silver and gold with diamond headlights. Another diamond sits on the gearstick, which is made of platinum, and the rear brake lights are rubies. Russell plans to auction it online on 7 December. Although it is difficult to assess its commercial value, the materials used are believed to add up to around £70,000. 

“I’ve been lucky, I’ve had a good part of my life but there’s kids out there who aren’t so lucky”, said Russell. “They don’t even get off the starting line, whether that’s due to mental or physical problems or being abused – they don’t get a chance. I want various charities to benefit from the money this car brings in.”

Russell’s daughter, Sarah Lord – who works with him in his business – said that Jodie Willan’s brother was a friend of the family. 

“Jodie was a bright, healthy young girl with her whole future ahead of her before she was diagnosed with viral meningitis and sadly passed away within the week,” she said. “Her family and friends have done several fundraising events in her aid and so far have raised over £60,000”.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the making of the silver car can follow its progress on Facebook.