I have seen a Cosworth replica converted at the rear from the later lights. I think at minimum you'd need the metal light sections from an earlier car and a new tailgate. It is possible and I know what you're saying about how scarce the original Mk5 is now, I can't believe how few there are, although I guess they are old cars now. It does sound like a lot of hassle to convert a later car though. and of course the interior is different too, the list goes on. Not sure about the front lights when you get the bonnet off, they might need modding to fit too though.

I've seen an earlier shape XR3i on E-BAY if that helps at all, but there are very very few hard top early cars for sale now.

Here's the XR3i:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-ESCOR...item2a50f735fa


I'm of the same opinion as others on here, because I've been here before, if you don't tell the insurance about stuff your car will not be insured in the case of an accident, and you'll be in a right mess. And if you can get insurance at all, it'll probably be as expensive or even more than insuring the real thing. Might be cheaper just to buy the XR3i and run it!