Since the official MK7 fiesta leather handbrake costs over £120 I've been trying to find an alternative which still looks original but improves the look over the standard plastic handbrake cover.

I previously bought a leather gaiter which slips over the plastic one:

That made it look better, but the handle section was still the standard plastic.

I'm not a fan of aftermarket handbrake handles (most look rubbish and probably fit even worse) so I've been looking at other Ford handles which might fit.

Long story short I ruled out the parts for most Ford models (a lot have an oval button not round) and ended up with the Mk1 Focus handle (also sold for the Escort, Puma and Mk4 Fiesta). It's leather (although not very soft) and fake aluminium (similar to the inserts on the Mk7 Fiesta gear knobs).

I've had to bulk up the metal handle underneath to make it fit properly (and not come off in my hand when using it) and the gaiter doesn't fit great yet, but I think it's a definite improvement.

Total cost so far: £31 (the gaiter was free as mine was the prototype part the ebay seller made - would have been £15 otherwise)

Total cost so far: £31 (the gaiter was free as mine was the prototype part the ebay seller made - would have been £15 otherwise)

Nice work mate,

please add a link to the sellers shop on ebay as other fiesta owners may like to purchase a replica of your original one.

knowing that a proper gaitor was used to manufacture the replica.

This is the gaiter I currently have: eBay

I think one from a Mk2/2.5 Focus might work better with the new handle and then I need to find some way of attaching it to the center console.