FORD SETS NEW WORLD RECORD FOR LARGEST MUSTANG PARADE

FORD SETS NEW WORLD RECORD FOR LARGEST MUSTANG PARADE

 Examples from every generation of Mustang since the iconic sports car’s launch in 1964 converged on Ford’s Lommel Proving Ground on September 7, to help set a new world record for the largest number of Mustangs in a parade.

Ford smashed its own record of 960 vehicles, set in Toluca, Mexico on December 3, 2017, with 1,326 Mustangs from all over Europe making the pilgrimage to the Ford testing facility in Belgium. To set the new record, the Mustangs were driven in an uninterrupted convoy with no more than 20 metres between each car. Vehicles and drivers also participated in a special choreography to celebrate Mustang’s 55th anniversary this year.

Watch a video of the day – which included a fly-over by a P51 Mustang, the fighter plane that gave its name to Ford’s iconic sports car CLICK HERE

More Mustangs are sold in Belgium per head than any other country in Europe, making Ford’s Lommel Proving Ground the ideal location for the world record attempt. Mustang was the world’s best-selling sports coupe for the fourth year in a row in 2018. Sales continued to rise in the first half of 2019, which saw 5,500 sales in Europe, a 3.7 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.*

Lommel Proving Ground

Ford’s Lommel Proving Ground is where the company refines the sustainability, technology and driving dynamics of its vehicles in Europe. The facility covers an area of 3.22 km² and features 80 kilometres (50 miles) of track, some of which is designed to simulate public roads, while other tracks feature differing road surfaces enabling engineers to evaluate handling, braking, ride and comfort.

More than 100 staff from the facility volunteered as marshals and support to help Ford’s world record-breaking attempt run smoothly.

TOP TEN NOT-TO-BE-MISSED STAR CARS AT THE CLASSIC

TOP TEN NOT-TO-BE-MISSED STAR CARS AT THE CLASSIC

With 1,000 exquisite race entries and more than 10,000 cherished treasures on display at the spectacular Silverstone Classic (26-28 July), the cars are always the stars at the biggest classic motor racing festival on the planet.

For three memorable days, both racing paddocks will be packed with many of the world’s finest and most revered competition cars, not only spanning a full century of epic motorsport history but also showcasing the sport’s complete spectrum from iconic single-seaters and magical GTs through to much-loved touring cars and dramatic sports prototypes. 

Adding to the incredible show, much of the 760-acre Silverstone estate laying between the pair of paddocks is brimming with dazzling displays of privately-owned classic cars. A record number of car clubs have registered for 2019, with Saturday’s glittering display areas totally sold-out.

Flaunting a wealth of wonderfully evocative automotive history, the Classic offers both casual visitors and serious enthusiasts an unrivalled spectacle of motoring through the ages – a true assault on the senses!

With so much eye-catching machinery on show both on and off the famous Grand Prix circuit, it is almost impossible to select just ten standout star cars that really shouldn’t be missed. Nevertheless, here are the exceptional heart-stoppers that everyone attending will want to see.

They are not necessarily the fastest nor the most expensive paragons on show but, like so many of the esteemed cars at the Classic, they all have great stories to tell.

1963 Ford Galaxie

With so many stars and cars competing at the Classic, the sight of a former World Rally Champion racing a sixties American muscle machine may not appear worthy of special note – but this is a dream come true for 1984 WRC title-winner Stig Blomqvist. As a teenager in Sweden, Stig’s motorsports passions were fuelled when attending a round of the European Touring Car Championship at his local Karlskoga circuit and seeing a mighty 7-litre Ford Galaxie thundering around the track. Now, 45 years later, he’s going to be racing that very same car at the Classic in the Transatlantic Trophy for Pre ’66 Touring Cars.

1964 Mini Cooper S

To mark the game-changing Mini’s 60th birthday in appropriate style, special dispensation has been granted to stage two incredible races with record grids packed full of 60 pre-’66 Cooper Ss. Watching them swarming around the Silverstone GP circuit has to be worth the price of a ticket on its own! Adding to the Diamond Jubilee party, rally legend Paddy Hopkirk will lead a huge track parade on Friday driving the same red Mini #37 (reg 333 EJB) in which he famously won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally – he’ll also bring his trophy with him, making the celebrations all the more special and when not taking part in the Parade, the car will be on display with the British Motor Museum on the Village Green.

1965 Ferrari 1512

With its mesmerisingly small, 1.5-litre, flat-12, high-revving zinger of an engine, the Swiss-watch Ferrari 1512 is one of the most gorgeous and sweetest-sounding of all F1 cars. Ferrari built just three and they were raced by the likes of John Surtees, Lorenzo Bandini and Pedro Rodriguez in the mid-sixties. One of these remarkable jewels is today owned by Larry Auriana, and he is bringing it across the Atlantic to race at the Classic for the very first time to race for the Gallet Trophy for Pre ’66 Grand Prix Cars (HGPCA). See, listen and marvel!

1969 Matra MS80-02

Fifty years after winning his first British Grand Prix at Silverstone en route to the first of his three F1 World Championship crowns, racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart will be back behind the wheel of his title-winning Matra MS80-02 for some evocative demonstration laps on both Saturday and Sunday at the Classic. The Flying Scot will also be raising awareness and funds for dementia research, a charity cause very close to his own heart.

1969 Ford Capri

It is 50 years since the Mustang-inspired Ford Capri was first launched at the Brussels Motor Show in 1969, and the fastback was not just – as marketed by Ford – ‘The Car You Always Promised Yourself’ but also a mighty fine racing car. Proving the point, tin-top ace Gordon Spice took the top class honours in the BTCC for five seasons in succession between 1976 and 1980, and one of his multiple race winning red Capris is competing at the Classic. Spice will also be present at the home of British motorsport to award a one-off trophy to the top Capri racer in the Historic Touring Car Challenge race and will also lead out a special Capri anniversary parade behind the wheel of the very same Capri with which he enjoyed such success. 

1979 Williams FW07

The once-great Williams F1 team may no longer be quite the force it once was but this July marks the 40th anniversary of its maiden victory: Swiss speedster Clay Regazzoni made the breakthrough when winning the 1979 British Grand Prix. Examples of the innovative FW07 – as campaigned so successfully by Regazzoni, Alan Jones and Carlos Reutemann in period – are still racing, and winning, at the Classic today. They star in the weekend’s two blue riband races contesting the Sir Jackie Stewart Trophy for FIA Masters Historic Formula One races, featuring F1 icons from the sport’s halcyon DFV era still competing in their much-loved original liveries.

1985 MG Metro 6R4

Everybody reveres the extreme Group B era of rallying which dates back to the early 1980s, and the glorious-sounding, V6-propelled MG Metro 6R4 was one of the radical machines created specifically to exploit those audacious technical regulations. The mid-engined brutes were built by the Williams F1 team and, incredibly, a totally mint example with just seven miles on the odometer will be coming under the Silverstone Auctions hammer during a massive road and race car sale over the weekend of the Classic.

1989 Middlebridge Scimitar

HRH The Princess Royal’s lifelong love for Scimitar sports cars will be on show at the Classic as part of a record-breaking display celebrating the 30th birthday of the reborn Middlebridge Scimitar. Princess Anne received her first Scimitar as a 20th birthday present from Her Majesty The Queen and was one of the first to take delivery of an upgraded version after Middlebridge acquired production rights from Reliant. That dark blue 1989 model is still in her ownership today and will be part of a record anniversary display and track parade at the Classic.

2003 Bentley Speed 8

One of the big celebrations at the 2019 Classic will be honouring Bentley’s centenary. The 100-year milestone will be marked with special displays, a track parade and a captivating twilight race on Saturday featuring a number of early cars as piloted by the famous ‘Bentley Boys’ at the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in the 1920s. Even more excitingly, the weekend’s two stellar showdowns in the races for the Aston Martin Trophy for Masters Endurance Legends will, for the first time ever, feature a stunning Bentley Speed 8 prototype as raced to Le Mans victory in 2003.

2019 Brabham BT62

One of the greatest names in motorsport history returns with the launch of the Brabham BT62 – a brutally quick 700bhp, V8-powered track day star that has been created in honour of triple F1 world champion Sir Jack Brabham by an Anglo-Australian company spearheaded by his son David. Just 70 of these £1.2m+ hypercars are being spawned and one will feature among the Astons, Ferraris and Lamborghinis in the Supercar Legends presented by Yokohama display located in the International Paddock at the Classic.

This unofficial Top Ten of unmissable icons is just the tip of the automotive iceberg at the Classic – an event that witnesses more motorsport history in action than any other.

As well as special anniversary celebrations for Abarths, Bentleys, Capris and Minis, this summer’s unrivalled race roster includes super-evocative showdowns for classic era Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seaters all together on the same race-card for the very first time. There’s also a sparkling Twilight Tribute to Le Mans as the sun goes down on Saturday evening.

Providing great value, all tickets – which must be purchased in advance – also give access to a wealth of great family entertainment including period funfair rides, driving experiences, interactive games, massive car club displays plus live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evening which this summer pay homage to the seminal Woodstock festival of 1969. Along with access to both racing paddocks and open trackside grandstands, all of those fun-fuelled attractions are included absolutely free in the ticket price!

Adult tickets start from just £45 and a wide range of child, young adult and family tickets are also available along with camping. Full details of all ticket prices are detailed on the silverstoneclassic.com website. 

[ENDS]

Editor’s notes: The Silverstone Classic is firmly established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival. The epic event attracts more than 1,000 race entries and draws crowds of more than 100,000. The spectacular classic car celebration is staged at the famous Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire, the birthplace of the FIA Formula One World Championship and home to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. The three-day festival features the very best of historic motor racing, as well as live music and a wealth of family entertainment. This includes a free funfair, Shopping Village, a host of interactive experiences, a classic car auction, plus huge showcases of classic cars often celebrating important milestones in automotive history; over 130 car clubs will be displaying more than 10,000 classic cars over the weekend of the Classic. Donations in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK can be made at: http://support.alzheimersresearchuk.org/event/silverstone-classic

BUMPER CELEBRATION WITH DOUBLE ANNIVERSARY AT BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY FORD

BUMPER CELEBRATION WITH DOUBLE ANNIVERSARY AT BEAULIEU’S SIMPLY FORD

As many as 1,400 Fords of all ages motored into Beaulieu’s Simply Ford for a bumper celebration of all things Ford, marking milestones for two of the marque’s most iconic models, with 50 years of the Capri and 60 years of the Anglia 105E.

The impressive show took over the grounds of the National Motor Museum as 2,870 rally participants enjoyed the vibrant and varied display. There was something to suit every Ford fan, from showroom-fresh Mustangs and customised Focuses to monster American Ford trucks. Everyday Fiestas, lovingly restored Escorts and preserved Populars were parked alongside incredible pre-war hot rods.

Capri owners turned out in force to celebrate 50 years of the iconic model that was famously marketed by Ford as ‘the car you always promised yourself’. Enthusiasts had much to get excited about with the line-up on the Events Arena, as pristine examples of the stylish Mk1 – including a 3000GT and modified track-ready example – were joined by a wide variety of later versions and rare last-of-the-line Capri 280 ‘Brooklands’.

Superb examples of the Anglia also took pride of place, as the family favourite celebrated its 60th anniversary. The selection ranged from an immaculate and rarely-seen Anglia 105E estate to a wild Anglia hot rod, powered by a Range Rover V8 engine.

Show-goers loved the new Mustang BULLITT, a special edition version of the world’s favourite muscle car which was built to celebrate half a century of the classic 1968 film Bullitt. Fitted with a 5-litre V8 engine and painted in dark highland green, this special Mustang is a modern incarnation of one of the most famous cars on the silver screen.

Club stands were a big draw and popular with visitors and rally participants alike. Dorset All Ford Types brought a variety of Fords, including sought-after Sierra RS Cosworth and Sierra XR4i, Cortinas, Granada, Fiesta Mk3 and Scorpio, while the Ford Sierra Owners Club stand included a rare Ford Sierra motorhome conversion. Simply Mustangs UK, Midlands Mondeo Enthusiasts, Nuts 4 Fords and the Rusty Shed Restoration Club also proudly showcased their members’ cars.

Hendy Ford showcased a selection of showroom cars that event-goers could buy, while trade stands sold a selection of spares and Ford-related accessories.

The People’s Choice Award was won by Glyn Baker, from Ringwood, who has owned his Escort Mk1 RS2000 for more than 20 years. During that time the car has been completely restored and Beaulieu’s Simply Ford was the first run-out following its engine rebuild. Glyn was presented with his Beaulieu trophy and Autoglym car care pack prize by Pierre Bonnet, the Sales Planning Manager for Ford UK who has 25 years of experience in the motor industry, working for the Ford Motor Company in both France and Britain. Pierre was in charge of the launch of the Mustang in the UK from 2014-16 and is a true car enthusiast.

Runners-up were Edgar Liranco, from Fareham, for the Mustang he has owned for 18 months and David Pritchard, from Westbury, for the Escort Cosworth he has upgraded to give a staggering 755bhp in the 13 years he has owned it. They were both presented with Autoglym prizes by Pierre.

Simply Ford was the third of Beaulieu’s ten Simply rallies for 2019. Coming next is Simply Porsche on June 2nd, Simply VW on June 15th, Simply Land Rover & Rummage on June 23rd, Simply Jaguar on July 14th, Simply Japanese on July 28th, with the first Simply Mercedes on August 18th and Simply Smart on November 10th. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.

Find us on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, on Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or on Instagram @national_motor_museum and join the conversation.

FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR EARLY BIRD TICKET BUYERS

FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR EARLY BIRD TICKET BUYERS

Show-goers have just a few days remaining to take advantage of Early Bird tickets for this summer’s spectacular Silverstone Classic, a heady mix of no-holds-barred racing, dazzling nostalgia and fun-fuelled family entertainment.  

All tickets must be purchased in advance and the Early Bird offer – open to all those buying before the end of March – presents significant savings of up to 17 per cent on standard prices. A wide range of tickets is available including adult, young adult, child, family, day, and weekend, as well as car club display packages for club members and hospitality options.

Those snapping up their tickets now can look ahead to what already promises to be the biggest and best Classic yet with a packed programme of evocative races, record numbers of car club displays and more off-track activities, amusements and attractions than ever before.

With just 10 days to go, here are 10 great countdown reasons to book Early Bird tickets before the offer ends at midnight on Sunday 31 March:

1. The sublime three-day Silverstone Classic is the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival recreating all the halcyon eras of motorsport. This year’s epic 21-race programme features the full spectrum of motorsport history including for the very first time showdowns for Formula One, Formula Two and Formula Three.
2. The action-packed 2019 racecard features special anniversary races to celebrate Bentley’s centenary, 60 years of the iconic Mini and 50 years of the Ford Capri, ‘the car you always promised yourself’. Not only that but there is also a special celebration package available to all Mini and Capri owners wanting to join the festivities offering a pair of adult tickets, dedicated display parking plus a memorable track parade.
3. Legendary brand Aston Martin will be out in force at the Classic. An exciting new three-year partnership with the locally-based, world famous luxury automotive group embraces a raft of rousing on- and off-track activities including the very first round of Aston Martin’s newly announced Aston Martin Heritage Racing Festival Series. The mouth-watering maiden grid is expected to be packed with stunning DB9s, Vantages and Vulcans.
4. Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart will be among the fast and famous at this summer’s Classic. The two-time World Champion will be celebrating the 50thanniversary of his first F1 title in 1969 and his two unforgettable British Grand Prix wins which came at Silverstone in 1969 and 1971. Sir Jackie will also be raising awareness and funds for the Race Against Dementia Fellowship scheme that he founded, in collaboration with the event’s Official Charity Partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK.
5. An unprecedented number of 130+ car clubs have already registered for glittering in-field parking displays making this year’s Classic another record-breaker four months before the gates have even opened! In total, more than 10,000 privately-owned and cherished classics will be on show over the three days.
6. Offering exceptional value for money, all tickets give access to both racing paddocks, open trackside grandstands, the majority of the funfair rides, a host of great entertainment for all ages on the festival’s very own Village Green plus a multitude of eye-catching displays, stunt shows and interactive activities providing visitors with lots of flat-out fun for all the family all for FREE.
7. What’s more, the upbeat live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings are also included in the ticket price. This summer there’s a special homage to the seminal Woodstock festival with the music of original performers Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Cocker, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, Ten Years After and The Who.
8. While the cars are always the stars at the Classic, the bustling infield is packed with attractions to captivate and amuse all ages and tastes. As a taster, there are panoramic rides on a 40m big wheel, chuckles on a crazy golf course, dastardly dodgem dogfights, persuasive retail opportunities and even the chance for budding young footballers to perfect their soccer talents in the Yokohama Chelsea Skills Zone.
9. The much-loved TV personality and renowned motoring mastermind Mike Brewer returns with his hugely-popular Car Clinics. In the breaks between the racing, show-goers can join Mike as he casts his expert eye over a great line-up of stand-out classic cars.
10. Successfully introduced in 2018, Drive Live offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to take a test drive in some of the latest models from the showrooms of participating manufacturers including Aston Martin. For those with a preference for two-wheels, a similar Ride Live initiative will be launched in July. What’s more, with lots of great cars coming under the Silverstone Auction hammer over the weekend, there’s even the chance to drive home in your dream classic at the end of the show!

Best of all: Early Bird tickets booked now save £s and £s. Full details of all Early Bird tickets – as well as weekend festival camping and upgrade options including VIP hospitality and the RetroRun experience (which this year incorporates a tour of the newly opened Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works) – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.

CAPRI’S GOLD STANDARD AT THIS SUMMER’S SPARKLING CLASSIC

CAPRI’S GOLD STANDARD AT THIS SUMMER’S SPARKLING CLASSIC

Final Capri will lead the 50th-anniversary parade

Ford Capri owners are being offered a fabulous opportunity to be part of the much-loved fastback’s 50th birthday party at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (26-28 July).

Launched at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1969, and marketed by Ford as ‘The Car You Always Promised Yourself’, close to two million Capris were produced before the model’s demise at the end of 1986.

A dazzling classic touring car race has already been announced to salute the stylish coupé’s golden jubilee, together with a special trophy presented by Gordon Spice, the world’s most successful Capri racer in the period.

Now comes confirmation of an exclusive anniversary track parade and display – plus a special Capri Celebration Package – to encourage all owners to join in the festivities.

This attractively priced offer provides owners with a pair of adult tickets (for Sunday or the full three-day weekend) plus a special vehicle pass giving access to a dedicated Capri Celebration display area.

Also included is a place in the commemorative Capri Celebration track parade taking place on the full Grand Prix circuit at lunchtime on Sunday. This will be fronted by the final Capri to roll off the production line in Cologne – a limited edition 280 ‘Brooklands’ model owned by Ford’s heritage workshop.

This package has been introduced to enable owners who may not be members of those car clubs already attending the world’s biggest historic motor racing festival, to share in the extensive 50th birthday revelries.

“Five years ago we paid tribute to the Ford Mustang when it turned 50, now we are honouring its equally-iconic European sibling, the Capri,” explained Nick Wigley, Silverstone Classic CEO.

“For many of us the Capri was always the affordable coupé, so it’s no surprise that they are becoming more and more treasured by classic car enthusiasts. We want to foster and fuel that passion by encouraging as many Capri fans as possible to share in the 50thbirthday celebrations at the Classic.”  

Owners not wanting to miss the party can select the Capri Celebration Package from the ticket options available on the official silverstoneclassic.com website.

As well as honouring the Capri in style, this year’s Silverstone Classic is also marking Bentley’s centenary and 60 years of the evergreen Mini among its many other celebrations.

Furthermore, the packed 21-race track programme features evocative retro showdowns for prized Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3 single-seaters for the very first time plus the inaugural round of the exciting new Aston Martin Heritage Racing Festival Series.

Full details of all tickets (which must be purchased in advance) – as well as hospitality packages and weekend festival camping – can be found on the official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.   

CLASSIC FORD SHOW -WHAT'S ON IN 2019

Sunday 2nd June | Mallory Park View this email online TICKETS ON SALE

The Classic Ford Show has a brand new home for 2019, with Mallory Park playing host to thousands of the best classic Ford vehicles in Europe. As ever, CFS will host dozens and dozens of the foremost Classic Ford clubs in the UK, while 2019 will also see us celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Anglia and the 50th birthday of the majestic Capri. Classic Ford Magazine will once again have a strong presence at the show, and we will also have a live stage where some of the most influential figures in the Ford scene will take part in live Q&A sessions. If you fancy yourself as a Classic Ford expert then you might want to get a team together for our CFS Quiz, and there is, of course, plenty of opportunities to take your own vehicle onto one of the country's best circuits with our track time slots. For more information on the show, take a look at the links below and keep your eyes peeled on classicfordshow.co.uk for more show news coming soon!

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60 Years of the Anglia There are few Ford's with as much heritage as the Anglia and 2019 sees the marque celebrate it's the 60th anniversary, and we will of course be commemorating it with a display of some of the very best Anglia's on the scene. Read more

Classic Ford Magazine Stand The Classic Ford Show wouldn't be complete without your favourite magazine in attendance, so you can expect to see another brilliant Classic Ford Magazine display at CFS 2019! Read more

50 Years of the Capri The iconic Ford Capri celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and it would be remiss of us not to celebrate the birthday of one of the most-loved blue oval beauties of our time.  Read more

Track Time Do you fancy taking your classic Ford on track at Classic Ford Show 2019? Well here's your chance... Read more

CF Show Quiz Do you back yourself as a quiz-whizz? Reckon your blue oval knowledge is prize-worthy? Here's your chance to prove it! Read more

Live Q&A's If you've always wanted to pick the brains of some of the Classic Ford scene's most prominent figures then make sure you head to the live stage for our Q&A sessions. Read more

Special Display If you’re not part of a club and have a Classic Ford (pre 1994), you can still be part of the show!  Read more

Club Displays If you want to spend hours exploring some of the very best classic Ford cars on the scene, then there’s no better place than The Classic Ford Show.