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.

BULLITT MUSTANGS IN THE SPOTLIGHT FOR BEAULIEU’S PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

BULLITT MUSTANGS IN THE SPOTLIGHT FOR BEAULIEU’S PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Mustang BULLITT at Beaulieu

A pair of prestigious BULLITT Mustangs will be under the glare of the cameras for Beaulieu’s Car Photography Workshop with award-winning photographer James Mann on Tuesday, June 4th in the grounds of the National Motor Museum.

The rare classic Ford Mustang GT 390 that mirrors the star car from the 1968 film Bullitt and the latest BULLITT Mustang special edition, both in matching Highland Green, will be seen through the lens by masterclass students. The new version of the world’s favourite muscle car was built to celebrate half a century of the classic film and, fitted with a 5-litre V8 engine, is a modern incarnation of one of the most famous cars on the silver screen.

Both cars have been loaned by Ford for the workshop, which is returning after its successful launch year. During the packed day, the leading car photographer will share his 30 years’ experience in a course covering all aspects of professional automotive photography.

A Fellow of The Royal Photographic Society with an impressive portfolio, James is also the author of the best-selling book How to Photograph Cars. A lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast, he trained in editorial and advertising photography before embarking on a career that has seen him travel across the world photographing people, cars, landscapes and events.

Under James’ expert guidance, all aspects of car photography will be covered – from choosing and setting up a camera to taking the best static and moving shots in Beaulieu’s picturesque grounds. Top tips will be given on managing lighting, reflections and location – and access will be given to Beaulieu’s world-famous collection of vehicles, which tell the story of motoring in the National Motor Museum.

For more workshop, details and Beaulieu’s full calendar of events see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/.

Visitors to Beaulieu will also be able to enjoy the Mustang spectacle. A ticket to Beaulieu includes admission to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

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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.

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