Taking place at Mallory Park Circuit for the very first time, the Classic Ford Show lived up to its billing as Europe’s biggest and best event for classic blue ovals on June 2. Visitors could enjoy a packed timetable at the new Leicestershire venue, including the chance to experience the track in their own vehicles.
The Ford Capri and Anglia 105E celebrate their 50th and 60th anniversaries respectively this year, and there was no way such milestones could pass without celebration. Both models were treated to sizeable anniversary displays, with the selection of Capris including examples from all four decades of production. They were joined by thousands of further display and club cars, featuring everything from factory-spec survivors to rally legends like the RS200 and genuine BTCC race cars.
Further attractions included parade laps for those keen to experience the circuit at a more sensible pace, while a demonstration from the Ford Saloon Series Cars was one not be missed. Over on the Classic Ford Magazine stand, the ‘Great Unveiling’ saw a Popular 100E, a BDG-powered Mk2 Escort and a Mk1 Fiesta with a rear mounted Focus ST170 motor revealed to the public for the first time, and there was a separate display for the magazine’s ‘Homebuilt Heroes’ feature cars.
The Best Club Stand award went to Old Skool Ford.
The Show and Shine also proved to be an alluring attraction, with Dan Dutch’s Mk2 Escort edging out Mark King’s Fiesta XR2 and Jake McConnell’s Cortina to emerge as the victor. The Best Club Stand, meanwhile, went to Old Skool Ford.
The show was successfully held at its previous location for 14 years, but the new venue seems to have given it a new impetus. Certainly, there were a lot more visitors from mainland Europe, including an excellent turnout from the Netherlands and a 33-strong group from Denmark, while an intrepid Mk4 Escort owner had also driven from the south of Portugal just for the event! All told, a promising refresh with plenty of potential for the future.
