The Classic Ford Show is set to return to the South of England Event Centre on Sunday, May 12. Here’s all you need to know
Our very own Classic Ford Show is celebrating its 20th birthday in 2014 – yes the show really did start way back in 2004! Europe ‘s best Blue Oval show will be celebrating that milestone in style, with a feature-packed event taking place at the South of England Event Centre in West Sussex on May 11.
There’s almost too much going on to squeeze in here, but read on for a flavour of what you can expect. Of course, the only way to get a real taste of the sounds, smells, sights and spectacular action is to get down to the South of England Event Centre and join in on the day. Gates are open to the public at 10am.
The Great Unveiling
The Classic Ford team, in association with detailing gurus Car Gods, have been up and down the country seeking out the best projects and rebuilds to be revealed at a special ceremony — The Great Unveiling.
Their owners and supporters have been frantically working away over the last few months, desperate to ensure that their pride and joy is ready in time for the show — and you will be the first to see the results of their efforts in the flesh!
Five cars will be unveiled, from mint, standard concours examples to modified metal.
Ford Capri at 55
The Capri is 55! We’ll be marking the occasion with a special display of rare and seldom-seen Capris at the Classic Ford Show, everything from the earliest Mk1s, through to the most-desirable Mk2s and motorsport-orientated Mk3s.
Ford club displays
Owners’ clubs are the heart and soul of the Classic Ford Show, travelling from all over Europe to display over 1200 cars. Put some time aside to wander round the 100-or-so club stands and we guarantee you’ll be im-pressed… and have sore feet.
For 2024, the amount of club awards has been increased, with winning clubs awarded a trophy on the day. Categories now include Best Large Club Stand, Best Small Club Stand and Best Regional Club Stand, plus Club Hero, Best Themed Club Stand, Club Car of the Show, Most Interesting/Varied Car Selection and Best Charity Support. Finally, Club of the Year will be voted for across all three Ford shows, (Classic Ford Show, FordFair and FordFest) with the winner announced at FordFest.
Fusion Extreme
Fusion Extreme’s BMX display wow crowds at the Classic Ford Show, featuring some of the UK’s best riders from BMX and MTB going head to head in this epic stunt show battle to find out who is king of pushing the limits.
The Top 50
Want to know what the 50 finest classic Fords are in the UK and Europe right now? Look no further than the Top 50 display featuring original, restored and modified examples that represent the classic Ford scene in its best light. From spaceframed 1950s Pops through to concours 1990s RS Turbos, it’s all here.
Classic Ford ICONS – new for 2024
Classic Ford ICONS replaces Pride of Ownership for 2024, with the top entrants on the day hand-picked by experts. Think your classic Ford has got what it takes? Enter at classicfordshow.co.uk
Special Display
If you’re not part of a club and have a classic Ford (pre-2003), you can still be part of the show! For just £2 extra you can purchase a Special Display add-on to your ticket which allows you display your car in the dedicated Special Display area. You can not only beat the traffic with access to the event hours before the public, but your individual passes also provide exclusive access to display your car. Get your Special Display pass from classicfordshow.co.uk
Retail Village
If you’re doing work on a classic Ford, the trade area is the ideal place to get hold of parts. You can get hands-on with the companies’ products, which beats relying on mail order or the internet.
You’ll find tuning parts, body panels, accessories and so much more, and there will be experts on hand to give advice on fitment too. Plus, if you know a trader is attending the show, why not pre-order your parts from them so he can bring them along and save you the postage costs?
Weekend camping
The main show takes place on the Sunday, but what could be better than making a weekend of it? Bring along a tent and pitch it up in the on-site designated campsite, and start the festivities a day early. The campsite will be open from 12 pm on Saturday, and in the evening the bar will be open too.
Camping costs £20 per pitch, which allows up to two adults and up to three children Book your camping tickets in advance at classicfordshow.co.uk, or just turn up and pay on the day.
Getting to the Classic Ford Show
By road
The main entrance to the South of England Event Centre is on the B2028 Selsfield Road close to the centre of Ardingly village. For Sat Nav use RH17 6TL. From the M25, exit at junction 7 and follow the M23 towards Brighton.
Leave at junction 10 and take the A264 towards East Grinstead. After approximately two miles turn right onto the B2028. After passing through the villages of Turners Hill and Selsfield Common you will arrive at the South of England Event Centre on your right.
By rail
The nearest railway station is Haywards Heath which is on the main line between London Victoria and Brighton.
Book your tickets
Adult tickets cost £20 (plus booking fee) in advance save up to £8 on the gate price! A Classic Ford Show Showguide worth £9.99 is free with each advanced ticket. Tickets for children aged 5-14 are £5, with under 5s going free.
