Rain held off for this year’s Simply Ford event, held in the grounds of the National Motor Museum on the 6th May. The event is now in its third year and a firm fixture on the Beaulieu calendar.
Over 1,100 people attended and 500 Ford cars, from early models to custom and modern classics, were on display in the Beaulieu Arena and surrounding parkland. Clubs attending included the Ford Car Owners Club, Obviously Ford, the RS Owners Club and the Mark Three Owners Club. In addition, there were a number of trade stands selling Ford related parts and accessories.
In the Display Marquee, the South Hants Model Auto Club put on a display of Ford model cars while novices and experienced racers could test their skill on the Brayspeed slot car track.
Judith Maddox, Beaulieu’s Event Manager said: “Despite poor weather in the run up to the event we had an excellent turnout for the third year of Simply Ford. We were grateful for the support we received from Autoclubs International and are pleased that so many enthusiasts who take part in forums are attending.”
The Ford Motor Company supported the event for the second year, bringing along a Ford RS200, an Escort Cosworth WRC and a Lotus Cortina. Also making a welcome return was the Ford Supervan 3 which has a top speed of around 150mph. It is built on a Ford C100 race car chassis and was originally powered by a mid-mounted Ford-Cosworth 650bhp ‘HB’ F1 engine.
A People’s Choice trophy was awarded to Mark Hudd from Devises for his pristine 1995 Escort Cosworth. Runners up were Paul Love from Bath with his Sierra Cosworth 4×4 and Jim Watson from Eastleigh with a 1959 Popular 100E. The prizes were presented by the National Motor Museum’s Manager and Chief Engineer, Doug Hill.
The Managing Director of Beaulieu-based Vintage Tyres, Chris Marchant, presented a trophy for the best Cortina, in celebration of the 50th anniversary this year of both Vintage Tyres and the Cortina. The winner was Mark Taylor from Clevedon, owner of a Mk III Cortina Savage.
