CLASSIC FORD TOUR
Marking 20 years with a return to France.
Can it really be 20 years of the Classic Ford Tour? Yes, it can — the first all the way back in 1999 was to northern France, so it's fitting that this year's returns to the region, but to a very special area. With 2019 being the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the tour quite rightly takes place around the beaches of Normandy.
Friday is travel day — heading for the hotel in Lisieux. Everyone arrives by the evening and winding down is an order, followed by a darn good chowdown in the restaurant. Up early Saturday morning for breakfast and preparation for a D-Day-based day.
Sunday takes in the main historical attractions of the Normandy area, starting at the infamous Café Gondree — the first place to be liberated on D-Day, and right next to Pegasus Bridge. That’s the assembly point for the D-Day remembrance parade, followed by a convoy to some great places that, if you’ve never been to the area, you simply have to do. Aromanche is the sight of the infamous Mulberry harbour and close by, the battery of Longues Sur Mer. This is an excellent trip — and you’re surrounded by some excellent
classic Fords, too. It simply can’t get much better than this.
Monday is the day nobody wants — it's time to head for home but also a chance to recap on a weekend of striking up a whole load of new friendships, seeing some great sights, excellent cars and good food, too.
Next year, the tour heads for Jersey and you know what? I just might make a booking!
"GREAT ROADS AND EXCELLENT CLASSIC FORDS? IT DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER"
FURTHEST TRAVELLED
Just getting to France for Allan and Fiona French is an epic task because they live in Macduff, 45 miles North of Aberdeen, which means they have a 650-mile journey just to Dover! In total they covered 2500 miles, which certainly is dedication.What’s more they’ve done the trip for several years now in their Savage Cortina – which means of course, a FordV6; not only that but one equipped with tripleWebers, too. “It's a lot better than you think on fuel,” reports Allan.
THE LONG-HAUL BOYS
One pair that have (almost) made every single Classic FordTour tour is Nick Carly and Dave Eady that go every year in a Capri.This year it's the turn of Dave’s Perana — and while that 302cu.in small-block isn’t cheap to run, it does have the soundtrack!
SPIRIT OF THE TOUR
We had to give this award to Mark Boyle for his “don’t call it a hearse” Scorpio limo — bought just for the tour because his Capri wasn't ready in time.The family joined him — uncle John, Craig and Janet Boyle and Paul Cash.The tour thrives on people like this – always laughing; slightly mad and thoroughly good company!
CAR OF THE TOUR SAM AUSTIN MK2 FIESTA
Sam’s Fiesta is exactly what the Classic Ford scene is all about. A true homebuilt hero, he bought it six years ago as a standard 1.1, and Sam’s done the lot from the bodywork to the gearbox. Even better, it’s running a 1600 CVH rather than the usual Zetec, too.
THE 2020 TOUR
Next year we're heading to Jersey and the world-famous International Motor Festival. Prices start from £399 per person for a four-day, three-night tour from June 4-7.To reserve your place, call the tour organisers, Scenic CarTours on 01732 879153 or go to www.sceniccartours.com.