BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

Museum’s safety measures made this postponed one-day classic gathering an instant hit with visitors

Ford fans from across the country flocked to one of the first shows catering for Blue Oval classics since lockdown restrictions were eased – resulting in an even bigger turnout than organisers were expecting.

More than 500 pre-1995 models headed to Gaydon for this one-day gathering, originally due to be held in July but postponed due to the pandemic. There was a particularly strong showing from Capri clubs and the Cortina Mk3 Club, which brought along 14 of its members’ cars. While overall numbers were down on last year’s record attendance (itself boosted by a 300-strong Capri turnout to mark that car’s 50th anniversary), it was an impressive result for a show held as its venue gets back into gear after the lockdown. Anyone who ventured into the museum itself was greeted with a recently installed oneway system and other measures to prevent the spread of infection.

Many of the owners taking part told CCW that this event was their first classic show appearance since lockdown was introduced in March, which helped to boost the socially distanced turnout.

Terry Bray, who brought his 1967 Ford Anglia, said: ‘It’s the first show the car and I have done this year – we’re all being careful, but in the end, I felt I had to get out there with the car, and enjoy it. ‘There was plenty of variety at this show, too – although perhaps too many Capris rather than other models – and a great atmosphere.’ British Motor Museum show manager, Tom Caren, said: ‘ We’re pleasantly surprised by how many classics have come along to this event – we had about 400 prebooked, but on the day we ended up getting 100 more than that.

‘ We’ve had a couple of classic meets since lockdown restrictions were eased and they’ve all gone really well so far. Everyone taking part has been very sensible and careful with social distancing.’

The MkII Owners’ Club’s display included Stephen Cruttenden’s 1969 Cortina 1600E and Paul Battye’s 1970 Crayford Cortina Convertible MkII, which he’s owned for 14 years.

Chris Dolega, from Northampton, brought along his 1966 Cortina GT. It’s spent most of its life off the road, having sat in a garage between 1974 and its recommissioning in 2014.

Paul Coleman’s 1964 Ranchero was the only one on show. He says that it’s all orginal, save for the wheels and roof being re-painted red and a custom-made cover fitted to the load area.

John Nelson’s 1993 Orion LX is believed to be the last example off the production line. He’s owned it since 1996, and it’s now covered 358,000 miles.

Chris Crowhurst and Carole Merchant brought their 1965 Zodiac MkIII. It’s Chris’s daily driver, but this year’s Old Ford Rally is only its second show outing in 2020.