HAYNES OPEN DAY
Haynes Ford host their popular Ford Performance event.
Following on from the successful ‘Steeda Saturday’ in 2016, which launched Haynes and Steeda UK’s joint Mustang venture, came the very first Performance Day in 2017. But for 2018, Haynes decided to plan for an even bigger event, and invited local owners clubs and enthusiasts to bring along their beloved Blue Ovals and be part of the displays on show at the Ford Performance Day 2018. Local, and not-so-local, fans flocked to the Maidstone site, with displays covering classic and retro models through to the very latest fast Fords – including plenty of Ford Performance models, naturally. The day even attracted Transit owners, with a selection of the feisty MS-RT models on show too.
With background music provided by local band, Rockin’ Republik, Ford fans and enthusiasts – some who had seen the event advertised on social media, others as part of Haynes’ own customer database – mingled together alongside the Haynes staff to enjoy the fantastic weather and admire the huge selection of both new and classic fast Fords on display.
This year’s event saw a fantastic range of around 150 vehicles on show, with beautifully restored examples of early Escorts, Cortinas, Capris, and Zephyrs all making the trip out. One of the oldest, and most talked-about cars to make the event was a meticulously restored Model T. While children and adults alike all recognised the Ford Anglia brought along from its association with Harry Potter films.
Ford’s latest Performance models were well represented by owners who had purchased from Haynes, with the Focus RSs ‘popping’ their exhausts in competition with the deep rumble from the V8 Mustang GTs, in various colours, with various graphics and plenty of performance upgrades fitted.
The Kent RS Owners Club provided a range of RS history, with some beautifully
restored examples of Cosworth-powered Fords and the full range of three generations of the Focus RS.
Likewise, the Kent Mustang Owners Club provided a range of Ford’s famous muscle car, from the 1965 coupe to the more recent UK specification GTs, with many of the latest models having had upgrades installed by the Haynes team.
Haynes Ford also took the opportunity of placing their own 1965 classic Mustang on display which was well received by the guests and with many comments on the standard of paint restoration completed by their very own Accident Repair Centre.
The dealer’s current Mustang, Fiesta ST and Focus RS performance demonstrator models were also on hand to take guests for ‘hot’ rides around the roads of Maidstone too, enabling guests the opportunity of a ride in a car that many have only ever dreamed of owning.
Outside, refreshments were available from Exquisite BBQ, who catered to nearly 400 people across the day. Meanwhile, inside, the showroom was busy throughout the day with a racing simulator. The nine-screen technical power wall in the showroom making the laps seem very realistic and lifelike.
Steeda UK representatives and Haynes staff were on hand throughout the day, ready to advise on performance upgrades and generally chat with visitors, owners and enthusiasts. Haynes’ sales team were more than happy to share their knowledge of Ford’s future plans for the new Mustang, and were able to answer many questions on the latest Mk4 Focus, with demonstrations of the B&O Play sound system in the showroom occasionally providing a very loud backdrop to the racing simulator!
With the 2018 Ford Performance Day proving such a huge hit, planning is already underway for 2019 dates, and the Haynes team are looking to make the day even bigger and better again! Keep an eye on the Haynes Ford website – www.haynesford.
co.uk – for the latest updates.