SQUIRES FORDMEET
All the action from the epic start of season show in Leeds.
The ‘Start of Season’ meet at Squires Café in early April is the perfect way to kick-start the show season. With all Blue Oval-badged cars welcome, from stock daily drivers, through to trailer queens, and full-on race and rally cars, there’s something for everyone. In contrast to this time last year, we’ve had a relatively dry early Spring, which meant there was an even bigger buzz than usual surrounding the run-up to the eagerly anticipated meet.
On our arrival shortly after 9am, we were staggered to find the show field was already 90% full! Yes, you need to be an early-riser to grab the best spot at Squires!
Jason Finney, the hard-working organiser of this colossal event, tells us there were just shy of 900 cars through the gate – an impressive number for a single day show for sure. The mixture of cars means there’s something for everyone, with pristine classics nestled amongst the latest offerings
from Ford, both standard and modified. You might not track down that elusive Orion you were hoping to see right away, but rest assured there will be one there somewhere. In fact, half the fun of the day is the excitement of not knowing what you’ll come across next! The show winners certainly reflect that variety; with a lairy Mk1 Escort estate, a highly modified Sierra Cosworth RS500, and a Ranger on air-ride taking the top three slots!
In recent years the Fiesta has claimed domination of the show field but this time around that crown seemed to have reverted back to the ever-popular Focus, which let’s be fair has had its fans from day one. There were some stunning examples containing a wide variety of influences, and mods from those with a distinct Euro look on air suspension with classy rims, right through to full-on WRC-inspired replicas along with John Young’s very cool and unusual rallycrossthemed ST with full RS running gear.
Pre-show camping at Squires in the adjacent field has become increasingly popular and those who slept over beforehand were treated to some live music by PistonPaint. The same dedicated bunch would also have benefited from the first pickings too at the 20-plus trade stands which are always popular with attendees.
The summer shows will soon be in full swing, but Fordmeet have already confirmed their end of season meet this year is to take place on the 29th of September, again it’ll be one not to miss!