Events

I had several ambitions when i reformed the Ford Taunus Club in 2014 and rebranding it FTC-GB after a long hiatus of 21 years. Near the top of the list I wanted to achieve, was for FTC-GB to have a "Stand" at the prestigious NEC Classic Car Show, held every year in November. With the Club established with worldwide members by 2020, I felt it was the right time to Showcase the Taunus cars to the unsuspecting Ford Fans here in the UK. However all of my efforts to do so were thwarted by the 2020 Covid Pandemic, and the Show was Cancelled. And so we were invited one year later in 2021 to attend the Novembers 12th - 14th Show, and new plans drawn up for the cars I would have on Stand. The cancelled 2020 Show was to play a crucial part for the up and coming Show, and very beneficial to myself in my quest to complete my latest restoration on my second Ford 20M RS...WWU 986J. Pulling out all the stops the 2,500 hours work On the RS was finally finished just 3 Days before the Show, and its first trip out was completed to The NEC crammed full with all the Stand Equipment too! With David Jeggo and Mark Roe on Stand  With a 1974 2 Door TC 1 and a 19712 Door TC1 Coupe respectively we were all set for Fridays Opening Day 12th November. And soon the entourage of the Classic and Sports Car Magazine team Were on our stand asking questions on my new restoration the 1971 20M RS. Quickly offered several complimentary tickets to the function and prize presentation upstairs in the restaurant that evening. What I did not know at the time FTC-GB and my 20M RS would be 1 of 3 Nominations for an Award. With the 2 Course meal and drinks consumed the Presentations began and there must have been well over 100 attending. A selection from the 300 or so Clubs and around 3,000 Exhibits its a huge Show! And to cap all my work for FTC-GB and my RS restoration I was stunned to Win the Club Awards  In our 1st year at the NEC in recognition of all my work and dedication. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! In addition £536.70 was raised for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Report & photos by Roy Townsend