NEC 2022

Well, after the stunning success of the previous 2021 show, FTC-GB would never be able to top that accolade of Club Winners! However, this year once again offers me the opportunity to showcase the "Forgotten Fords" and what better way to bring to the public's attention of Ford's 1st Front Wheel Drive car .....the P4. What a celebration it is as it is 60 years since its launch & we have a stunning example on the stand belonging to Pat Lewis, his beloved... Philomena....as it is called. This 1964 example has a very interesting history depicted for visitors to browse on a large roll up banner, drawing curious admirers all weekend. Also on the stand is the 1978 TC2 Estate belonging to Ross Molden, looking very striking in blue with newly applied graphics, and making the 3 car stand is one of my 2 1971 RS cars I own, restored 4 years ago finished in original Red 11 65 colour. In fact this car is no stranger to the NEC Show scene, having been the show stopping centrepiece of the RSOC stand in 2018 @ 50 years of the RS theme (but that's another story). Naturally Pat's P4 drew the crowd in all weekend, but very few "Ford Fans" knew what it was, or indeed being Ford's first FWD car. Launched in 1962, the P4 was offered to America & named Cardinal, predating the Fiesta by a huge 14 years. From the outset is was always my intention for the FTC-GB stand to, well, stand out, being unique to the myriad of "Ford Clubs" in the UK and NEC. Having designed the banners & equipment, it is now quite a professional setup that sets the club up well for the years to come. I have raised the all the money to showcase the Taunus models myself with the Stand & general need to raise £1000 per year to do so by buying & selling items etc. This years Charity Donation is one close to my heart, as I have spent many days hiking in the area with Maggie, so chose EDALE MOUNTAIN RESCUE & we have a very special guest this year  to reveal the charity total fund of £542.50 with the one & only....Sarah Crabtree....(Ex-Banger & Cash) & now Sales Director & Evoke Classics. With many thanks to the Retro Ford Team of Andy Ellis on camera & John Waide the Editor for inviting Sarah along, making it a very memorable & enjoyable experience. With Andy the Wizard of the Lens, the crowd stopping moment was perfectly captured for all Ford Fans to read about in a later edition of RETRO FORD. It wouldn't be an understatement to suggest that to many, is the premier event in the calendar year for car fans far & wide. No Clubs are guaranteed a stand, it's a matter of applying& waiting to see if we are selected year on year. But what we do have in our favour are "Ford Cars rarely seen in the UK" let alone at this premier event attracting on average 70,000+ visitors over the 3 days.

Show report by Roy Townsend, with photos courtesy of Andy Ellis & John Waide @ RETRO FORD who invited the special guest Sarah Crabtree to reveal the FTC-GB Charity Fund to EMR