Ford Classic Showcase 2025 Recap: A Retrospective Overview
Bringing Back the Roaring Engines: A Decade-Defying Classic Ford Show in 2025
Last Sunday, the 2025 rendition of the Classic Ford Show set the stage ablaze at the South of England Showground in Ardingly. Under a radiant sun, the event exceeded all expectations, surpassing previous records with over 3700 attendees and a jaw-dropping display of 800 classic Ford rides.
Such a mesmerizing spectacle testified to the event's robust revival since the pandemic, a testament to its enduring charm. The show didn't miss its opportunity to put the spotlight on the clubs and passionate enthusiasts fueling it. Numerous awards were presented throughout the day. Some of the high-flying winners included:
- FordTEC: Stealing the show with the Most Varied Club Stand
- South London Retro Power: Claiming the title of Best Regional Club
- Sussex Prestige Ford: Taking home the trophy for Best Large Club Stand
- Fraud Owners' Club: Vying for the recognition as Best Small Club
- Cosworth Drivers' Club: Earning the bragging rights for Best Themed Display, showcasing a mind-blowing assortment of standard, reimagined, and restoration-worthy Cosworths
The showfield was an extraordinary canvas, housing a diverse array of club rides. From the bubble-arched Mk1 Escort rocking a Vauxhall 'Red Top' on throttle bodies to the astonishingly rare South African Mk3 Cortina 'Bakkie' pickup, the field boasted pure automotive artistry. The Mk1 Transit roaring a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 under its hood and decked out with a Chrysler 300C interior was another stunner. And let's not forget the sublime Mk2 Escort RS1800 restoration—simply breathtaking!
Milestones were etched in history with dedicated showcases, like the 40-year odyssey of the Sierra Cosworth, drawing scores of three-door, Sapphire, and Escort Cosworths, spanning the gamut from untouched relics to concours masterpieces and thundering 850bhp titans. Marking their 60th and 50th birthdays, the Mk2 and Mk3 Escort anniversaries were honored with a gathering of various modifications, originals, and restorations on display.
Tradition was not left behind, with The Great Unveiling taking center stage. Five never-seen-before projects graced the event, such as the Mk1 Escort, freshly unveiled to the owner's family mere weeks before the show. Excitement ran high as the Mk1 Cortina with an Essex 3.0-liter V6 and a five-speed gearbox, the Mk3 Cortina adorned in Mustang 'Bullit' green, a Mk2 Escort Van meticulously detailed and cradling a 2.5-liter Duratec engine, and a Mk2 Escort built from spare parts, captured the gaze of every Ford aficionado.
The editorial team of Classic Ford picked their top 10, showering owners with rosettes and inviting them to discuss their rides in front of cheering crowds and complete a victory lap around the show. Another eye-catcher was the debut of the Boreham Motorworks Alan Mann Edition Mk1 Escort continuation, with former Ford SVE chief engineer John Mitchell gracing the event. Other crowd-pleasers included the Top 50 display of hand-selected builds and BMX stunt displays scattering thrills all day long. In sum, the 2025 Classic Ford Show was an unmitigated triumph, enchanting enthusiasts and celebrating Ford's rich automotive legacy.
[1] Editors. Classic Ford, 9 June 2025, https://www.classicfordmag.co.uk/[2] The Classic Ford Show, https://www.theclassicfordshow.co.uk/
Here are two sentences containing the given words:
- Amid the dazzling display of classic Ford vehicles, there was a subtle shift towards modern lifestyles, with an exhibit showcasing renovated home-and-garden spaces that matched the sleek designs of electric vehicles and car-maintenance tools.
- With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, a forum was held during the show to discuss the future of car maintenance and the potential adaptation of home-and-garden spaces for charging stations and car care facilities.
