Celebratory centenary tour for Ford of Britain

This morning (August 17th) at Tower Bridge in London saw the commencement of Ford of Britain's Centenary Tour, marking 100 years of the manufacturer's presence in the UK.

Vintage car insurance policyholders may get to see the motors as ten cars spanning the various generations of the manufacturer's history travel the country. From Inverness to Plymouth, the eclectic selection of vintage and contemporary vehicles will visit 20 locations in 31 days, meeting plant workers, showroom dealers and customers along the way.

BBC Radio 2 presenter and performance car enthusiast Chris Evans waved the cars off at the start line this morning, admitting to eyeing up a classic Ford Escort Mexico to add to his collection.

"I'm delighted to be part of Ford UK's centenary celebrations. As with so many people, I have many fond memories of Ford cars," said Evans.

The tour attempts to showcase the diversity of the British Isles and Ford's place within it. As such, drawing on Glasgow's strong art tradition, the bonnets of some of the brand's cars will be painted by artists.

On the coast, drivers will be treated to some traditional seaside delights from the south Manchester-based Ginger's Comfort Emporium ice cream van before the tour reaches its climax on the weekend of September 16th to 18th.

At the weekend, 100 iconic Ford cars will grace the Goodwood race circuit in West Sussex with their presence and participate at the track's Revival festival.

However, it is not just private cars taking part in the celebrations. The company's light commercial vehicle sector recently witnessed a special centenary order at its Gordons of Bolton dealership in the north-west.

Loyal Ford customer and countryside management services provider Glendale upped its original 97-vehicle order of vans as a tribute to the brand.

Stuart Darbyshire, commercial director at Glendale, explained: "The relationship between Glendale, Ford and Gordons spans many years and is testament to the quality of the product and the service they provide."

The Ford parade at the Goodwood Revival will take place on each day of the festival. It is open to the public with under-12s going free and general admission tickets ranging from £56.50 for 13 to 18-year-olds and £113 for adults.

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