Ford Fair 2022: The Good, The Bad...
Posted: 18th September 2022 | Author: @AdrianFRST | Photography: @AdrianFRST
Clay pigeon shooting
With another heatwave coinciding with another show Ford Fair this year was a warm one. As usual there will be galleries of specific models, but we’ll start off with a look at the more unusual stuff found at the show.
Clay pigeon shooting initially appeared to be a terrible idea given the proximity of expensive and enthusiast owned cars, but it turned out to be (rather obviously) laser clays. Without the satisfaction of exploding discs, loud bangs and shotgun kicks it still is a terrible idea but for other reasons.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/2000 sec
- ISO
- 100
Lego battery cover
I spotted this early in the day and thought how unique it was, then counted another half a dozen cars with the same.
These are genuine Lego bricks, of sorts, in that they are sold as storage boxes. Just the lid is used here.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/400 sec
- ISO
- 100
Auto Finesse
For the past couple of Fairs, Auto Finesse have had this prime spot in the scrutineering area, going all out with this custom Airstream caravan.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 33.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/30 sec
- ISO
- 125
Cut bumper
This kind of mod was all the rage back in the 90s. These days manufacturers are pretty clued up, leaving space for additional cooling and so such surgery is rarely necessary.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/320 sec
- ISO
- 100
Vents plus vents plus vent
It’s arguable that even those Fords that come with bonnet vents as standard only have them for aesthetics.
I believe this car used to belong to Shmee, which explains why some things may have been done for engagement and views, rather than because it works or looks good.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 63.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/60 sec
- ISO
- 250
Race Mustang
One fast pony emerging from the shadows. As you’d expect, its uncorked V8 sounded rather nice.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/800 sec
- ISO
- 100
Colour Cliché
The whole Stormtrooper thing because the car is black and white is getting a bit old now perhaps? I’d like to see some alternatives, unhelpfully, I can’t offer any suggestions right now.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/80 sec
- ISO
- 320
Take what you can get
This Ken Block wrapped Focus should technically be wearing Fifteen52 rather than these Bola wheels, but the 52s are discontinued and hard to find in this size and fitment so the Bolas are the next best thing.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/60 sec
- ISO
- 320
Sore Thumb
Sometimes the older models refuse to be grouped into the various classic sections or clubs and sit in angular, high profile rebellion.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/2000 sec
- ISO
- 100
Ferrari wheels
Or just centre caps? I’m no expert but I don’t recognise these as a factory fitment on any Ferrari model I know.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/1000 sec
- ISO
- 100
Comparison
The Ranger is considered a decent sized truck in the UK, dwarfing a Mk6 Fiesta. It’s almost tiny in the context of American pickups though. If this were a Ford show in the US the size difference of Fiesta to probably an F-150 would be even more extreme.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 55.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/1000 sec
- ISO
- 100
Spare wheel
Normally “spare wheel” means a wheel and tyre that you can fit by the side of the road. With this being literally a spare wheel It’s certainly of limited practicality, but it does look exceptionally nice.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/200 sec
- ISO
- 100
Roof Scoop Fraud
I can see why you’d not want to cut into your roof skin, it is quite a difficult job to reverse if you have a change of heart. I suspect it has to be open at the back to avoid being ripped off at speed.
I think it looks a bit odd and I’d forgo this mod if I wasn’t committed to fitting a real one.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/800 sec
- ISO
- 100
True scoop
Whereas this is the real deal. Quite the car it was on too, being no less than an original…
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/1250 sec
- ISO
- 100
Ken Block Fiesta
…ex Ken Block Gymkana spec Fiesta WRC, now living in the UK in private ownership.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/800 sec
- ISO
- 100
Wheel crimes, exhibit 1
I think a good rule of thumb for styling is that if it’s not inspired by a high end / supercar or race car then it’s probably not in good taste.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/250 sec
- ISO
- 100
Wheel crimes, exhibit 2
Having said that, even race car inspired mods can be a bit naff. The protrusion on these centre locks is a dead giveaway that they are just stylised wheel nut covers.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/250 sec
- ISO
- 100
Sierra tow truck
Imagine how awkward it would be to turn up at the show and find someone else with a retro styled, patina Sierra tow truck? It does seem unlikely though.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/640 sec
- ISO
- 100
![[un]official [HOONIGAN]](/gallery/2/adrianfrst/unofficial-hoonigan-1140x760-63009f3bc6b87.avif)
[un]official [HOONIGAN]
If I had a pound every time something claiming to be official actually wasn’t, then I’d have enough to buy an (un)official [HOONIGAN] t-shirt.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 50.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/60 sec
- ISO
- 100
Zakspeed Capri
The huge shade casting diffuser of a Group 5 Zakspeed Capri makes a great place to keep your liquids cool.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 45.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/160 sec
- ISO
- 100
Winging it
Contention for contentions sake? I’d be interested to know the ratio of people that actually like this compared to those that have less than complimentary opinions.
It’s not like say, the huge wing on the new 911 GT3 RS, which is divisive in looks but has sound aerodynamic justification.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 50.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/400 sec
- ISO
- 100
Boot track
I can’t recall seeing anything like this before. The cars weren’t moving but by the looks of that wiring, it all appears to be fully functional.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/125 sec
- ISO
- 100
A lot on your plate
A standard plate is 3mm thick, but with the frame and “3D” lettering this is getting on for an inch. I wouldn’t be surprised to see uprated boot gas struts to handle the added weight!
Over the years we’ve seen a string of attempts to make number plates look better, from “highline’ lettering to backgrounds, borders, frames and now raised letters. So far nothing’s really succeeded and most also fail on the basic requirement of being legal.
Rather than drawing attention to an unsightly but necessary item it’s probably better to leave them as plain as possible and concentrate on other areas. A five digit registration with corresponding short plates is as far as I’d go.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/200 sec
- ISO
- 100
Too much lip
With its Park Güell mosaic style wrap and awkward, jutting wings, planes and lips this Focus triggers flashbacks to the 90s era of fibreglass excess. The imbalance between wheel/tyre diameter and bodykit size doesn’t do it any favours either.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/1000 sec
- ISO
- 100
Lego
I could understand if this was a Lego Focus, or even just a Lego Ford, but I’m not sure what this Sián is for. Just because it’s green?
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/1000 sec
- ISO
- 100
Halloween in August
Don’t forget to remove the disembodied body parts before taking it in to your local Ford Service Centre.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/800 sec
- ISO
- 100
Galaxie
One sure fire way to make a BMW 7 Series look small is to park it next to something American from the 1960s.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 55.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/1250 sec
- ISO
- 100
80s style
This German Escort featured quad lamps, a wide arch Reiger kit and an airbrushed design on the bonnet. There can’t be many cars like this still around.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 63.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/1000 sec
- ISO
- 100
One way to stand out
In a sea of blue Focus RS Mk1s, a sure fire way to not blend in is to make yours pink. A quick close up look didn’t reveal any of the tell-tale signs of a wrap, so I’m pretty sure this was painted.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 59.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/1250 sec
- ISO
- 100
Great cars, bad Photoshop
Some sketchy perspective going on here.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 59.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/80 sec
- ISO
- 100
A meeting of scenes
Combining the custom HGV/Semi-truck staples of extra lights and airbrushing with more car inspired mods like wheels and bodywork additions.
Choosing the bonnet as the canvas makes a lot of sense, as the artwork can be retained with a simple unbolting swap of the panel should the van be sold.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/500 sec
- ISO
- 100
Two Lane
I hope James Taylor is The Driver.
Image Info
- Camera
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Focal Length
- 70.0 mm
- Aperture
- f/2.8
- Shutter Speed
- 1/400 sec
- ISO
- 100