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Fabulous
Fords Forever Car Show
Written by Keith Fudge
On April 9, 2000, the beautiful surroundings
of Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Vista, California, served as the backdrop
for the Fifteenth Annual Fabulous Fords Forever Car Show. Our own Dennis
Gage was there as more than 2000 registered entries graced the grounds
of this scenic park for a one-day show of Fords, Fords, and did I mention,
Fords?
Event Chairman, Harold Allen spoke with Dennis
about the gathering, stating that this was the 45th anniversary of the
Thunderbird and that the show included a model from every year in addition
to a preview of Ford Motor Company’s new concept T-Bird. However, the
“T” in T-Bird wasn’t the only “T” to receive some attention at this show.
This year’s event marked the 91st anniversary of the Model T and there
were plenty on hand to demonstrate the staying power of this extraordinary
vehicle. Another “T” was on display as well—Trucks. Vintage F-Series Trucks,
Broncos, and even a customized Ford Excursion, configured as a Mobile
Operations For Urban Terrain Vehicle, turned the heads of enthusiasts
throughout the park. Without a doubt, at this show, everyone found his
or her own cup of “T.”
As could be expected, with all these incredible
Fords gathered in one place, it was tough to keep tabs on Dennis as he
found several remarkable vehicles. Ron Bramlett is the proud owner of
the “Monster Ronster,” a custom purple 1965 Mustang coupe that Ron rescued
from a salvage yard. The most intriguing feature about the “Ronster” is
that it possesses a retractable top. When Dennis talked to Ron, he discovered
that there was some Ford ingenuity behind the creation of this Pony car.
Ron stated that Ben Smith, a designer of the Ford retractables, had originally
built a 1966 retractable Mustang but the car never made it to production.
After Ben retired in 1990, he built his own retractable pony. Later in
1994, Ron and Ben met, and with some help and custom design, Ron created
his own special Mustang. Powered by a 1995, 5.0 built by Ford, the “Ronster”
is fitted with aluminum heads and a GT 40 intake manifold that really
puts the gallop in this pony. A wonderful mix of old and new, the “Ronster”
is a special Mustang indeed.
The next Ford to capture Dennis’s attention
was a stunning example of exquisite automotive engineering and design.
Sandra Simpkin is the owner of a meticulously restored 1956 Crown Victoria.
Restored by Sandra’s husband in approximately eighteen months, this car
was heavily optioned from the factory and included a continental kit,
Thunderbird engine, and a glass top. As Dennis inquired about the rarity
of the vehicle itself, Sandra stated that there are only a little more
than 600 of the glass top Crown Vics still in existence. The vibrant two-tone
yellow and white paint is also an eye-catcher and has been carefully restored
to a finish that makes this Crown Vic look as if it just rolled off the
showroom floor.
Last, but certainly not least, Dennis found
a “Buckin’ Bronco” that is at home either on the Boulevard or in the Canyon.
Michael Diprima holds the reins on his 1970 Ford Bronco that he has owned
for approximately nine months. A new paint job, and complete interior
restoration including seats, carpet, and top make this Bronco command
the attention of others in the herd, and with its balanced and blueprinted
302, when this Bronco starts to kick, everyone had better stand back and
watch. This Ford is an outstanding example of a functional SUV that is
also at home on the show circuit. Well done, Michael!
The 15th annual Fabulous Fords Forever Car Show
was certainly a popular event with something for everyone and a must for
any fan of the Big Blue. For more information on next year’s show, contact
…. And as always, please remember, “Honor the timeless Classics. Happy
Motoring!”
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