Ford Fair returned to Silverstone in 2024 for another epic instalment of Blue Oval greatness. This year’s show may well have been the biggest and best yet, here are the highlights from the day.
We knew that this year’s Ford Fair Silverstone event would be epic. With tickets selling out way before the deadline, it was guaranteed to be a knockout show. What we didn’t know was just how epic the mix of cars on display would be. It doesn’t matter if you’re into show builds, budget builds, track cars, retro or OEM+, there was something for everyone. From the incredible Mustang display showcasing muscle car greatness from across the decades, to lesser-spotted Sierra Cosworths, Escort van drifters and even the very latest S650 ‘Stang GT4 car from Motorsport Academy.
If you’re a Ford fan and you somehow missed the event (how?!), we’ll go over some of the main Ford Fair Silverstone 2024 highlights below!
Laird Performance at Ford Fair Silverstone 2024
We’re proud to have Laird Performance as our headline sponsor for this year’s Ford Fair and the Scottish outfit did not disappoint. Not only did the team bring along a number of their shop cars, but the team worked around the clock to complete a special Focus ST Mk4 project build. Unveiled live at the show (check out the live stream above), the crowd applauded as the covers came off. Just take a quick look at it, fully stripped, running BTCC-spec slick tyres, and enough weight saving to make this dedicated track car a menace on circuit.
Away from the cars, the team were on hand offering advice on Ford tuning as well as even remapping cars on the day. No, we’re not joking, these guys were even mapping cars at the hotel the night before the show… Legends!
Fast Ford and Classic Ford stand
It isn’t Ford Fair without a unique showcase from our sister brands Fast Ford and Classic Ford. These lot brought out all the stops this year to bring us an eclectic mix of some of the UK’s best modified Ford builds. From a stanced Escort RS Turbo, to an F20C-swapped Mk2 Escort, bagged Mk3 Focus RS, Lamborghini-doored Focus ST & 400bhp +/tonne Anglia! If that’s not a proper mix of unique Ford builds then I don’t know what is.
Drift Kings
Now, I know what you’re thinking, they aren’t Fords? Well, not all of them anyway. Truth be told, there aren’t that many Ford drift cars out there, besides that wicked Escort van you’ll have no doubt seen, as well as a Mk2 Escort and Sierra estate. But that wasn’t going to stop us from putting on the hugely popular feature we have at our other shows. The Drift King competitors once again took to Silverstone and produced an epic display, showcasing what UK drifting is all about.
A new addition to the lineup saw our good friend James from Auto Finesse showcase what his LTO E36 is all about. And yes, we’ve filmed a feature video with James which will be live on the Fast Car channel soon. We also saw Jake Crouch wowing the crowds with some ludicrous angles in his freshly rebuilt S15.
Track time at Ford Fair Silverstone 2024
Personally, this is my favourite feature of any of our Silverstone shows. The opportunity to drive the legendary circuit without the need of having a dedicated track car (sessions are 20 mins each) gives show goers the perfect opportunity to drive their cars how they’d actually like to drive them on the road. It gives you the chance to test your cars performance to the limit, but in a safe environment.
With track sessions sold out all day, there was plenty for show goers to ogle over. One that took my interest was a black boosted Mk3 Fiesta that was making all the right noises. Despite being one of the hottest days of the year, that didn’t deter drivers from putting on a show.
Trade Village
Our trade village found itself a new home this year away from the pits, but thanks to our incredible partners, it was bigger and better than ever. Whether you needed a new splitter, a remap, tuning advice, detailing kit, tools, whatever, there was something for everyone.
Car Club Displays & Club Awards
Every year, Ford Fair is populated with the UK’s top enthusiast clubs. It quite simply wouldn’t be the same without you! You guys and girls make the show with your brilliant modified Fords. So, to show some love back, our team of judges handed out a selection of awards to the best of the bunch. Here are the winners:
- Best Large Club Stand: Mk6 Takeover
- Best Small Club Stand: E6FOC
- Best Presented Club Stand: Team Tic Tak
- Most Varied Car Selection: Ford Club GB
- Furthest Distance Award: Charlotte Holm. “Tangarine Scream”. Travelled all the way from Drammen, Norway, a total of 1172 miles!
- Club Spirit Award: Simply Mustangs
- Heritage Award: Nick Heer (Ford Escort Mk1)
Club Hero: Adam Jenkins, Oval Owners Club
‘Adam has been a pivotal figure in the Club since its inception back in 2017. As of late, he has carried the club through some tumultuous times with lots of changes in the admin team as well as a complete rebrand. Nothing is too much trouble for him and he goes above and beyond to help all group members in all aspects of the club weather personal or professional. Even when he isn’t at car shows or car meets. He’s always at the end of the phone. He works tirelessly to plays a big part of the club.’
Mustang 60th anniversary celebration
2024 marks 60 years since Ford’s famous pony car first made an appearance at the World’s Fair in 1964. Since then it’s become an icon, synonymous with fast Fords all over the world. To celebrate the anniversary, a dedicated Mustang display from the Simply Mustangs club wowed the crowds with a mixture of old, new, modified and stock, all celebrating the brilliant V8 engine. We had over 100 Mustangs in one place just to celebrate its 60th birthday. Ford Fair has a dedicated Mustang display from the Simply Mustangs club. Prepare to be blown away by the sight – and epic thunderous V8 soundtrack! – of a display of over 100 Mustangs all in the same place!
Forming part of the Mustang display area was Academy Motorsport, Nemesis UK, and Ford Fair’s lubricant partner, Liqui Moly. It was here that some of the best Mustangs of the entire show were, including a track-spec S550 as well as the very latest S650 Mustang GT4 race cars! And if that wasn’t enough, current British GT4 Champion, Erik Evans, was on hand to sign autographs and chat to fans about his racing and the incredible Mustang race car!
Ford Fair Street Elite Sponsored by Auto Finesse
The hand-selected few battled it out for the opportunity to be crowned the winner of the Street Elite competition live at the show. On the day, our judges – along with the experts at Auto Finesse – picked their top three cars of the display, with the winner taking home the trophy and bragging rights. Here are the winners:
- Winner: Andrew Kendrick & his Escort Cosworth
- Runner-Up #1: Dean Mills & his Mustang S550
- Runner-Up #2: Ricky Powell & his Mk1 Escort Mexico
Drift Taxis
New for 2024 was a hotly anticipated show feature. While we love to have our professional drifters on hand offering demonstrations around the famous circuit, we wanted a feature that allowed you to get up close and personal with these cars, and to experience them for yourselves. As a result, show goers had the opportunity to purchase passenger rides in a number of different purpose built drift cars to experience what it’s like going sideways around a Gymkhana style layout.
Loved Ford Fair? Then you’re in luck. We’re hosting out next Ford extravaganza in just over a month’s time, FordFest! Be sure to check out the event preview page here for information on what to expect at the show. And visit the event website here to book tickets.
