Ford Fair 2011

For those that attended the Ford Fair this weekend (Sunday 7th August 2011) will know what an exciting day it was to have thousands upon thousands of Ford enthusiasts in one place at one time. I think it is fair to say that we were in our element on Sunday. Hosted at the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire, the event was our very first ever exhibition and it will certainly not be our last. For those that couldn't make it to the Ford Fair here is what you missed:

• All day track action on the brand new F1 grand prix circuit.
• Over 3,500 cars on display from Europe's finest Ford clubs.
• Top retailers in the Retail Area such as Maxxis, Adrian Flux, Mountune, STP, Meguiars and many more.
• Crazy stunt driving from Paul Swift in the Ford Live Action Arena.
• The very best standard and performance Ford's in the Concours competition.
• The Power & Style Awards in association with Yokohama. 
• The Blue Oval Saloon series battling it out on the F1 circuit.
• The Mountune GT passenger ride competition where the lucky winner was driven around the Grand Prix Circuit by Alex Mortimer in a GT.
• 0-60 Car Sprint test.
• A chance to ogle at Europe's fastest Fords on the Fast Ford stand.
• Classic Ford's.
• Any and every Ford part you could possibly need or want in the Ford Fair AutoJumble and retail area.
• South Hants Model Auto Club had every minature Ford possible to view in the Pit garages.
• Old school Ford's driving sideways in the Drifting demo on track.
• Many visitors had the option of taking their car for a spin on the track with e-parts.co.uk Track Time and getting a photograph to keep.

Here are some of the photos we took on the day:

We were also exhibiting and were located in Gate B12 trade area H5. If you managed to get yourself one of our free promotional bags we hope that you enjoyed them, they were all gone within 2 hours! So we think they went down very well with you all! we will remember to bring more with us next time! We were offering free next day delivery on all items ordered with us on the day so we are glad most of you took advantage of this! Hope to see you all again there next year for round 2!

 Let us know what you enjoyed about the Ford Fair below.

Crazy Cars

We've had a look at MSN's list of crazy cars from around the world and picked out the 20 best ones from their list of 75. These are the ones we have selected for their uniqueness, creativity and inspiring/crazy images.

This car was built in 1966 and is supposed to give a brick effect, why? because that was what all the cool kids in the 60's were doing back then didn't you know?...

Two vehicles welded together on opposite ends... because that's a practical idea.

Car constructor Edd China literally takes work home with him - in his office car, named "The Hot Desk". In 2003, he actually drove it 900 miles from London to Cannes for charity.

Who needs good old-fashioned 4x4 wheels when you've got these bad boys to carry you through deep snow? This is a Subaru Impreza STI rally car with caterpillar tracks. Thumbs up from us!

Only in America would a limousine and a all-wheel-drive pick-up be a combination worth thinking about, which is exactly what Paul Emery from Massachusetts thought to do. This particular combination was based on a 1981 Cadillac DeVille Limousine. Why not drive in style?!

It's like a lounge in a car! How awesome is that! This is one of Jay Ohrberg's creations.

This three-seater three-wheeler was built in 1954 by Egon Bruetsch, he obviously needed room for more than two people on his travels! He certainly looks very happy in this picture! The lightweight plastic that the car was made from is actually starting to come into use for today's cars.

This Hairy Car was photographed in Stuttgart, Germany. Unfortunately the hairy car look didn't catch on, I imagine it must be quite expensive to shampoo not to mention how long that would take to blow dry... 

Forget caravans, imagine being stuck behind this!!! a 17th century thatched cottage!!!

Another creation from Jay Ohrberg.

I imagine this is quite hard to drive...and see.

Perry Watkins designed this car - dining table...we're not quite sure why, but it certainly gives a lasting impression. Pictured in August 2010, Perry would later attempt the record for the world's fastest furniture at Santa Pod raceway in Northamptonshire. The 'Stig' pictured here is actually a dummy and neither Perry or the original Stig from BBC's Top Gear.

This car was created and designed by William Burge of Houston, Texas. The machine was built from a 1968 Volkswagen beetle and is all different kinds of crazy, just look at those gargoyles! Not sure we'd be too happy driving with that on our tail on a cold dark night! The vehicle is aptly named "Phantoms" and could have been inspired by the gargoyle-spotted façade of a Gothic cathedral.

Crazy creation by Jay Ohrberg again...

Why have we never thought about doing this before? A shoe.. that drives! Genius. Actually, I think crazy is probably the better word in this instance. This car was created in China and is an electrically powered one-off that when pushing pedal to the metal can do up to 30 kilometres an hour and travel 400 kilometres on a single charge.

And to top off this list we have another creation from Jay Ohrberg which was been created for The King himself, Elvis. Shame he would never get to witness this beaut created just for him. I'm sure he'd be impressed! 

For the whole list of Crazy Cars featured by MSN, you can view them all here.

July's Photo Competition Winner - MondeoSTOC.com

Mondeo Spares Ltd are club sponsors of Mondeo ST Owners Club forum and have been helping to choose winners for the photo competition that the forum runs on a monthly basis.

In July, the competition was to send in a photograph of your Mondeo with the theme 'Car Parks' in mind.

Thanks to everyone who entered this month!

We'd like to congratulate Gareth Kidman (Burbojack) who won this months competition. 

Here is the winning photo:

The picture was taken in the pay and display carpark under the Magdalen Street flyover, Norwich.

Some details about Gareth's Mondeo:

Ford Mondeo ST220 (03 Reg);

Miltex Exhaust;

Dreamscience Remap.

Good with a camera???

Don't forget to enter next month's competition for August. 

Go to www.mondeostoc.com to find out what the theme is for this month and you could win yourself some free Mondeo Spares goodies!!!

5 Used Cars to Avoid And The Alternatives

MoneyWatch have recently looked at car owner surveys and put together a list of vehicles that have the poorest reliability records based on five categories. The year 2008 was chosen  for three reasons:

1. This particular year means that most vehicles will have had already gone through the depreciation period, so you will not have to worry too much about losing money. (New cars lose value every year).

2. The year 2008 ranked in the latest dependability study from J.D. Power and Associates.

3. The cost of used car prices have risen so significantly over this past year and used cars can make worse financial sense than new.

Small Car 

From the 'Small Car' category, the first car selected is the Volkswagen Beetle.

2008 Volkswagen Beetle

According to MoneyWatch, although the Beetle's cute and all-around appeal is enticing to some, it doesn't save it from being on the least reliable list. Owners of the 2008 model told Consumer Reports that they had trouble with the climate control system and power equipment - both are very costly and expensive to repair. 

Alternative : Hyundai Elantra

2008 Hyundai Elantra 

The Hyundai Elantra got the maximum of five circles in the J.D Power reliability ratings and is ranked an above-average used car by Consumer Reports, where survey respondents reported no major problems. Hyundai not only make top quality cars but they are also offering consumers a 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Medium Car

For "The medium car" category, the car selected is the Volkswagen Passat, picture below;

2008 Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen despite being praised by reviewers when new, the passat gets the minimum J.D two circles and a below-average rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there report problems with the fuel, power equipment and electrical and climate systems.

Alternative: Ford Fusion

2008 Ford Fusion

Ford's first real contender in years against mid-size leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Fusion won the reliability award in this year's J.D. Power Survey. Consumer Reports gives it a top Much Above Average used car rating. Readers there reported no major problems with their 2008 Ford Fusions.

Mid-size SUV

For "The Mid-Size SUV" category, GMC Acadia has been chosen pictured below:

2008 GMC Acadia 

Though its quality has improved in recent models, the 2008 Acadia is a repeat loser in this category. With the minimum two circles in the J.D Power survey, it gets a worse than average used car ranking from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems with the suspension and audio system.

Alternative: Toyota 4 Runner

Toyota 4 Runner

This 2008 Toyota won the J.D Power reliability award and is rated much better than average as a used car in the Consumer Reports ratings, where readers reported no serious problems. Reviewers praises its capability both on the highway and off-road.

Mid-size SUV

For "Large SUV" Category - Ford Expedition has been chosen, picture below:

Even if you need large-capacity hauling and can ignore the lame mileage number (the Expedition is rated at 12 mpg in city driving) look elsewhere. The Ford SUV line, which strangely all start with the letter 'E', has received the minimum two circles from J.D Power and a worse-than-average Consumer Reports rating, where readers report problems with the transmission and the audio system.

Alternative: Toyota Sequoia

2008 Toyota Sequoia

In a category with no clear winner, the Toyota entry again looks like the best bet. It gets four out of five circles in the J.D Power rating and an above-average rating from Consumer Reports. Reviewers praise its roomy seating and comfortable ride for long trips.

Minivan

For "minivan" Category - Chrysler Town & Country

2008 Chrysler Town & Country

Chrysler originated the minivan and in most years has sold more than other companies. But sometime around 2008, manufacturing quality began to lag.

This Chrysler van got the minimum two circles from J.D. Power and a much-worse-than-average used-car rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems with the suspension, brakes, climate system and power equipment. 

Alternative: Toyota Sienna

2008 Toyota Sienna

As it did last year, the Sienna wins the reliability award for minivans from J.D. Power, and it gets a better-than-average rating from Consumer Reports. Reviewers praise its comfort and seating; it holds up to eight people. 

     Despite Toyota’s recent recall problems and lagging sales this year, its dominance of numerous categories in three-year-old used cars is a reminder of what a strong record of reliability it has achieved. Domestic companies certainly should not count out Toyota as a strong competitor.

Going Abroad This Summer? Be Prepared UK Drivers!

The AA has put together a list of things you should have organised before you go abroad with your vehicle. We know you will find this useful and will also help to make your summer holiday as stress-free as possible!

Be Prepared!

Traffic & Speeding regulations:

Are you aware of the road and traffic regulations of the country you are visiting? Some countries use the KM speed limit rather than the MPH that we are so used to in this country, don't get caught speeding due to unawareness! 

Example of Speed signs abroad:
(This is in Km's not Mph!)

If you do get caught speeding, in many countries the penalties can be both tough and instant. If you are actually stopped for a motoring offence by police you are likely to be required to pay an on-the-spot fine and most police will accept credit or debit cards. If you don't pay, your car could be impounded. If you have been flashed by an enforcement camera, the fine will follow you home and you will be forced to pay via a UK court. Take note that also some motorways as well as urban highways measure average speed between cameras. Speed limits can vary depending on weather too, for instance in France the speed is reduced when it is raining. Knowing this kind of information before you travel can be invaluable and can also save you a lot of money and bother.

Traffic signs and signals:

Most traffic signs and signals for different countries are very similar - or at least you can normally take a guess at what it means. However, there are some that can be quite confusing or unclear what they are asking of you, to avoid any accidents, arguments with the wife or mental breakdowns, we recommend familiarising yourself with these signs before commencing your journey.

Don't drink and drive: 

Most European countries have a lower limit to what is acceptable in the UK for drinking and driving regulations. It really isn't worth the risk, our advice is to avoid all alcohol if driving.

Driving License:  

Although a fairly obvious one, make sure to bring your driving license with you on holiday including the paper counterpart that is included.

Towing a Caravan?:

If you are taking a caravan with you on your holiday your caravan's insurance will need to extend to the countries you are visiting. Most do, but it is always better to check before-hand. 

Breakdown Cover:

Make sure you bring your European Breakdown Cover documents with you, if you don't have these before you start your journey, you might be left high and dry if anything happens to your vehicle - it could cost you over the earth to get your vehicle fixed and back up and running without these documents.

Vehicle Registration Document:  

Take your vehicle registration document with you so that you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle in your possession.

Health Insurance: 

It is always better to go to Europe with your health in mind, including the thought that if anything goes wrong, you are covered. The health insurance card used to be called the E111 card, however this has recently changed to the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Please note, that EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance and it does not necessarily mean that treatment will be free. More info on the EHIC card can be found here.

Travel Insurance:

You will certainly need travel insurance if you do not have it already. If your home insurance covers your personal property outside the home anywhere in the world: you won't need baggage cover on your travel insurance - ask for this to be excluded and for the premium to be reduced accordingly. The AA offers travel insurance which can be found here.

Passport and tickets please!:

Don't forget your passport and ticket before travelling. It is amazing how many people get to the ferry/Eurotunnel and find they have left them behind.

EU Driving Kits:  

Depending on the country you are visiting, will depend on what car equipment you need to take with you. Some countries require you to have high-vis jackets, warning triangles, first aid kits and wheel jacks. Most countries will require you to purchase a set of headlight beam convertors and a magnetic GB plate - this is a legal requirement. 

You can double check any items that you may have missed as a requirement by purchasing a very useful European Driver's Handbook which will contain all of the information that you need to know and any documents it recommends for you to take. You can also pick up Atlas' and road maps to help you get to where you need to go (or buy a European Sat Nav!).  

Ford Galaxy Chosen for Sussex Police

Sussex Police Department have ordered three extensively modified versions of the latest Ford Galaxy for their Forensic Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Unit due to extreme demands placed on its crash investigation vehicles. The conversions were carried out by Ford's Special Vehicle Preparations (SVP) team.

Sussex Police Department are combining high performance and stability with fuel savings - by switching to diesel. The vehicles can attend a scene for up to eight hours with engines constantly running to power various systems, so fuel efficiency is an important consideration.

Working closely with Sussex Police technical engineer Neil Neve, SVP installed a bespoke racking and storage system, police livery and public-warning equipment.

"Visually the new vehicles have a greater presence on the road, which is a plus in terms of public awareness but also for the safety of the officers using them," said senior collision investigator Sergeant Colin O'Neill. "They are well-appointed and everyone is very pleased with them in terms of stability and performance.

The vehicles will be used for five years, covering more than 125,000 miles. The 163PS Ford Galaxy Titanium is powered by a 2.0 Duratorq TDCi engine with six-speed manual transmission and returns 49.6mpg combined, accelerates from 0-60mph in 9.5sec and has CO2 emissions of 152g/km.

Source: Fleetnews