For those of us in who consider Ford a word that is on the list very close to God, Family and Country the 2003 Detroit Auto Show was a super charged rocket ride back to better days. While it has been easy to laugh at Bill Ford on TV talking about throaty V-8’s and killer sound systems, it must be said that the man is proving himself as the prodigal son who is putting it all on the line to bring Ford back from the brink. This year’s show was a make or break for Ford, which needed to hit one out of the park with a collection of newly minted product and concept vehicles. I am here to say that the ball is now orbiting the earth somewhere over Dearborn.
The star of the show was of course the 2005 Mustang Concept. Two cars were built; a red convertible and a silver coupe. Both cars show that Ford is serious about Mustangs design heritage, taking cues from the ‘67-’70 models and designing a truly new version of them. While many people of different ages have different opinions of the car, I found that it had the masses truly mesmerized at the show. From speechless to uncontrollable babbling, people were affected at the sight of it. It was by far the one car that was nearly impossible to get close to at any time.
Also in time for the dance was the production version of the new GT (GT-40) sports car and the new F-150 trucks. Other ground breaking concepts included a new supercharged F-150 Lighting and an unbelievable full size four-door sedan modeled after the ‘65 Galaxies. Called the “427” the car was big and square, sporting a 427 cubic inch DOHC V-10 with 590 horsepower.
All this automotive soul candy was set in acres of digital video screen walls with choreographed lighting and music that performed a concert of Ford’s past, present and future. Much akin to the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, the display had an oval shaped wall and ceiling that wrapped you in moving light and imagery. It was Woodstock for the Ford enthusiast. To put it another way it was the power and spirit of a good old fashioned revival at full volume stirring the hearts of Ford followers - telling them without a doubt that there is life, that Ford is alive and well. If you have a love for the legendary Fords of the ‘60’s, you are in for the ride of your life in the next few years!
|
