History Lessons at the 2016 Fabulous Fords Forever
Way back in 1984 (isn't it weird saying "way back in '84"?), Ford Motor Company retiree, Johnna Pepper was given the task to help launch an event that would celebrate the then 20-year anniversary of the Mustang. As the appointed Ford car club coordinator, he came up with and executed Mustang Jamboree.
With backing from Ford, this first event pulled in over 500 Mustangs and other Ford-powered vehicles from all over Southern California, taking place at the LA Equestrian Center at Griffith Park. The next year saw more participants, and in 1986, they had to move over to Knott's Berry Farm to accommodate for more space and has remained there ever since. Along with the move, Mustang Jamboree was renamed to Fabulous Fords Forever.
Today, over 1,800 participants and roughly 57 different types of Ford models gather in the parking lot of Knott’s Berry Farm, and throughout the years we've seen new model and style introductions as well. FFF brings out the classics, rarities and modern delights. One such rare gem was a '59 Edsel Villager; less than 12,000 of these were produced from '58 to '60.
The Model T was the vehicle that revolutionized the process car manufacturers built their cars. In production from 1908 to 1927, the Model T is still a perfect platform today for hot rodders with its wide rear tires and low ground clearance.
In 1927, the Model A was created and provided curvier features, such as the grill, fenders and roof visor.
In the 1950s, the Ford Thunderbird was created for the sole purpose of competing against the Chevrolet Corvette. Later in production, Ford positioned the Thunderbird as a personal luxury car.
Falcons are one of my favorites and was produced from 1960 to 1970. When the market shifted from larger cars to smaller, the Falcon was Ford’s compact vehicle.
Also in the '60s, Ford created what is the most iconic vehicle for the Ford brand: the Mustang. Introduced in 1964 as a 1964 ½ model, the Mustang badge still reigns supreme today. The Mustang is currently going on to its sixth generation with continued refinements.
It wouldn’t be a show without the Pinto!
Ford doesn't only have passenger cars and sports cars; they also had SUV trucks, like the Ford Bronco. Before O.J.’s made his infamous dash around Southern California, it was considered more compact, yet very stylish for its time.
Moving forward to modern day. The Focus is a sport compact vehicle with a variety of personalities, such as the rally Focus.
We loved the modern flare on these Fords at the Nitto Tire booth.
As you can see, there are a lot of different Fords to see at Fabulous Fords Forever, and you can see more in the photo gallery below.
