Europe trip with unexpected Ford element.

[NeillNZ]

Just got back from a 4 week holiday in Europe with gf. We visited London, Cambridge, Paris, Luxembourg, Cologne and Brussels.

Spotted a red BA Falcon ute in South End on Sea(Essex). Did not expect to see one of those over there! Maybe the owner is on this forum?

The Ford connection was that my gf's friend's husband works for Ford in Germany. They are each given a new car every 6 months. They currently have a C-MAX and a S-MAX. It was interesting checking out the two cars. They both have a serious amount of features, in particular the driver assist technology:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVWrBAxFMOU

They are both truly European vehicles. From what I could tell the quality appears to be excellent and just could not get over the quality and quantity of features on a vehicle that is not at the high end of the market.

He is currently working on the new B-MAX. Which has no B pillar! I understand this is a first on a production car. Without going into too much detail it was interesting hearing about the teething problems associated with using the new high-strength steel. There is a introduction to the car here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEPtKuhYx9o

The impression I came away with is that Ford in Europe is at the top of their game.

[351capri]

hired a c- max in italy in 2007 and was very impressed then, i can only imagine how much they have advanced since then. always wondered why these vehicles are not offered in australia, same i supose with american models, also why aussie models not offered overseas. i figure as one ford you should be able to purchase any model that ford produce. i notice how many new brands have been introduced or returned to our market. surely ford is losing sales by not organising rhd versions and importing? if the other brands can........

[Road_Warrior]

Sure it couldn't have been an AU ute? They were exported there in limited numbers in the AU days.

[NeillNZ]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Sure it couldn't have been an AU ute? They were exported there in limited numbers in the AU days.

I'm not an expert at telling apart all the models but I do know AU from BA. It had the BA(much nicer looking) twin lamp style headlights/front, that much I remember.

When I saw it I felt like going over the the owner to say "hey, I know what vehicle that is you have there!", what a dork!

[happy1]

I remember the Sierra P100 'ute' sold in UK and also elsewhere in Europe.
Originally they had some ugly wheels from Transit, and I never thought they would look cool, but apparently these are popular for modifications in UK. See some photos here

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...FORM=Z7FD#x0y0

Cheers

[SSVPom]

P100's came from Ford of South Africa, and were sold in the UK up until 1992 I think. There would only be a handful left on the road in the UK now, as they did not have as much anti rust protection as the regular German built Sierras (of which most would also have rusted away !!)

[OzJavelin]

There are a few BA+ utes in the UK .. including XR8s. I get "Classic Mechanics Motorcycles" magazine (UK Published) and one of the regular advertiser of bikes also has some cars in there .. I've seen a BA and BF XR8 for sale in there ..

[RASER]

The guy who is involved with the manufacture of the genuine AC Cobra [forgot his name, anybody, anybody?] was all set to import dedicated LPG Falcon Utes into UK, but i think that all went AWOL at the start of the GFC[NOT Geelong Footbal Club!], maybe it was a test/comply vehicle?

Ford of Australia use to officially sell the LTD in the UK as a factory export in the 70/80's, even the AUS Consulate owned one!

Falcon with that 2.2/4 Diesel fitted could well sell in UK.....

[Riksta]

Originally Posted by RASER

The guy who is involved with the manufacture of the genuine AC Cobra [forgot his name, anybody, anybody?] was all set to import dedicated LPG Falcon Utes into UK, but i think that all went AWOL at the start of the GFC[NOT Geelong Footbal Club!], maybe it was a test/comply vehicle?

Hahahaha nice one!!!

[Mechan1k]

There's a few dedicated EGAS utes over there .... mainly AU ... under Verde Tempest badge though.

MidnightXR6 has an XR6T ute over in Scotland ... and there's a coulle of AU XRs over there as well.

[RASER]

Here is few of the local suspects having a drag down The Queen's [not the group] driveway...

[Mad_Pom]

[quote=NeillNZ]
He is currently working on the new B-MAX. Which has no B pillar! I understand this is a first on a production car. Without going into too much detail it was interesting hearing about the teething problems associated with using the new high-strength steel. There is a introduction to the car here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEPtKuhYx9o
quote]

Vehicles which I know of, currently on sale with no B pillar
- Mazda RX-8
- Ranger / Mazda Super Cab

[Jastel]

I'd often see a Monaro over in London parked outside the Australian themed Walkabout Pub. Guessed it belonged to the owners of the pub.

They do stand out amongst all the small cars over there.

[happy1]

Did you see any Vauxhall VXR8's when you were over there?
Not sure how many they have sold in UK, but they got 8 of 10 points in review by Top Gear.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/vauxhall/v...ts-first-drive

[Jastel]

LOL the Baaaarthurst episode!

No but this was a few years ago as well

Have seen a few Pontiac G8's in the states as well, again they stand out, maybe because it is not what we expect to see?? I dont know.
A bit like a Ferrari here you automatically look I suppose.

[RASER]

Originally Posted by Jastel

.
A bit like a Ferrari here you automatically look I suppose.

Not for a Mondial or a 348 [Sorry PAPS!]

[XC GXL]

They sold XA XB and XC sedans, wagons and GT's/GXL's over here in the '70's.
Here is the sales brochure for 1977 showing the XC GXL and the XC Fairmont wagon.
Check out the prices though .

Wayne

[flooded one]

I never new ford took falcons over to the uk!!