Knott’s Berry Farm Fabulous Fords Forever car show can easily be billed as one of the largest Ford events in the country with more than 1,900 vehicles in attendance this year and no wonder. For enthusiasts who call the great southwest home, Knott’s is the opening kickoff of a whole new car show season every year. And, you never know what you’re going to get weather wise. Sometimes hot – sometimes not. Knott’s is the benchmark to beat when it comes to big single day events because, if you’re a diehard Ford enthusiast, Knott’s is a mandatory must-attend every spring. If you’re nuts about Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury, Fabulous Fords is so well rounded you can expect to see just about every carline and model Ford has ever produced in its century history.

The greatest challenge, however, is seeing it all in one day.

Nuts About Knott’s

Ford tells StangTV it experienced record attendance numbers – in fact a sellout – with more than 1,900 cars and roughly 15,000 enthusiasts eager to see classic and late model Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Ford also comments 36 car clubs and 212 club members volunteered their time making 2012 one of the best Fabulous Fords events ever. There were 51 classes of Ford cars and trucks on display celebrating the company’s hugely rich history with extraordinary exhibits honoring the ’32 Ford’s 80th anniversary, 55th anniversary of the Edsel, 50th anniversary of Shelbys hot two-seat Cobra sports car, and Mercury’s 45th anniversary of the Cougar.

And Mustangs? More than 940 of them across 48 years of continuous production. Because we remember a time when classic 1965-73 Mustangs dominated car shows from coast to coast, Knott’s in 2012 was a stunning eye opener with the largest turnout of late model 1979-13 Mustangs we’ve ever seen west of the Mississippi. By far the greatest attendance was 2005-13 S197 Mustangs, which have caught on like no other Mustang has since 1964 when untold thousands attended those original Mustang Round-Ups hosted by the now defunct  National Council of Mustang Clubs. Running a close second to the S197s were 1979-04 Fox body Mustangs in all their many configurations including the limited production SVO and Saleens from a now bygone era.

Something new for Fabulous Fords this year was the attention getting live Ford engine build-ups by students of WyoTech and Saddleback College, which provided a lot of entertainment for thousands of passerbys. Talk about a great display of skill and raw speed? These are technicians of the future who will troubleshoot and service transportation of tomorrow.

As you might imagine, Ford had plenty of its own celebrity in store just to keep things interesting. Top Fuel Racer and Funny Man John Force needs no introduction with Ford buffs because he has been beating the pants off his competition for decades with hot top fuel Mustang funny cars. Being able to meet the John Force Racing team was a great honor for a lot of people because it doesn’t get any more likable than Mr. Force. There wasn’t anywhere you could walk at Fabulous Fords where John Force couldn’t be heard reflecting about his career in racing. John joined ranks with his daughters Ashley and Courtney along with his son-in-law and current points leader funny car driver Robert Hight for a nice intimate chat with the crowd. Force has never been a man who forgets his fans, grateful for such a strong following and for the support of thousands after his racing accident a while back.

You had to feel proud of John Force for his many contributions to not only Ford, but the sport of professional drag racing. “I’m so proud to be a part of the Ford story,” John told the crowd, “Its resiliency and innovative vehicle line-up as well as employees and fans, brought this company out of the recession.” Force overflowed with emotion adding, “I’m proud to be an American and affiliated with such a forward-thinking company. It’s great to be on a winning team.” And John, we’re glad you feel that way.

Henry Ford III – son of Edsel Ford II, grandson of Henry Ford II, and great-great grandson of Henry Ford, spent his day cruising the crowds and chatting with everyone including our good friend, Bob Fria, who authored the long awaited book “Mustang Genesis”. “This is truly an exciting event for Ford Motor Company,” Mr. Ford commented, “from our great line-up of innovative and eco-friendly vehicles to our growing fan base and continued support from loyal enthusiasts so evident here; Ford Motor Company is poised to continue to grow and become stronger.”

No Fabulous Fords event would be complete without Linda Vaughn, the first lady of racing who has been rubbing elbows with enthusiasts since the 1960s when she debuted as Miss Hurst. Of course Steve Saleen was on hand to sign autographs and chat with Mustang buffs. Stars of SPEED TV’s Car Warriors, Brad Fanshaw and Ray McClelland, hung out with enthusiasts and talked up Ford’s great history.

Shelby’s people were also on hand with quite the display of vintage and new Shelbys to get your adrenaline stirred up.

From 12 States and Canada…

Fabulous Fords Forever has never been strictly a local Southern California event. Enthusiasts roared into suburban Los Angeles’ Buena Park from all over the west including Canada for an opportunity to mix it up. “Today’s capacity turnout illustrates resoundingly that no other car company has the fan base, the continuing 109-year history and the passion Ford produces,” Frank Morales, Ford Car Club Council Chairman said. You could surely add Ford has risen from what could have been the ashes of adversity and has become stronger with a new direction that has it poised for great success. Ford’s investment in exciting new products also conveys that it listens to the customer and enthusiasts the world over. Its present at Fabulous Fords is continuing proof it intends to be here 100 years from now.