The F Word (Ford that is!)

[crapichris]

just returned from a local car show slightly miffed.

Now I am not saying my Capri is a wreck neither is the best around but it is mine and is on the road, was clean and polished, no rust, and looks reasonable. So why is it only 3 people came up and chatted about the car and their fond memories while all around me their were mgs, austins, and other assorted marques were being dribled over all day? Never use to be like this or is my memory getting worse?

I don't expect adoration or trophies galore but at the end of the day a touch of appreciation is occaisionally appreciated. I went to a couple of other shows recently and I am starting to wonder if Ford is a dirty word? Or is it the Capri that seems to be a sin?

Anyone else developing the same inferiority complex when they go to your general car shows?

[Vista]

No, not all. I think it just depends on your luck. i,e, are the general populous at the show of an age where they fondly remember the cars of their youth / cars they wanted as teens as being Austins and MG's or are they the next generation who remember the Fords of the 60's and 70's. Certainly at the general marque shows I go too locally there's plenty of interest in all makes.

[crapichris]

don't want to drag myself down to the same level as some of those at the show today with my own comments and react in the same manner as those I felt were at the show today.  BUT when one chap noticed a puff of smoke on start up at the end of the day (valve guides a bit worn) he commented " thought it was on fire for a second then - shame" - apart from making you want to walk over and show him the inside of an ambulance,  makes me think I am better off finding a new hobby.

[w p e]

theres anal pricks wherever you go so don't get disheartened by the anoraks do your own thing come to the summer show where all's welcome 

[SmokeEm]

Don't get down fella. I drive what is probably the least popular OSF, a MK2 Granada. Fook em, Fook em all. You as an individual dare to be different, that's enough in my eyes and in many others too. I personally couldn't give a hoot what people think...

[emu]

I've joined in when I've overheard people slating my car before now, had a good bitch and moan with them.

 

Then, mid conversation, opened the boot to get a drink or something out. They always dissappeared really quickly and quietly 

 

As Vista says, the cars that people view as classics tend to be the ones from their teens. We all sit here and say a mondeo will never be a classic car, but then I expect that was what most people thought about 2 door 1100 escorts back in 1975 too. Give it another 10 years though and classic car shows will be full of them.

 

My point is that many people don't see your capri, or my escort etc as classics because they remember them when they were nothing more than everyday, family cars that they saw loads of every day, on every street.

 

Don't get downhearted about it though, you could just as easily go to a show next weekend and have loads of people wanting to chat and take photos

[nosher 64]

Don't worry about other people's soppy comments, 9 times out ten they don't even own a classic !

I had some dude moaning about my cortina, because its a delux but done up as a GT...

When I asked him about his car he said he owned a very nice ford focus...

[crapichris]

thanks for the comments and encouragement. Your right to an extent however I don't criticise any cars so don't expect to be criticised myself - perhaps I am asking tooooo much?

Know a couple of guys with mk1 cavaliers - they were at the same show getting grief as well. probably for the same reasons you have explained earlier in this thread. While standing with them comparing notes they started the prizegiving and we all noticed that the bloke giving out the trophies knew all of the winners names

Perhaps I need to get to the right type of shows??

[sidpf1972]

I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion I personally think capris are sh1te some say escorts are crap sticks and stones

[norm1]

I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion I personally think capris are sh1te some say escorts are crap sticks and stones

thats helpfull

[Vista]

I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion I personally think capris are sh1te some say escorts are crap sticks and stones

 

 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but most have the good sense to either keep  it to themselves if it might offend others or at least voice it quietly so as the Owner of said car doesn't hear it. Personally I think much of what BL produced in the 70s was totally crap........................but would I voice that opinion next to a proud owner at a show stand (or worse, in public on a BL forum)? Absolutely not. You might call that two faced, personally I call it tact.

[norm1]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but most have the good sense to either keep  it to themselves if it might offend others or at least voice it quietly so as the Owner of said car doesn't hear it. Personally I think much of what BL produced in the 70s was totally crap........................but would I voice that opinion next to a proud owner at a show stand (or worse, in public on a BL forum)? Absolutely not. You might call that two faced, personally I call it tact.

well said mr vista ,

[sidpf1972]

I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion that's why we have forums.im sure owners of bl cars won't take it to heart .i was just saying I think capris are sh1 te that's my opinion .if people don't want there cars to be judged my advise them not to go to show them off at shows and stay at home if people's opinions are going to upset them??

[SmokeEm]

Strong opinions indeed. All are entitled to their opinion of course but those that think Capri's are shite = uneducated. IMHO

[sidpf1972]

That's the thing, it's my own opinion that I don't like capris it's your own that you do. No education really needed in my honest opinion

[Rally Pack 2000]

Strong opinions indeed. All are entitled to their opinion of course but those that think Capri's are shite = uneducated. IMHO

I didnt realise anyone thought bad of them over there? I always thought they were looked upon as the ultimate working mans coup. We only got Mk1s here i Australia and they are nice but I would love a Mk3 Capri. If they were available here I definitely would have one. (In Yellow!) Terrific looking cars!

[Vista]

I didnt realise anyone thought bad of them over there? I always thought they were looked upon as the ultimate working mans coup. We only got Mk1s here i Australia and they are nice but I would love a Mk3 Capri. If they were available here I definitely would have one. (In Yellow!) Terrific looking cars!

 

 

In the 70;s and early 80's they were indeed just as you say, helped by TV programs like the Professionals of course. But after that, Capris got a real wide boy stigma attached to them over here, so much so that TV sitcoms like Only Fools and Horses exploited the image a bit. Fortunately however, that era has passed and Capris are now widely, though not universally it seems, accepted as very cool cars. Even as an Escort owner, I think the mk1 capri is the coolest looking UK ford of the 70s and I wish I still owned mine.

[Rally Pack 2000]

In the 70;s and early 80's they were indeed just as you say, helped by TV programs like the Professionals of course. But after that, Capris got a real wide boy stigma attached to them over here, so much so that TV sitcoms like Only Fools and Horses exploited the image a bit. Fortunately however, that era has passed and Capris are now widely, though not universally it seems, accepted as very cool cars. Even as an Escort owner, I think the mk1 capri is the coolest looking UK ford of the 70s and I wish I still owned mine.

I have never seen that show "Only fools and Horses" but have seen it for sale in DVD I may have to have a look. The only show I remember an old Ford being derided was Onslos Mk3 Cortina but that always come across as an indictment of him rather than the cars in general being old bangers LOL. I remember Mum being a John Wayne fan watching a movie called "Branigan" and I would always shout out Nooooooo! When he crashed a brand new Mk2 Capri!

 

A guy on my street (now passed) had what was considered the best Mk1 3000 V6 Capri in the country wining every Capri category in whatever show he was in. It was a beautiful car for sure but I think I preferred the look of both my Mk1 and 2 Escorts. A Mk3 Capri however is the same for me as Mk1s are for you, definitely better looking than both my Escorts. When my Mk2 is giving me grief when working on it I have been known to say out loud "Your lucky there are no Mk3 Capris in this country or you would be out of 'ere!". (that being the polite non swearing version)

[monkeymoreton]

I thought this until a recent show when there was quite interest in my uncles capri I think they just like to see different things done. Thats why mine thats in quite a modern colour just blends in

[dacar]

I go to car shows to look at other cars, and I show mine as well. If someone speaks to me about my car when I'm at it then fine but I'd not expect it. I also don't go out my way to speak to other car owners much either as I would just rather look and admire than listen to nut and bolt stories. That said, I keep my opinions quiet until I know my audience and this is known as mature or being an old git! Lol the previous thread has been interesting reading!

[sidpf1972]

My problem is I speak the truth,if someone says do you like my car and I don't then I will tell them just like an adult should.i agree some people can get upset with neg comments about their cars maybe if that's the case they shouldn't show them off to an audience of other car owners who are entitled to their own honest opinion if asked or prompted .by the way it's not just Capris I don't like so it's nothing' personal

[crapichris]

never a better sentance spoke Dave. And that was (probably) my point