Ford celebrates 40 years of the iconic Fiesta with a Dagenham to Brighton cavalcade.

• Ford celebrates 40 years since the first Ford Fiesta rolled off the production line in Valencia, Spain
• Fiesta is the UK’s best-selling car of all time with sales of over four million
• In celebrating, Ford gathered 40 Fiestas from the last four decades for a Dagenham to Brighton cavalcade.
• The 40 Fiestas covered seven generations of Fiesta including the 1976 MkI, MkI-III XR2, MkII Popular and MkI Van

When Ford launched the Fiesta, 40 years ago in 1976; few could have predicted the phenomenal success story that was going to unfold over the coming decades.

In the 40 years from 1976-2016, Ford sold 4,339,149 Fiestas in the UK alone, with European Fiesta sales set to surpass 18 million before the end of this year. Over these four decades, more than one in every 20 cars sold in the UK was a Ford Fiesta!

In 2014, the Ford Fiesta became the UK’s best-selling car of all time, overtaking the Ford Escort. It is not only the best-selling car in the UK this year; it has been the UK’s most popular car every month for the last seven years.  

To celebrate this success, and the range of vehicles produced over the years, 40 of the nation’s favourite Fiestas travelled in convoy from the Ford Engine Plant in Dagenham to Brighton Race Course for the Kelsey Media organised, 2016 Ford Summer Festival – A celebration of all Ford models.

The Dagenham to Brighton drive was open to all Ford vehicles; each receiving a unique numbered plaque. Around 200 Fords took part with models ranging from Cortinas to Rangers, and to mark the occasion, numbers 1-40 were allocated to Fiestas from the past four decades.

The Ford Fiesta MkI began production in the all-new Valencia factory in 1976 and sales in the UK commenced in 1977. Production versions of the Ford Fiesta MkI took part in the Dagenham to Brighton drive on Saturday. Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, Andy Barratt, said, “The opportunity to have these wonderful heritage vehicles lined up next to our latest Fiestas, such as the ST200, is very rare and was fully appreciated by the Ford fans that made the 69-mile journey down to the festival.”

Also on display at Dagenham was a MkIV 1.4 Fiesta Ghia; the 10 millionth Ford vehicle produced at Dagenham as well as the MkVI World Rally Championship car. The Fiesta MkI owners club were also involved in the drive, bringing with thema variety of sport Fiesta models as well as a MkII Fiesta Popular and a MkI Fiesta Van. (Quote: Owners Club)

The chronological evolution of Fiesta was evident, from the early MkI to the latest MkVII, and the changes significant, both visually and technologically. External design changes have been accompanied by new technologies, safety features and increased levels of equipment, many of which are now standard on the latest Fiesta, including air-conditioning, electric windows, Easy Fuel, electrically-operated and heated door mirrors and power-assisted steering.  Today’s Fiesta, with a range of class-leading powertrains - including the multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine,  can be ordered with heated seats, cruise control and integrated navigation system which can even include a rear-view camera.

1975

• Engine production begins at Valencia
• Fiesta name chosen personally by Henry Ford II for its alliteration with Ford, its spirit and its celebration of Ford’s new connection with Spain

1976

• Production of new Fiesta begins in Valencia, Spain in May. Fiesta initially available in 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre Ghia versions

1977

• UK sales of the Fiesta begin
• Export of Fiesta models for the US market begins

1979

• Millionth Fiesta built for worldwide sales.

1981

• Ford introduces the new Fiesta XR2 with a 1.6-litre engine, stiffer suspension, unique perforated alloy wheels and styling treatments, including available auxiliary driving lamps. The first 100mph Fiesta

1982

• Fiesta is best-selling car in its class in Britain and Germany for six years running

1983

• Aerodynamic new Fiesta MkII introduced. This new model was longer and more fuel efficient, available in 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre
• 1.3-litre model launched with a fifth gear
• Fiesta 1.6-litre diesel introduced. This overhead-cam, indirect injection engine would become a mainstay of the Ford line-up for more than a decade

1984

• XR2 MkII version of new Fiesta introduced with 1.6-litre, single-overhead-cam engine and 5-speed gearbox, plus low-profile tyres, improved suspension and brakes

1987

• Best sales year in Britain with 153,000 Fiestas sold

1989

• Fiesta MkIII launched with anti-lock brakes and lean-burn engines, in 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre versions. New Fiesta featured a longer and wider body shape and an increased wheelbase. It was available for the first time as a five-door model,
• Fiesta is first small car with ABS
• Fiesta MkIII adds 1.4-litre – the first Ford engine to meet pending European emissions standards due to take effect in 1996 – and 1.6-litre engine options
• Fiesta XR2i joins the range later in the year with new 1.6-litre twin cam engine and 5-speed gearbox as the range’s hot hatch.

1990

• Introduction of Fiesta RS Turbo at Turin Motor Show. Using the XR2i engine with an intercooled Garrett turbocharger, the Fiesta RS Turbo was 1.6 seconds quicker than XR2i to 100km/h (62mph)

1992

• Fiesta RS 1800 introduced. Powered by a 16-valve 1.8-litre engine with improved hot hatch handling, plus five-spoke alloy wheels and a body-colour spoiler
• Introduction of 1.8-litre, 16-valve Zetec engine

1993

• Driver airbag becomes standard

1996

• Introduction of the new Fiesta MkIV with all-new rounded, aerodynamic shape and oval grille. Available with 1.25-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines, plus a 1.8-litre diesel. Dual airbags standard

2001

• All-new Fiesta MkV introduced at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show
• Production begins in Cologne and Valencia of the new Ford Fiesta

2002

• All-new Ford Fiesta MkV launched initially in the five-door version with a new line-up of engines, including the new Duratec 1.3-litre and the 1.6-litre 16-valve Duratec petrol engines
• Fiesta three-door model and the range’s 1.4-litre Duratec petrol engine and new 1.4-litre Duratorq TDCi common rail diesel engine
• Durashift EST automatic shifting manual transmission introduced

2005

• 2.0-litre 150PS Fiesta ST launched as the first production offering of Ford Team RS. It was the most powerful Fiesta ever at the time.

2006

• Fiesta launched with voice activation and Bluetooth

2008

• All-new Fiesta MkVI unveiled at Geneva Motor Show
• MkVI Fiesta goes into production in Cologne, Germany, Valencia, Spain and Nanjing, China, with new 1.6-litre Duratec Ti-VCT petrol and sub-100g/km 1.6-litre Duratec diesel engines

2010

• Fiesta’s 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi engine sees power increase to 95PS and three petrol engine options benefit from CO₂ emission reductions

2012

• Introduction of the Fiesta MkVII, the first Fiesta to come with the three cylinder 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Launched with Ford’s MyKey technology that would become a mainstay in many future Ford vehicles

2013

• Fiesta ST launched with a 1.6-litre EcoBoost turbo engine that produces 182PS - Awarded Top Gear Car of the Year

2014   

• Fiesta Red/Black editions unveiled with 140PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine. More power-per-litre than a Bugatti Veyron
• Powershift launched
• Fiesta becomes best-selling vehicle ever in the UK, surpassing the  4,105,961 registrations achieved by the Ford Escort

2015   

• Best year for Fiesta sales since 1996 – selling more than 133,000.

2016   

• Fiesta ST200 launched with a specially developed 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine that delivers 200PS  - fastest-ever production Fiesta  
• Fiesta becomes best-selling car in the UK every month for seven years in a row
• Fiesta ST wins more than 10 key awards since launch in 2013, including What Car? ‘Best Hot Hatch’ for three years in a row

Convoy of 40 Fiestas, many from Ford’s own collection, in the run from Dagenham to Brighton

• Convoy of 40 Fiestas, many from Ford’s own collection, in the run from Dagenham to Brighton
• Ford Summer Festival to take place at Brighton Racecourse, July 16, 2016
• Club stands, public bar and evening entertainment
• Chance to win a Ford Focus ST

The new Ford Fiesta ST200 will be one of the stars of a 40-car convoy celebrating four decades of the Blue Oval’s famous supermini.

The 40^th anniversary run is part of the Ford Summer Festival, a brand new event celebrating Britain’s most popular car marque, which is set to take place at Brighton Racecourse, East Sussex, on Saturday July 16, 2016.

Organised by the team behind Fast Ford, Classic Ford, Fast Car and Retro Cars magazines, the event will start with a themed run from Ford’s traditional UK home in Dagenham to the famous resort.

Heading up the convoy will be a special selection of 40 Ford Fiestas to mark the car’s milestone birthday, many of which are from Ford’s own collection or affiliated owners clubs. These include a variety of Mk 1s, including a Crayford ‘Fly’ Convertible, a Mk 1 Van and an XR2, a whole range of Fiesta Mk 2s from the humble Popular Plus to the range-topping XR2, the 10-millionth Fiesta off the Dagenham production line, a one-off road legal rally car, a customised Fiesta ST camera car built by Ford’s press and PR department and the eagerly-awaited ST200, which made its UK debut at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Event manager, Katherine Chappell, said: “What a great way for Ford to celebrate the Fiesta’s 40^th birthday, by launching the fastest and most entertaining Fiesta ever. It’s the perfect partner for our event, as it’s fun, lively and celebrates everything that is great about Britain’s most popular small car.”

As well as the run, the Ford Summer Festival will feature club and individual displays, a retail area and a live entertainment stage, with a selection of live music acts throughout the day and well into the evening, along with the chance to enter a competition to win a modified Ford Focus ST. Overnight camping will be available and is included within the ticket cost for all those taking part in the run, helping to keep the festival atmosphere going as the sun goes down.

The Festival is open from 11am to 11pm and entry tickets cost £10 in advance* (£15 on the day). For those wanting to take part in the run, entry costs £60 and includes a breakfast voucher, rally plaque, camping for two people and two free drinks.

The Ford Summer Festival is just one of a series of high profile Ford events organised by the Fast Car Entertainment team. Other events include Ford Fair, Ford Fest, The Classic Ford Show and The International Ford Show.

Ford will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its iconic Fiesta model at this year’s Goodwood Moving Motor Show

Ford will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of its iconic Fiesta model at this year’s Goodwood Moving Motor Show, part of the Press & Preview day on Thursday, June 23.

Central to the celebrations will be the introduction of the newly-upgraded Fiesta ST200, which will make its UK debut at the event and will be available for visitors to drive up the Goodwood hillclimb course.

The Fiesta ST is already regarded as one of the best hot hatches ever built, so the arrival of the turbocharged, 1.6-litre version will be one of the most hotly-anticipated unveils of this year’s Moving Motor Show.

The ST200 boasts 200PS (197bhp) and will accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, making it a compelling proposition for visitors who are lucky enough to pilot it up the 1.16-mile hillclimb.

As part of the same event, Ford will also show its new GT supercar. The main Festival of Speed weekend will also be graced by Ford’s GT race cars, fresh from the marque’s return to the Le Mans 24 Hours earlier in June.

The Ford Fiesta first went on sale in 1976 and quickly became known as the ‘first British supermini’. In the first three years of its production, Ford sold a million examples and it wasn’t until 1980 that the Fiesta faced serious competition in the form of the Austin Metro. Over the past 40 years Ford has sold a total of 4.33 million Fiestas in Britain.

Goodwood Festival of Speed founder, Lord March, said: “The Fiesta is an icon of British motoring and it is marvellous that Ford has chosen the Festival of Speed to celebrate the car’s 40^th anniversary and debut the new ST200.”

After 40 years, the Fiesta produces it's most powerful and fastest model ever, I introduce the ST200.

• New 200PS Fiesta ST200 version of the acclaimed Fiesta ST hot hatch delivers 10 per cent more power and 20 per cent more torque; sprints 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds
• As Fiesta celebrates 40 years in production, most powerful production model ever features optimised ST chassis with revised suspension and steering for improved driving dynamics
• Exclusive Fiesta ST200 specification includes unique Storm Grey exterior, machined matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing
• Pricing for the Fiesta ST200 has been announced and is now available to order

Ford Performance has taken the acclaimed Fiesta ST compact hot hatch and made it even hotter. The new Ford Fiesta ST200, which debuts this year as Ford celebrates the 40-year anniversary of Fiesta, is the most powerful production Fiesta ever. 

Compared with the acclaimed Fiesta ST, the new Fiesta ST200 produces 10 per cent more power and 20 per cent more torque with 200PS and 290Nm from a specially calibrated 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

The Ford Fiesta ST200 sprints 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and delivers faster in-gear acceleration for improved drivability and an even more fun-to-drive experience. To further optimise the driving experience, Fiesta ST200 also features enhanced suspension and steering, elevating its award-winning dynamic handling and ride quality.

Production of the new hot hatchback – equipped with exclusive specification including unique Storm Grey exterior, distinctive machined matt black alloy wheels and special interior detailing – begins in June with first deliveries to customers soon after.

“The Fiesta ST is truly beloved by owners and critics. The ST200 takes this special drivers’ car to a new level of power and performance,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “We think it’s a future classic in the making.”

Building on award-winning performance

The renowned driving experience of the multi-awarding winning Fiesta ST is further enhanced for the Fiesta ST200.

The model’s 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine uses a new calibration to deliver 200PS – twice the power offered by its Fiesta XR2 predecessor 20 years ago – and 290Nm of torque, with an additional 15PS and 30Nm of torque available for up to 20 seconds using transient overboost.

A 4.06 ratio final drive – shortened from 3.82 in the Fiesta ST – further enhances in-gear acceleration. Acceleration from 31-82mph takes 5.2 seconds in fourth gear. Top speed is 143mph.

The Fiesta ST200 utilises recently upgraded Fiesta ST suspension and Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) settings to improve ride quality and driving dynamics. A rear twist-beam with 27 per cent more roll-stiffness and a front anti-roll bar increased to 21mm from 19mm diameter support revised damper specifications for better impact absorption. Like the Fiesta ST, the ST200 sits 15mm closer to the road than standard Fiesta models.

“The Fiesta ST has been a hit with performance drivers because of its go-kart-like handling and powerful engine,” said Darren Palmer, small car vehicle line director, Ford of Europe. “The revised Fiesta ST200 chassis enhances composure and control, and improves passenger comfort as well.”

Power steering settings for the ST-specific 13.69:1 sharpened steering ratio with a shortened steering arm and modified steering knuckle are further revised for improved steering feel and feedback on centre.

Fiesta ST200 driving dynamics are supported by Enhanced Torque Vectoring Control (eTVC) and 3-mode Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The eTVC system applies brake force to the inside front wheel when cornering to improve road holding and reduce understeer without affecting speed. ESC offers full system intervention; wide-slip mode with limited intervention; and full ESC de-activation.

Optimised braking is delivered with 278mm front and 253mm rear disc brakes, and a larger tandem brake master cylinder than standard Fiesta models.

The Fiesta ST200 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine’s low weight also assists handling and features technologies including turbocharging, high-pressure direct fuel-injection and twin-independent variable cam timing for high power alongside 46.3mpg fuel efficiency and 140g/km CO₂ emissions.*

Exclusive design and specification

The ST200 offers bolder and more distinctive design, offered only with an exclusive Storm Grey exterior colour and with the distinctive 17in ST alloys wheels finished in matt black with polished rims.

Fiesta ST200 models also feature red painted callipers alongside the ST-specification large trapezoidal grille with honeycomb construction, dynamic front spoiler and side-skirts, body-colour rear diffuser element and large rear roof spoiler.

An enhanced interior specification includes unique partial leather Charcoal Recaro front seats that are further distinguished with contrasting silver stitching, as are the seatbelts. Illuminated scuff plates incorporate the ST200 logo. Carbon fibre dashboard inserts, alloy-metal pedals and gearshifter, and an ST-specification steering wheel also feature for the atmospheric interior that contrasts dark materials and headliner with silver effect detailing.

Sophisticated technologies include:

• Ford’s SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system with 5-inch display
• Headlights featuring LED day-time running lights for even greater road presence
• A sound symposer that channels the engine note to the cabin to ensure the distinctive engine roar is integral to the driving experience
• MyKey that allows owners to set maximum speed and audio volume limits, and ensure safety features are not disabled, when allowing use of their car

The Fiesta ST launched in 2013, delivering 182PS and 240Nm of torque from a 1.6‑litre EcoBoost engine and 0-62mph acceleration in 6.9 seconds – quickly establishing itself as the Europe’s leading compact performance hatchback and earning more than 20 awards around the world within its first year on sale. Ford has since sold more than 30,000 Fiesta STs in Europe.

The Fiesta ST200 is now available to order, priced at £22,745.