The International Ford Show will have a bespoke Ford auction, with most models up for auction.

The famous blue oval will be seen everywhere in Barons’ Sandown Park saleroom on April 30th, as Barons stages a dedicated Ford auction as part of the International Ford Show.

Barons has a fine selection of entries that really showcase the diversity of the Ford offering over the decades, from charming little Anglias to potent, American-built muscle cars and from a 1949 Thames van to an F150 Supercharged pick-up originally owned by David Beckham.

Ford’s muscle car heritage will certainly make itself felt at Sandown Park. The iconic Mustang is represented by four examples, including a rare right-hand drive 1971 Convertible 302. This unique machine was built in Dearborn as a special order for the UK, as a New Year’s present for the MD of Ford. (£30,000-£34,000). The sale also includes a 1965, ex-ICS Series racing car which has run very successfully in the Aston Martin Owners Club Intermarque Challenge (£55,000-£70,000).

Other representatives of Ford’s production from the other side of ‘the pond’ include a mighty 1969 Talladega (£32,000-£35,000) a 1972 Gran Torino Sport (£9,000-£11,000) and a rare, RHD 1963 Galaxie 500 Convertible.  All chrome and sweeping lines, this is a fantastic cruising car (£8,000-£10,000).

Ford’s commercial vehicle and pick-up side is highlighted through a number of entries. The 2002 F150 Supercharged Harley Davidson edition pick-up is a relatively modern example, with the interesting provenance of having originally been owned by David Beckham (£10,000-£12,000).  The 1958 F1 SWB pick-up is highly original, almost ‘time-warp’ (£10,000-£12,000), while the 1958 Ranchero V8 pick-up is a spectacular example of 1950s fins and chrome styling (£11,000-£14,000). In contrast, the 1949 Thames Van E83W is a charismatic and very British little machine. It has just one owner on the V5C, and was recently discovered having been tucked away unused for 20 years (£12,000-£15,000).

Numerous variations on the Cortina theme are on offer at Barons, including two Crayford Convertible conversions (£18,000-£22,000 and £7,000-£9,000), a handsome 1977 Ghia Mk 4 (£3,500-£4,500), an exceptionally rare Cortina De Tomaso (£20,000-£25,000) and a superb 1963 Mk1 Consul Cortina (£7,000-£9,000).

Two stately Consul Farnham Estates will also go under the hammer at Sandown Park. The 1960 example was supplied new to South Africa. It is highly original and in splendid condition (£17,000-£20,000). The 1957 Hi Line example is one of only two known to survive worldwide. It has an extremely rare Raymond Mays cylinder head and Handa overdrive (£17,000-£20,000).

Fans of Fiestas and Escorts won’t be disappointed either, with several on offer, from XR3i Cabriolets and RS Turbos to a sporty Fiesta XR2.

Ford has been given the title as the UK's most Trusted brand after a recent survey by Future Thinking.

• Almost a third of respondents to an online poll voted Ford most trusted brand
• The blue oval was picked by 29 per cent as most trustworthy
• Researchers Future Thinking asked almost 2,750 Brits about all car brands in the wake of the emissions scandal

Ford is the most trusted automotive brand in the UK, according to a new survey. Research firm Future Thinking conducted the survey to gauge consumer trust in the industry following the recent VW emissions controversy.

Future Thinking questioned 2,735 respondents in the UK, asking which of the 29 top car brands they trusted most. Ford was chosen by 29 per cent of those surveyed, more than any other brand.

Only two other brands scored over 20 per cent.

Among those aged 55 and over, trust of Ford rose to 30 per cent – seven points ahead of the next favourite among the group of brands.

“Ford’s car sales success is reflected in the company being most trusted brand,” said Lisa Bedwell, Future Thinking‘s senior director. “Consumers have clearly re-evaluated their perceptions of car brands following the emissions crisis and are likely to increasingly turn to those brands that they believe offer real reassurance in this area.”  

Within days of September’s emission controversy breaking, Ford clarified that that its award-winning vehicles and engines met all applicable emissions standards.

Jim Farley, Ford of Europe chairman and chief executive officer, said:  “There is nothing more valuable to Ford than our reputation for operating ethically and legally.  It’s the bedrock of our company and one of the reasons why we have been in business successfully since 1903.”

Happy 50th birthday to the brilliant Transit range of Vans, nearly NINE Million and still going strong.

• The Ford Transit, the Blue Oval's legendary commercial vehicle, is today taking 50 years, during which it was sold 8 million copies. Over time it was joined by other family members Transit, in which even today has the Custom, the Connect and Courier
• The Transit sold in 50-year history, averaging one every 180 seconds, parked in a row would cover the distance of the entire circumference of the earth
• The total production of Transit, including all members of the family share this year will exceed 9 million.
• Transit 2 tons will be produced for the first time in the US and will be sold in 118 markets globally

The Ford Transit, the Blue Oval's legendary commercial vehicle, is today taking 50 years, during which it was sold 8 million copies. Over time it was joined by other family members Transit, in which even today has the Custom, the Connect and Courier.

The first Transit left the production line of the factory Ford of Langley, England, on August 9, 1965. The Transit sold in 50 years, on average one every 180 seconds, parked in a row would cover the distance of the entire circumference of the earth.

"The family of Transit commercial vehicles play an important role in the work and life of millions of Ford customers worldwide," said Barb Samardzich, chief operating officer of Ford Europe. "From the construction sector in the delivery, not to mention the special equipment such as ambulances, the Transit is the ideal solution for those who need a versatile and reliable way of working."

Launched in the same year in which the world was singing the tune of the Beatles' Help! and the Rolling Stones on those of (I Can not Get No) Satisfaction, Transit had immediately an extraordinary success and has accompanied, in those years, the modernization and growth of European economies. Over time, the Transit has evolved adding variants and special models, like the incredible number of Supervan with Cosworth V8 engine.

The popularity of the Transit has quickly fueled demand across Europe, and already in 1976 the production had exceeded one million, became the second in 1985, third in 1994, 4 in 2000, 5 in 2005, 6 in 2010 and 7 in 2013. The total production of Transit, including all members of the family share this year will exceed 9 million.

The Transit introduced in the commercial vehicle market innovative technologies and safety driving assistance derived from the world of cars, such as adaptive cruise control (Adaptive Cruise Control) and the monitoring of road markings and attention of the driver (Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert). In the past, the Transit has innovated the segment with technologies such as the sliding side doors, brakes with ABS as standard, halogen headlights and diesel engines with direct injection.

"The Transit family continues to innovate and help customers reduce their operating costs, to increase safety at work and to increase its ability to transport goods and equipment," added Samardzich.

The success of the Transit has sanctioned the extension, beyond Europe, to a global dimension and the launch of the brand in 118 markets. Ford now produces half of the Transit family in Nanchang, China, in collaboration with strategic partner Jiangling Motors Corp (JMC), and Kansas City, in the US, which in 2014 replaced the historic family-E Series.

"The Ford Transit has had a tradition of extraordinary and has faced an even brighter future," said Samardzich. "We are coming to celebrate an important milestone, the 50 years of the life of the Transit, from which we look forward to continue offer our customers the best transport solution for the operation of their work."

Translated from Spanish by Google - Apologies for any errors caused.