Ford’s sprawling factory in Dagenham was once home to the Anglia, Cortina, Sierra and Fiesta, among other household names. Today, production at the east London site is limited to engines, and much of it stands derelict. Yet there’s a nondescript warehouse, off-limits to the public, where the cars are still very much the stars. Here, you’ll find Ford’s heritage collection.
More than 100 cars, representing 114 years of Ford history, are packed inside the building, which used to house the assembly line for AA trucks. It’s a hugely eclectic mix, covering everything from Model T (the original Ford) to Focus RS. Watch our video for a virtual tour.
There are so many special cars hidden away in Dagenham that picking highlights isn’t easy. How about one of four RS200s, the two Transit Supervans, the mighty Sierra RS Cosworth or the RAC Rally-winning Mk2 Escort RS1800?
However, this collection doesn’t only cover the exotic and expensive. There are also Granadas, a Mondeo and several Fiesta XR2s. Even the unloved Mk5 Escort gets a spot. So many of us have memories involving these cars, they have become part of our collective conscious. Let’s be thankful Ford is preserving them.
No mention of the Ford Capri ? 2Ltre and !.6Ltre versions.