“The last Cortina ever made, can you imagine?” Colin, a seasoned mechanic at the Ford Heritage Centre, winked. This unassuming brick building, tucked away in the vast Dagenham plant, is a treasure trove of Ford history. It’s not just a collection of shiny cars – it’s a living, breathing workshop. Around 120 iconic vehicles, from a 1931 Model AA truck to a rare Escort Mk I Mexico RS, are lovingly maintained here, most even roadworthy. The air hums with the scent of oil and engine grease. It’s a symphony of tools clinking, engines purring, and stories whispered. You might overhear tales of Hannu Mikkola’s victory in the 1970 London to Mexico rally, with our very own Escort Mexico RS taking centre stage. The Ford Heritage Centre isn’t open to the public. But imagine getting a glimpse behind the curtain, feeling the weight of history in your hands as you touch the worn steering wheel of a Ford Anglia or trace the lines of a classic Cortina. This is where Ford’s legacy is kept alive, each vehicle a testament to innovation and automotive passion. It’s a reminder that the road ahead is paved with the echoes of journeys past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to