PRETORIA, South Africa – Ford went down in history on Saturday, exceeding the former Guinness world record for largest Ford parade by four times.

A total of 586 Ford owners from across the country completed the 3.2-kilometre lap at Phakisa Freeway in the Free State – greatly surpassing the expected number of participants.

“It was a fantastic day, the turnout was phenomenal and we’ve been overwhelmed by the loyalty and enthusiasm of all the die-hard Ford fans who joined us,” said Ford Marketing Manager, Ben Pillay, who organised the event in celebration of the Blue Oval's illustrious history in South Africa.

A spectacular array of Ford models lined the circuit for the record-breaking lap, ranging from new Ford Fiestas to Ford Granadas. Leading the group was a Model-T Ford – a fitting role for the first Ford production model in South Africa.

Other Ford exotica included the country’s only Focus RS and iconic Ford GT from Lazarus Motor Company.

“The variety was fantastic and really showed the depth of Ford’s history in South Africa,” continued Pillay. “It was a nostalgic day and an event that won’t soon be forgotten.”

The previous record for largest Ford parade was set on February 15, 2004 at Deakin University in Victoria, Australia. A total of 165 Ford vehicles took part in the parade, which was organised by the Kiwanis Club of Geelong.

Cars line up on the Phakisa Freeway track.	A sea of Ford vehicles prepare for the parade.
Old meets new, as an array of Ford vehicles circle the track.	A colourful display of vehicles joined the event.