Quick stop: Bolands Ford Meet New Ross
I try to make it to this meet every year as it brings the most interesting cars out of the woodwork. This has been an annual event at Ford Bolands in New Ross Co Wexford and it always reminds me of the vibrant car scene which we aren’t exposed to as much due to most of our friends being in such a “JDM” specific bubble. Before the love for Japanese cars, I loved Fords and whatever was local around us so I’m always happy to see what’s on display at non-Japanese car events.
Straight away we were greeted to some proper build Sierras, a stunning Mustang and a whole host of iconic Fords. These are from last summer, the weather was superb, it was the middle of July and we were experiencing a heat wave. I’m not sure we will see a summer like that for a long time.
For such a low population, Ireland has such a strong diverse car culture. From all ages and all varieties, you are bound to find something or some scene here for all sorts of car manufacturers. Besides the undeniable love for Toyotas, Ireland has an incredible love for anything classic Ford. These were the cars that ruled the roads back in the day and it’s easy to understand why. This MK1 Mexico as a good example, imagine lusting over this beauty back in the day!
Ah, the Escort Cosworth, a poster car for every young car enthusiast growing up in the ’90s.
I think my favourite car at the show was this Crayford built Lotus Cortina MK2, everything from the silver and black paint job to the steelies with the hub caps. I’m not 100% up on the story of this car, its something I plan to dig into.
The car appeared to have been either freshly restored or like new. Id love to have the 86 up to this standard, even if it’s just once.
Apparently, the car has just under 13 miles on it! The combination of wood and black leather is superb, they don’t make them like they used to.
The engine bay was even cooler, I’m looking forward to knowing more about this car in the coming months.
I kept coming back for another look, by far one of the coolest Fords I have ever seen. It looked like a more refined coupe version of many of the American cars of a similar time. The black steelies with the polished caps against that silver, what a combination.
Cosworth porn, The event was ending pretty quick so I cruised around and tried to snap as many interesting things as I could.
My Cousin Jamie Kents stunning Cosworth in WRC attire, this car can never get old, there’s a full feature of this on Speedhunters if you ever want to go digging.
I really miss the old retro stickers and striping that was offered back in the 80s. Cars are less square these days with way too many body lines, it probably wouldn’t work.
This R200 was just a replica, but regardless it was a solid reminder of the best era of rallying. The R200 escort is just another one of those cars from the golden era which will always leave my mouth on the floor.
The is one of the nuttiest Fords ever built, it has such a presence, what a crazy back end.
Inside things are actually quite tame, you could mistake this for any cockpit. Kit car or not it’s nice that someone brought a car like this to remind us of a more lunatic time in motorsport. This replica is probably the closest I’ll ever get to the real thing.
By the time I had arrived, it was late in the day and most of the cars were already starting to leave so I moved quick. This was supposed to be a weekend without cars but that never happens, I stumbled upon this meet on the way back from a weekend with the GF! This event is actually coming up again very soon as these photos are nearly a year old! I’ll have to make the journey down again and see what shows up.
Till next time
– Neil