Legendary Celebration
Ford’s iconic nameplates take center stage at this year’s SEMA show in Vegas
By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
With two of Ford’s most storied nameplates debuting fresh designs this year, it’s no surprise that Ford is planning a major celebration for its marquee vehicles at this year’s biggest aftermarket extravaganza, the SEMA Show. Yes, this year, Ford’s theme for the Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show is Legendary Celebration.
“If you love Mustangs and F-Series trucks, this is your year to attend SEMA,†Ford’s North America Corporate Events Manager, Kevin Keling told us. He oversees Ford’s efforts at the show, so he would know.
Naturally team SVTP will be there covering the show in all of its glory, and one of the highlights will undoubtedly be a display of 50 Mustangs—one from each model year—displayed in the shape of the number 50. This will take place the Monday before the show opens, and the cars will later actively participate in Ford’s Celebration of Mustang by driving in a parade directly following Ford’s traditional Tuesday press conference at the show.
Ford recently reached out to Mustang fans looking for one of each model year for this display, and the deadline for entry is tonight at midnight. They have received entries for most of the model years, but they are currently short a 1974, 1975, and 1980 (You hear that Mike Clay?), so if you have one of these and you want to be involved in this historic display, you’ll want to email a photo smaller than 2 megabytes to [email protected] ASAP. Car owners participating in this display will receive a pass to the industry-only show.
In addition to the pageantry of the 50 years display, the aftermarket will definitely sharpen its focus on the all-new 2015 Mustang. Ford is supporting a dozen S550 builds with SEMA members, and they will all be on display throughout the show wearing the parts we will all want to add to ours.
Of course there will be more than static displays. Ford will once again bring its hyperactive Ford Out Front track events to the show. Truly right out in front of the show, this track will host exhibitions from a who’s who of professional Ford drivers, including Greg Biffle, Ken Block, Chris Buescher, Brian Deegan, Vaughn Gittin Jr., Bryce Menzies, Justin Pawlak and Jack Roush Jr.
Better yet, show attendees will have an opportunity to ride shotgun in 2015 Mustangs, Ford Raptors, and Superformance Cobras driven by Ford Racing High Performance Driving School instructors (and possibly some of the aforementioned pros!).
While the 2015 Mustang will garner a lot of the limelight, Ford will also support a dozen 2015 F-150 builds by SEMA members that will also be on display throughout the show. There will also be a strong presence of EcoBoost Fords at the show, including the new 2015 Focus ST, which recently debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom.
After learning about Ford’s SEMA plans, you can’t help but be pumped up about this year’s show.
