Whoever you were, and regardless of your age, race, sex or profession, it was hard — well nigh impossible — not to be bitten by the Ford bug. Gleaming Mustangs for the muscle car fans. Impeccable maintained Escorts and Capris for the Euro-Ford set. A rumbling, tire-squealing chopped-and-channelled red ’32 Ford V8 hot rod for the quarter-mile fanatics. And, of course, a never-ending line of shiny new Expeditions, Escapes, Explorer Sport Tracs, F-150s, Rangers, Lynxes (including several Tuason Racing Lynx race cars in their full racing liveries) and the new Everest utility vehicles, all preening and posing for their hundreds of admirers.
The occasion was Ford Day 2003 — a celebration of 100 years of what the Ford people call "Forever Real Drivers".
"Our 100th anniversary is truly a milestone for us and we would like to celebrate this momentous occasion with our customers, friends and employees. After all, not many companies make it this far. It’s an excellent opportunity from which to look back on what we’ve learned in the last 100 years, and to look ahead to how we’ll continue to build on our past successes," said Henry Co, President of Ford Group Philippines.
A kilometre-long motorcade showcasing the aforementioned Ford cars of several generations kicked off the activity. The route covered Fort Bonifacio to Ayala Ave., Makati Ave. and Pasay Rd. before turning back towards The Fort.
Other activities included the Search for the Oldest Ford vehicle contest, where Ford car enthusiasts showed off their vintage cars — all in top condition. The winner took home P100,000, a Ford Collector Series Pin set and a commemorative plaque from Ford.
There was also a Me & My Ford photo exhibit where people shared their memorable photos and stories with their Ford vehicles. Special Ford Centennial gifts were also given away to the participants, some of which were even below 13 years of age. These kids fired up their fertile imaginations by designing their own futuristic Ford vehicles in "The Next 100 Years of Ford" contest using clay and other art materials. The top three winners received special prizes from Ford.
All things considered it was a fitting end to a year that marked one of the most significant milestones not just in the history of Ford, but that of the automobile itself, on which Ford left such an enduring legacy over the course of a century.