Matias Wilhelmsen had made the garden at his old family home available. The sheltered garden behind the house had more than enough space for all the cars, and formed a great setting around the meeting.
Ford 26M
It was Sunday in May, and the sun was shining in Åsgårdstrand. At the Circle K station, classic Fords were lined up ready for shared driving through the city. There was a nice collection of 17M, 20M and 26M. Several 26M, actually. Not many 26Ms were ever sold in Norway. I wonder if it is common to replace original V4s with 2600 V6s and build 26Ms?
"Norwegians buy up all the 26Ms in Europe", Matias said jokingly. My eyes fell on a dark blue, fully painted 26M Hardtop Coupé, bought in France. The yellow headlights revealed the continental origins. This was the top model in the M series.
"Mine is a former director's car", it came from another 26 M owner. Representative cars in the 70s were usually larger cars, Mercedes-Benz 280 S, Opel Admiral, Jaguar XJ6 or an American. I imagine that in its day the Ford 26M was chosen by directors who were more than moderately interested in cars, - because the price was as high as larger models.
Die Linie der Vernunft
The slogan appeared in the marketing of the Taunus 17M and 20M (P5) from 1964-67. Perhaps it is precisely the alignment that has made the cars attractive as vintage cars? Or the fact that they still offer a lot of driving pleasure?
As you know, driving pleasure cannot only be measured in horsepower. Take for example the green 17M (P7A) RS 2000 S Hardtop with white speed stripes. The kinship to American Ford is clear. The V6 in this car is turbocharged. Turbo was available as an option when the cars were new, but many retrofit. Not only does this car look fantastic - it's a true classic that also drives very well.
Ford M Club
The impressive thing about a club like the Ford M Club is how it has gathered knowledge and expertise - or rather, people with experience, knowledge and expertise on these cars. If you have an old car, it is of course inevitable that something breaks down. Maybe something trivial, like a window winder or door lock. Then I think for sure that someone in the club knows a similar problem, has the part, or knows how to get it, - or knows someone who can make it. Meetings like this are necessary to keep yourself and your fine car up to date.
Ford M Club
Ford M pictures
It wasn't just M-Forder visiting the garden. Three beautiful Cortinas, and two fat Granada IIs were also there. In addition, a couple of Lincolns and an Imapala SS came by, too. Good company.
All images can be viewed on a slightly larger scale by clicking on them. You may need to click a second time to make them even larger.
Ford M on the road
Here are some of the cars on their way through Åsgårdstrand.
