Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame has a soft spot for The Blue Oval. Makes sense, considering his long history with the automaker – some notable moments with Ford models include his review of the 2005 Ford Mustang and the 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 just a few years later. But his passion goes beyond the small screen, and he even has a few legendary Ford coupes enjoying life as part of his personal collection at his “secret barn.”
Drivetribe was able to get a behind-the-scenes look at Hammond’s fleet of rare and sentimental vehicles. One is a 1979 Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2 that was the inaugural model built by Hammond and his team as part of The Smallest Cog initiative. The process was documented in Hammond’s Disney+ documentary series, kicking off Smallest Cog’s mission of restoring classic models.
That particular Ford Escort was first purchased in the UK before being shipped to the Isle of Man and eventually landing as part of a collection in Ireland. It’s finished in Midnight Blue paint, and sports an interior by Aldridge Trimmers, along with a new suspension and front and rear brakes. Interestingly, it was for sale in 2021 – although either it didn’t find a buyer or Hammond decided he wasn’t ready to part with it quite yet.
The second is a Ford Mustang that’s “the jewel in Richard’s crown.” Hammond is particularly attached to the classic pony, and would likely hang onto that one if he was forced to sell every other vehicle in his collection. It’s also a fan favorite – even though the host of the show says it “really doesn’t do it for him.”
Check out both of Hammond’s Ford coupes in the video below, featured at around the 5:12 mark.
Other standout vehicles in Hammond’s collection include a Morgan from the 1930s, and more modern enthusiasts might be partial to his Subaru WRX or his Mitsubishi Evo, or the quirky Chevy SSR.
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