Community & Business
27 August, 2022
Green light for new Ford tourist attraction
A DREAM to turn a passion into an official tourist attraction has come true for a father and son team who want to share their love for the Ford motor brand.
Mareeba Shire council last week gave the green light to the tourist facility at the Cobra Road farm owned by the Blundell family.
Paul and father Ron have amassed an extensive collection of Ford vehicles at their property near Mareeba but have wanted to take their “hobby” to the next level by opening it to tourists so they that can show off the vehicles to fellow Ford enthusiasts.
From the first Model T to the latest 2015 Falcon, Paul’s collection has grown over the past two decades and now the family is ready to show it off to the world.
The family have already hired several mechanics, panel beaters and car enthusiasts to help with the process of getting cars restored.
From remaking panels to tracking down the exact original parts overseas, the team is able to restore a car in less than six months.
Currently, they are restoring up to seven falcons at a time to their original form.
As well as focusing on cars, Ron has begun collecting tractors and other historic trinkets and memorabilia that are displayed across the shed walls.
It is understood that Ford Motoring has contacted the family to discuss branding the new tourist attraction.
Commenting on the project at the council meeting, Cr Mario Mlikota said the new museum would be a wonderful addition to the shire, while Cr Locky Bensted joked that Holden fans may not be welcome at the new Ford museum and may need a museum of their own.
