(April 25, 2012) BUENA PARK, Calif. — The 27th annual Fabulous Fords Forever! celebration was held at Knott's Berry Farm this past Sunday with exhibits of 1,900 classic and modern vehicles. An estimated 15,000 Ford owners and fans gathered to check out their favorite cars, meet with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the Ford Motor Company "Drive One" experience.

This annual event, the largest of its kind, is presented by the Ford Car Club Council, Western Region that is comprised of 36 Ford-related car clubs in Southern California. They work year-round to organize the many details, and 212 club members volunteered their time to staff the event.

In addition to 51 classes of cars and trucks on display, the event celebrated the company's rich history with special exhibits honoring the 80th anniversary of the '32 Ford V-8, the 55th anniversary of the Edsel, the 50th anniversary of the Shelby Cobra and the 45th anniversary of the Mercury Cougar. And, 940 Ford Mustangs were on display to celebrate the 48th birthday of the legendary "pony car" that created a new market segment in April, 1964.

A first this year was the addition of live Ford engine build-ups performed by students of WyoTech and Saddleback College. These demonstrations were a constant attraction as onlookers admired the speed and skill of the students. Both schools distributed literature and reported strong interest from prospective applicants.

Among the many industry celebrities who turned out for the event, the John Force Racing team was a highlight for attendees, as indicated by the line of fans wrapping throughout the vehicles, waiting for autographs. Racing legend John Force, his daughters Ashley and Courtney, and current points-leading Funny Car driver and John's son-in-law, Robert Hight greeted hundreds of supporters and conducted media interviews throughout the day.

As John Force noted, "I'm so proud to be part of the Ford story. Their resiliency and innovative vehicle line-up, and their employees and fans, they brought the company out of the recession. I'm proud to be an American and affiliated with such a forward-thinking company. It's great to be on a winning team."

In addition to the John Force Racing team, legendary race queen Linda Vaughn, performance Mustang manufacturer Steve Saleen, and the stars of SPEED TV's 'Car Warriors,' Brad Fanshaw and Ray McClelland were on hand to greet fans and celebrate Ford Motor Company.

Exhibitors flocked to Southern California from 12 states as well as Canada to display their vehicles. As Ford Car Club Council chairman, Frank Morales explained, "Today's capacity turnout illustrates resoundingly that no other car company has the fan base, the continuing 109-year history and the passion that Ford produces. It's great to hear the spectators and owners share stories about how Ford is part of their lives."

Henry Ford III, great-great-grandson of Ford Motor Company's founder Henry Ford, joined in the day, walking among the rows of cars and greeting well-wishers.