With another heatwave coinciding with another show Ford Fair this year was a warm one. As usual there will be galleries of specific models, but we’ll start off with a look at the more unusual stuff found at the show.

Clay pigeon shooting initially appeared to be a terrible idea given the proximity of expensive and enthusiast owned cars, but it turned out to be (rather obviously) laser clays. Without the satisfaction of exploding discs, loud bangs and shotgun kicks it still is a terrible idea but for other reasons.

I spotted this early in the day and thought how unique it was, then counted another half a dozen cars with the same.

These are genuine Lego bricks, of sorts, in that they are sold as storage boxes. Just the lid is used here.

For the past couple of Fairs, Auto Finesse have had this prime spot in the scrutineering area, going all out with this custom Airstream caravan.

This kind of mod was all the rage back in the 90s. These days manufacturers are pretty clued up, leaving space for additional cooling and so such surgery is rarely necessary.

It’s arguable that even those Fords that come with bonnet vents as standard only have them for aesthetics.

I believe this car used to belong to Shmee, which explains why some things may have been done for engagement and views, rather than because it works or looks good.

One fast pony emerging from the shadows. As you’d expect, its uncorked V8 sounded rather nice.

The whole Stormtrooper thing because the car is black and white is getting a bit old now perhaps? I’d like to see some alternatives, unhelpfully, I can’t offer any suggestions right now.

This Ken Block wrapped Focus should technically be wearing Fifteen52 rather than these Bola wheels, but the 52s are discontinued and hard to find in this size and fitment so the Bolas are the next best thing.

Sometimes the older models refuse to be grouped into the various classic sections or clubs and sit in angular, high profile rebellion.

Or just centre caps? I’m no expert but I don’t recognise these as a factory fitment on any Ferrari model I know.

The Ranger is considered a decent sized truck in the UK, dwarfing a Mk6 Fiesta. It’s almost tiny in the context of American pickups though. If this were a Ford show in the US the size difference of Fiesta to probably an F-150 would be even more extreme.

Normally “spare wheel” means a wheel and tyre that you can fit by the side of the road. With this being literally a spare wheel It’s certainly of limited practicality, but it does look exceptionally nice.

I can see why you’d not want to cut into your roof skin, it is quite a difficult job to reverse if you have a change of heart. I suspect it has to be open at the back to avoid being ripped off at speed.

I think it looks a bit odd and I’d forgo this mod if I wasn’t committed to fitting a real one.

Whereas this is the real deal. Quite the car it was on too, being no less than an original…

…ex Ken Block Gymkana spec Fiesta WRC, now living in the UK in private ownership.

I think a good rule of thumb for styling is that if it’s not inspired by a high end / supercar or race car then it’s probably not in good taste.

Having said that, even race car inspired mods can be a bit naff. The protrusion on these centre locks is a dead giveaway that they are just stylised wheel nut covers.

Imagine how awkward it would be to turn up at the show and find someone else with a retro styled, patina Sierra tow truck? It does seem unlikely though.

If I had a pound every time something claiming to be official actually wasn’t, then I’d have enough to buy an (un)official [HOONIGAN] t-shirt.

The huge shade casting diffuser of a Group 5 Zakspeed Capri makes a great place to keep your liquids cool.

Contention for contentions sake? I’d be interested to know the ratio of people that actually like this compared to those that have less than complimentary opinions.

It’s not like say, the huge wing on the new 911 GT3 RS, which is divisive in looks but has sound aerodynamic justification.

I can’t recall seeing anything like this before. The cars weren’t moving but by the looks of that wiring, it all appears to be fully functional.

A standard plate is 3mm thick, but with the frame and “3D” lettering this is getting on for an inch. I wouldn’t be surprised to see uprated boot gas struts to handle the added weight!

Over the years we’ve seen a string of attempts to make number plates look better, from “highline’ lettering to backgrounds, borders, frames and now raised letters. So far nothing’s really succeeded and most also fail on the basic requirement of being legal.

Rather than drawing attention to an unsightly but necessary item it’s probably better to leave them as plain as possible and concentrate on other areas. A five digit registration with corresponding short plates is as far as I’d go.

With its Park Güell mosaic style wrap and awkward, jutting wings, planes and lips this Focus triggers flashbacks to the 90s era of fibreglass excess. The imbalance between wheel/tyre diameter and bodykit size doesn’t do it any favours either.

I could understand if this was a Lego Focus, or even just a Lego Ford, but I’m not sure what this Sián is for. Just because it’s green?

Don’t forget to remove the disembodied body parts before taking it in to your local Ford Service Centre.

One sure fire way to make a BMW 7 Series look small is to park it next to something American from the 1960s. 

This German Escort featured quad lamps, a wide arch Reiger kit and an airbrushed design on the bonnet. There can’t be many cars like this still around.

In a sea of blue Focus RS Mk1s, a sure fire way to not blend in is to make yours pink. A quick close up look didn’t reveal any of the tell-tale signs of a wrap, so I’m pretty sure this was painted.

Some sketchy perspective going on here. 

Combining the custom HGV/Semi-truck staples of extra lights and airbrushing with more car inspired mods like wheels and bodywork additions.

Choosing the bonnet as the canvas makes a lot of sense, as the artwork can be retained with a simple unbolting swap of the panel should the van be sold.

I hope James Taylor is The Driver.