Ford New Zealand is heading to Whangamata this week for the annual Beach Hop that sees celebrates classic cars from the 1950s and ‘60s. 

Ford NZ is a sponsor of the event that runs from 24 to 28 March at Williamson Park. The Ford team will be driving Mustangs in the cruises to Waihi, Thames and  Onemana’s Thundercruise as well as taking part in the weekend’s Grand Parade.  

The Ford team includes special guest judge, racing car driver Paul Radisich, and they will be awarding 20 special Fords with special commemorative medals, a limited-edition Ford Beach Hop T-shirt and be front of the Grand Parade on Saturday with the other top Fords.  

“We look forward to Beach Hop every year,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director, Ford  New Zealand. 

“It’s one of our favourite events to sponsor; the crowd, the cars and the overall atmosphere is uniquely energetic and fun. We enjoy getting out and catching up with some of the  biggest Blue Oval fans and every year there are more and more classic Fords in stunningly  impressive condition that exemplify their owner’s pride and passion.”  

The Ford team will have another special guest along for Beach Hop, the Auckland Rescue  Helicopter Trust’s (ARHT) Shelby Mustang GT-H. It will be raffled off as a fundraiser for the organisation.

For the past 21 years, Beach Hop has taken place in Whangamata and has grown into New  Zealand’s largest Rock and Roll and nostalgia festival. The tiny seaside town of around 10,000 residents swells to more than 110,000 Beach  Hoppers driving 1000s of classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles and dressing in classic 50s attire.  

The event features live music, a vintage market, and daily events held at each site location.  Entries for the Beach Hop judged car events are limited to just 1000 cars and sell out the day  they are made available.