Ford of Britain 100th Anniversary – Photo Gallery

In the 1970s with wireless data transfer still a generation away, engineers had to rely on imagination and careful driving to record the data they needed. The use of 'tethering' permitted bulky recording equipment to follow in the vehicle behind without affecting the test vehicle.

Designed as a Group B rally car, the Ford RS200 was turbocharged, mid-engined, light, 4-wheel driven, and fast on any surface. As regulations demanded, 200 examples were built in the UK with production starting in 1986. Its rallying career was cut short when the FIA reacted to a number of serious accidents by banning aerodynamic devices on Group B cars and then calling a halt to the entire class from 1987. As a result the RS200 was transformed from stark rally car to a more luxurious road car specification, albeit one that was still cramped, noisy, high-revving and physically demanding to drive.

The Ford Model T proved the ultimate off-roader during this 1911 trek up Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak.

The year is 1970, and to celebrate the one millionth Ford Cortina produced for export, this model took to the skies over Ford's Dagenham site. Just two hours later this rare two-door 1600E Ford Cortina Mkll was with its new owner in Ostend, Belgium.

Formula One racing legend Graham Hill driving a replica of Henry Ford's first vehicle, the Quadricycle. The original Quadricyle was built by 32-year-old Henry Ford in 1896. Constructed of wood and metal it weighed only 500lbs, had a top speed of 20mph and no brakes. Circa 1963.