Ford Zephyr Ready To Roll

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 28 August 2007

Ford New Zealand's 1963 Mark III Zephyr is the early favourite in the 2007 Variety Mini Bash, which starts in Auckland next month on September 14.

The Mini Bash is a weekend take on the annual fundraising Variety Bash which will start from Parnell District School in Auckland and will travel through the Waikato to Taupo and surrounding districts from Friday 14 September to Sunday 16 September.

Over the three days of the rally, the Mini Bash will visit schools, numerous give-aways will be handed out to thousands of kids and grants worth tens of thousands of dollars will be presented to recipient schools, individuals and organizations.

"2007 is the 17th year of the Bash and Ford has been involved with Variety since its inception in New Zealand in 1989. This year we were fortunate enough to be recognized for our involvement with Variety with a Variety International Corporate Award," said Ford New Zealand Public Affairs Manager – and Zephyr 'Rat Pack' Bash Captain – Clare Ponton.

With up to 30 pre-1976 vehicles entered in the 2007 Mini Bash, the annual event will be a demonstration of Ford vehicles, old and new. The Rat Pack's Zephyr will be joined by other older Ford Bash vehicles and all of the Variety Bash officials will be driving Fords for the duration of the Mini Bash.

A number of celebrities also participate in the Bash, and the Ford 'Rat Pack' team is lucky enough to have one of New Zealand's best loved comedians as part of their crew again.

"Our team is particularly spoilt this year, as we have internationally renowned comedian Ewen 'Westie' Gilmour returning as a member of the Rat Pack for the duration of the Mini Bash," said Ms. Ponton.

"Ewen is obviously a very funny character, but he also has a heart of gold and epitomizes what the Bash is about. He's the first to jump out of the Zephyr to start rattling the bucket and raising money for this cause – he's an example to us all."

To help Ewen and the Ford Rat Pack team raise funds for disadvantaged Kiwi kids, make a donation at http://www.varietynz.org.nz/FordRatPack/

ENDS

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