The Ford Motor Company was incorporated in Detroit, Michigan in June 1903.  Over the next one hundred years the company grew into one of the largest corporations in the world, identified by one of the most globally-recognisable logo, the Ford "blue oval".

In 2003, the Ford Motor Company celebrated its centenary.  Ford was the first motor company, under the same family ownership, to reach this milestone.  All over the world various celebrations were held, including in New Zealand.  What turned out to be the largest event to mark the Ford centenary here in New Zealand was held in Canterbury.  Based on a walkable display timeline of 100 Ford vehicles - one for each year of the century - plus displays by Ford clubs, by sponsor Avon City Ford, by vintage machinery enthusiasts to one of ephemera from the once prominent North Canterbury Ford dealership Palmer & Doak Ltd.

In addition to the timeline vehicles, another 350 Ford-branded vehicles treated the audience to a unique and visual delight!