Imagination pulls strings for Ford

Imagination is designing a huge, Thunderbirds-themed ‘visitor experience’ for Ford’s stand at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live next month.

The 7400m2 stand, billed as the biggest that Ford has built for a European motor show, will feature a series of walk-through zones inspired by the upcoming film version of the classic 1960s’ television programme.

Its centrepiece will be a re- creation of Tracy Island, which will come complete with five tonnes of sand, an 860m2 ‘lake’ and the Tracy home, the base of the series’ Operation Rescue.

Mark Cameron, Ford of Britain sponsorship and events manager, says the stand is ‘about us helping to promote the Thunderbirds film’. Ford is a marketing partner in the production and has built a number of cars for the film, including Lady Penelope’s iconic pink limousine FAB 1.

Cameron says the aim is to ‘make Ford more likeable as a brand. We want people to come away with an understanding of Ford as being creative, contemporary and exciting.’

Imagination group account director Chris Marsh says, ‘The brief was to pick up on the look and feel of the film, which [has a retro look], but is… set in 2010.’