Only best's good enough for Ford fan

Ask Eric Steiner why he prefers Fords to Holdens and he'll reply simply, ``you might as well have the best'.
Just as well-polished as the Galatea farming contractor's response was the 1970 Ford GTXW he lined up at Blake Park yesterday for the 10th anniversary of the All Ford Day, organised by the Ford Muscle Car Club.
The striking black and red classic stood out and Mr Steiner said it was the fastest four-door production car produced. He bought it at the All Ford Day in Mount Maunganui six years ago, but yesterday remained cagey about its worth.
At the suggestion of $100,000, he said: ``You wouldn't get the wheels for that. This is the real McCoy thing.'
The car's value, 39 years after it was made, was due to its legendary performances at Bathurst in 1970 and 1971, Mr Steiner said. That, and the fact it is a good-looking car.
When not on the road, the car is on show at the Galatea Beer Can Museum, with three other classic Fords in Mr Steiner's collection. The museum is packed with more than 12,000 beer cans, which his 34-year-old son, Barry, began collecting as a 12-year- old.
Collecting must be in the genes, because also on show at the museum is Mr Steiner's brother's collection of 20 vintage tractors.
Yesterday, though, the focus was on the Ford, and Mr Steiner had no shortage of admirers wanting to discuss its most intricate details. By the end of the day, there was a even a possibility Mr Steiner's classic collection could have grown, with the Ford fan eyeing a light blue Mustang with a ``for sale' poster stuck to the back window.
Tauranga-based Ford Muscle Car Club treasurer Barry Gordon said Saturday's rain put a lot of car owners off the All Ford Day, with about 165 cars on display compared to the usual 260. However, he was pleased with the selection of vehicles, and said the number of spectators was higher than last year.
The Best of the Best prize went to a 1930 Ford Victoria which was also the oldest Ford at the show.