COLOGNE, Germany, Dec. 09, 2016 – Carlo Tedeschi’s children have traditional names: Cristina, Monica, Francesco, Massimo, Paolo, Valentina, Chiara… and Fiesta?
Rather than running out of Italian names, Carlo and his wife Gianfranca see their small white car, bought 38 years ago, as their eighth child. And when, two years ago, Carlo was diagnosed with cancer, his seven “other” children immediately decided to restore the much-loved family member to its former glory.
“The Fiesta has been a big part of our family. Myself, and my two younger sisters not only learned to drive in the Fiesta, but were brought home from hospital in this car by my father,” said youngest son Paolo, 34. “We knew it was his dream for the car to be like new again. It’s been there for weddings, holidays, it’s like another brother or sister. Everyone knows our car. We are the Fiesta family.”
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All of the Tedeschi children, whose ages range from 46 to 28, were taught to drive in the Fiesta, that Carlo bought new, from a dealership near their home in Sant’llario d’Enza, Reggio Emilia, in Italy. The only car he has ever bought new now has 245,000 kilometers on the clock, and was showing signs of wear and tear.
To qualify for classic car status, and a special golden plaque, cars must feature only original parts. The stumbling block was the frayed seat fabric, unavailable in Italy. However, news of their mission reached German Fiesta enthusiasts, who launched an appeal and saved the day. The Tedeschi family was also guests of honour as Ford revealed the next generation Fiesta in Cologne last week.
“She is a beautiful car again. I wish I could be restored so easily,” said Carlo.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
