The Henry Ford Acquires Ken Block's "Gymkhana Five" Ford Fiesta Part of New Driven to Win: Racing in America presented by General Motors
The Henry Ford is proud to announce that it has acquired the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST HFHV driven by Block in his most popular video - "KEN BLOCK'S GYMKHANA FIVE: ULTIMATE URBAN PLAYGROUND; SAN FRANCISCO" - to be a prominent part of its new Driven to Win: Racing in America, presented by General Motors exhibition that will open to the public on March 27.
DEARBORN, Mich., March 10, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Ken Block's famous Gymkhana series of YouTube videos are known globally for their amazing stunts and showmanship, with well over 550 million views. Today, The Henry Ford is proud to announce that it has acquired the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST HFHV driven by Block in his most popular video – "KEN BLOCK'S GYMKHANA FIVE: ULTIMATE URBAN PLAYGROUND; SAN FRANCISCO" - to be a prominent part of its new Driven to Win: Racing in America, presented by General Motors exhibition that will open to the public on March 27.
Gymkhana FIVE is the most viewed Gymkhana video of all-time, with more than 108 million views as of now. Block and his race car are seen flying through the streets of the iconic city, with its dramatic elevation changes and naturally curvy roadways. The video ends with Block doing stunts on a barge in the middle of San Francisco Bay.
"Ken Block has redefined the concept of motorsport for a new generation," said Matt Anderson, curator of transportation, The Henry Ford. "We've had one of Ken Block's cars on our 'wish list' for years. To get the one from Gymkhana FIVE, the most popular installment in the series, is a dream come true. This is a car – and a story – that can stand alongside any of the race cars in our collection."
"I'm super stoked to have my Gymkhana FIVE Fiesta on display next to an amazing collection of cars paying tribute the innovation and vision of American racers everywhere," said Block.
The Block race car will be featured in the part of the exhibition entitled "Showmanship." Block and his Fiesta will be featured alongside the legendary 1902 Ford "999" race car that was driven by auto racing's original showman – Barney Oldfield.
The 2012 Ford Fiesta ST HFHV driven by Block in the video was a custom M-Sport designed rally car, with homologated FIA-spec roll cage and bespoke underbody construction. It features a 350 hp Ford EcoBoost 2.0L engine; with Garrett turbocharger with 33mm restrictor; Cosworth Electronics engine management; and a bespoke M-Sport intercooler. It also has a 6-speed sequential gearbox, Recaro racing seats, Brembo 4-pot calipers with 300mm rotors and a Sadev Hydraulic handbrake system. It will do 0-60 mph in just 2.3 seconds.
For more information on Driven to Win, visit thehenryford.org or follow The Henry Ford's social channels @thehenryford for on-going updates.
About The Henry Ford
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally-recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thehenryford.org, its national television series, The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation and Invention Convention Worldwide, the growing affiliation of organizations fostering innovation, invention and entrepreneurship in K-12 students, The Henry Ford inspires individuals to unlock their potential and help shape a better future.
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Media Contact
Melissa Foster, The Henry Ford, 3139826126, [email protected]
SOURCE The Henry Ford
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