For 100 years, Towne Ford has been more than a place to buy and service vehicles—it has been a cornerstone of the Redwood City community. Since opening its doors in 1926, Towne Ford has helped generations of drivers find dependable transportation while building lasting relationships based on honesty, respect, and exceptional customer service. As the dealership celebrates its centennial, it also celebrates the families, employees, and customers who have made this incredible milestone possible. A Legacy That Began with the Model T Towne Ford's story began in 1926 when Pete and Jerry Towne founded the dealership to sell and service what many still consider the "Car of the Century"—the legendary Ford Model T. At a time when automobiles were transforming American life, Towne Ford became one of Redwood City's trusted destinations for Ford sales and service. As the community continued to grow, so did the dealership. What started as a local business quickly became an important part of everyday life for families throughout the Bay Area, earning a reputation for dependable vehicles and outstanding customer care. The Kopf Family's Remarkable Ford Heritage While Towne Ford has called Redwood City home for a century, the Kopf family's connection to Ford Motor Company stretches back even further. In the late 1800s, Benjamin Kopf Sr. immigrated from Germany to Argentina alongside his siblings after the passing of their parents, seeking new opportunities and a brighter future. His determination eventually led him to Ford Motor Company in 1914, where his exceptional work ethic and leadership caught the attention of none other than Henry Ford himself. Recognizing Benjamin Sr.'s talents, Henry Ford selected him to lead Ford Japan in Yokohama—a remarkable achievement that showcased the family's deep-rooted connection to the Ford brand long before they ever arrived in California. Building Towne Ford Into a Family Legacy While living in Japan, Benjamin Sr. sent his son, Benjamin Kopf II, to the United States to pursue his education at Stanford University. During his time at Stanford, Ben II met his future wife and eventually joined Towne Ford in the late 1940s. He didn't begin in an executive office—he started on the showroom floor as a salesperson. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for serving customers, Ben II steadily advanced into management while purchasing ownership shares as the original founders retired. By the 1970s, he had become Towne Ford's sole owner, continuing the dealership's tradition of putting customers first. His leadership helped establish Towne Ford as one of the area's most respected Ford dealerships, earning the trust of countless families throughout Redwood City and neighboring communities. Continuing the Tradition Into the Next Century In 1999, Benjamin II made the decision to retire and approached his son, Ben Kopf III, about taking over the family business. Although Ben III did not come from a traditional automotive background, he brought extensive business experience and a strong understanding of sales and operations. Drawing upon his entrepreneurial experience, manufacturing industry relationships, and the guidance of his brothers—who also operate successful dealerships in Redwood City—Ben III embraced the opportunity to continue the family's remarkable legacy. Today, Towne Ford proudly celebrates a unique milestone: a member of the Kopf family has led the dealership for 75 of its 100 years in business. As the automotive industry continues evolving with advanced technology, electric vehicles, and changing customer expectations, Ben III remains committed to adapting while preserving the values that have defined Towne Ford for generations. Customers Treated Like Family One reason Towne Ford has remained successful for a full century is simple: people matter. Whether someone is purchasing their very first Ford, upgrading to a new SUV or truck, scheduling routine maintenance, or visiting for expert repairs, every customer is treated with kindness, honesty, and respect. Many customers visiting Towne Ford today aren't first-time visitors—they're third- and even fourth-generation customers whose parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents purchased vehicles or relied on Towne Ford's service department. That kind of loyalty isn't built overnight. It's earned over decades through consistency, trust, and genuine care for every customer who walks through the door. Celebrating 100 Years with the Redwood City Community A milestone this special deserves a celebration, and Towne Ford is inviting the entire community to join the festivities. On Friday, June 26, beginning at 11:00 AM, Towne Ford will host its Early Fords Event to commemorate 100 years in business. Guests can enjoy: FREE admission FREE lunch A family-friendly atmosphere A spectacular display of classic Ford vehicles from the 1920s through the 1940s The opportunity for owners of vintage Ford models to showcase their own vehicles—no registration or entry fee required The event will take place at: Towne Ford 1-A Bair Island Road Redwood City, CA 94063 It's an opportunity to celebrate automotive history while honoring the community that has supported Towne Ford for an entire century. Looking Ahead to the Next 100 Years While Towne Ford proudly honors its past, the dealership is equally excited about the future. As electric vehicles become increasingly popular and automotive technology continues advancing, Towne Ford is committed to evolving alongside the industry while maintaining the personalized customer experience that has defined the dealership since 1926. Whether you're interested in the latest Ford EVs, dependable trucks like the Ford F-150, versatile SUVs, or trusted Ford service, Towne Ford remains dedicated to serving Redwood City with the same integrity that has guided the business for generations. Thank You, Redwood City One hundred years in business is an extraordinary achievement, but Towne Ford knows this milestone would never have been possible without the incredible support of the Redwood City community. From the Towne family's vision in 1926 to the Kopf family's decades of leadership, every chapter has been built on strong relationships and shared values. As Towne Ford celebrates its centennial, it extends heartfelt gratitude to every customer, employee, and community member who has been part of its story. Here's to 100 remarkable years—and to many more decades of serving Redwood City with excellence, innovation, and family values.
2027 Ford Mustang: What Updates Can Sports Car Fans Expect?
The Ford Mustang is o ne of the most recognized nameplates in American automotive history, and enthusiasm around each new model year never seems to slow down. With the 2027 Ford Mustang already generating buzz among sports car enthusiasts, drivers in Redwood City, C alifornia are understandably curious about what changes and refinements might be on the horizon. While official specs are still being confirmed, here’s what we know and what makes sense to watch for based on the Mustang's recent trajectory. Performance and Powertrain Expectations The 2027 Ford Mustang is expected to continue building on the strong foundation established by the current generation. We’re expecting the return of the existing turbocharged 2.3 L EcoBoost ® 4 -cylinder, the beloved 5.0 L V8 with 480 hp, a 500-hp variant, and the Dark Horse® trim’s Supercharged V8 with a breathtaking 795 hp. Ent husiasts will be watching closely to see whether Ford refines output or introduces any new tuning updates. The Dark Horse ® trim has raised the performance bar in recent years, so additional high-performance variants could remain on the table. Ford's involvement in Formula 1 has brought renewed energy to its performance engineering culture, which may translate into refinements that benefit the Mustang lineup. The Big New Excitement We’re Waiting For Ford has officially announced the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse® SC Convertible —the most powerful open-air production Mustang ever built. It will also boat that Supercharged 5.2L V8 that generates 795 hp and 660 lbs.-ft. of torque, along with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and rear-wheel drive. It’s anticipated to have softer MangeRide ® suspension tuning rather than the track- focused tuning of the standard Dark Horse®, more suitable to spirited street driving. Technology and Interior Upgrades Modern buyers expect a lot from the cabin in general, and performance-focused drivers want even more. T he 2027 Ford Mustang is likely to reflect Ford's continued investment in driver-focused technology. We’re anticipating a 13.2” center touchscreen, wireless smartphone mirroring, Amazon Alexa and Ford Streaming with voice commands, and over-the-air updates. The current generation already features a large touchscreen and available Ford Co-Pilot360 ® driver-assist technology, and future updates may build on those foundations. Expect continued development around connectivity features, including available Wi-Fi hotspot capability and enhanced navigation integration. The interior on recent Mustangs has taken a step forward in quality and layout, and that trend is expected to continue with thoughtful refinements rather than a complete overhaul. Design and Style Updates The Mustang's exterior design has always been a talking point, and the 2027 model year may bring subtle styling updates to keep the car feeling fresh. Whether that means revised lighting elements, new color options, or updated wheel designs, Ford has a history of making targeted visual changes between major generation cycles. The Mustang's long hood, aggressive stance, and iconic profile are unlikely to change dramatically — they’re what makes the car instantly recognizable. Sports car fans can expect updates that complement the existing design language rather than redefine it. What This Means for Mustang Fans For sports car enthusiasts who watch the Mustang lineup, the 2027 model year represents another opportunity to experience a vehicle that has earned its reputation through decades of performance and passion. Ford's commitment to quality is reflected in J.D. Power’s recognition of the Mustang as the #1 S porty C ar for N ew- V ehicle Q uality, a distinction that speaks to how seriously Ford takes the ownership experience. Whether you are drawn to the EcoBoost's efficiency or the V8's unmistakable character, the Mustang continues to offer something compelling for a wide range of drivers. Talk to Towne Ford Sales About Your Next Mustang If you can’t wait to explore what the Mustang lineup has to offer or want to stay informed as 2027 details become available, the team at Towne Ford Sales is here to help. Serving drivers throughout Redwood City, CA, Towne Ford Sales - can walk you through current inventory, available trims, and what to expect as the next model year approaches. Stop by or visit online to get started.