A MEMBER of a motoring dynasty officially opened the new £750,000 showroom at Evans Halshaw.

Elena Ford, the great, great granddaughter of automobile legend Henry Ford opened the new facility in Old Trafford - just two miles away from the car giant's original Trafford Park factory.

Employees of the dealership also welcomed another special guest to mark the occasion in the shape of one of the classic Ford Mustang.

Visiting Manchester for the first time, Elena said she thinks her great, great grandfather would have approved of the new showroom.

Elena said: "I think it's fabulous that Ford started right near here and we actually get to open a brand new Ford store a couple of miles down the road. I think that the history of Ford is very much alive in this area. I think he'd be very proud of that. I think he'd think it was very cool we have a Mustang on the showroom."

The dealership, which used to trade as Quick's before being taken over by Evans Halshaw, has been selling Ford cars at its current Chester Road site since 1921. By 1919 the dealership was established as the country's main Ford dealer.

Elena added: "I think we have a solid foundation for our business across the world and at the heart of our business is our partnership with our dealers. They're market driven, they're socially connected and we're in partnership with them to bring to life the product."

She described the new showroom as a "wonderful place" during her whistle stop visit to Trafford.

The new facility aims to give customers a first glimpse into the future of Ford, with particular focus on the technological advances made by the car manufacturer.