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What Ford car was in the Sweeney?

The Ford car that was prominently featured in the British television series "The Sweeney" was the Ford Consul Cortina. This mid-sized family car was a popular choice for law enforcement and emergency services in the United Kingdom during the 1970s, when the show was set.


The Ford Consul Cortina in "The Sweeney"


The Sweeney was a gritty police drama that aired on British television from 1975 to 1978. It followed the exploits of the Flying Squad, a specialized unit of the Metropolitan Police Service that dealt with armed robberies and other serious crimes in London. The show's protagonists, Detective Inspectors Jack Regan and George Carter, often used a Ford Consul Cortina as their primary mode of transportation during high-speed chases and other law enforcement operations.


The Ford Consul Cortina was an ideal choice for the show's setting, as it was a common sight on British roads during the 1970s. The car's combination of practicality, performance, and affordability made it a popular choice for both law enforcement and the general public. Its rugged construction and powerful engine also made it well-suited for the demanding driving conditions depicted in the show.


The Ford Consul Cortina's Legacy


The Ford Consul Cortina's association with "The Sweeney" has cemented its place in British popular culture. The car has become a symbol of the gritty, no-nonsense policing style depicted in the show, and its appearance in the series has helped to solidify its status as a classic of British automotive design.


Today, the Ford Consul Cortina is a highly sought-after collector's item, with well-preserved examples commanding high prices on the classic car market. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the car's enduring appeal and its lasting impact on British television and culture.

Was John Thaw a heavy drinker?


He was a heavy drinker until he gave it up in 1995. In June 2001, he was treated for cancer of the oesophagus. His wife, Sheila Hancock, had been a breast cancer survivor. His favourite episodes of his television series Inspector Morse were The Dead of Jericho (1987), Masonic Mysteries (1990) and Promised Land (1991).



Who owns The Sweeney car?


The current owner, known to those who have been following the build on social media as Mr Shifter, bought the car in 1988 in the Slough area and used it regularly until it was taken off the road in 1989 after failing its MoT on structural corrosion.



Why did they stop making The Sweeney?


The Sweeney tossed in its badge after just four years. John Thaw decided to stop before the show ran out of steam. Dennis Waterman agreed. He didn't contemplate making any more episodes without Thaw.



What car was used in The Sweeney?


MID-BEDS VEHICLE RESTORATION AND THE SWEENEY FORD CONSUL GT. The 2nd January 1975 saw the first episode of a new police series entitled The Sweeney and the major automotive star was a Ford Consul GT. It was provided to Euston Films by Dagenham and as a press car it was fitted with power steering and a sliding roof.



What Ford car was used in the Highwaymen?


Kevin Costner's Classic Ride: The Ford That Stole the Show in The Highwaymen. Beyond the gripping story of Frank Hamer and the Bonnie and Clyde gang in The Highwaymen, there's another star that stole the show: the 1932 Ford V8.



Were Dennis Waterman and John Thaw good friends?


John Thaw and Dennis Waterman first met on the set of 'I Can Walk Where I Like Can't I? ' in 1964, and became very close friends as a consequence.



What did the Sweeney drive?


1973 Ford Consul GT – The Sweeney
“Who taught you to how to drive, Evel Knievel?!”



How old was John Thaw when he was in The Sweeney?


32
Thaw was only 32 when he was cast in The Sweeney (1975–1978) alongside Dennis Waterman and Garfield Morgan, although many viewers thought he was older. His role as the hard-bitten, tough-talking Flying Squad detective Jack Regan established him as a major star in the United Kingdom.



What cars did Bodie and Doyle drive in The Professionals?


Escorts, Capris and Granadas
At least Doyle and fellow agent William Bodie (played by Lewis Collins) were issued with Capris – respectively a Strato Silver Mk2 3.0S X-Pack and an Arizona Gold Mk2 3.0 Ghia automatic.



What Ford car was nicknamed the Tin Lizzie?


the Model T
Despite the popularity of the nickname Tin Lizzie, the Model T had dozens of nicknames. The Model T was so popular Henry Ford once said: “There's no use trying to pass a Ford, because there's always another one just ahead.” By the early 1920s more than half of the registered automobiles in the world were Fords.


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.