Growing up I always had a keen interest in cars, My older brother and dad would always encourage this, giving me a great feeling of belonging! Looking back I do feel a bit sorry for my mum, who bless her tried her best to pretend she knew her Austin Princess from her Morris Marina.
When you think of cars of this era for the majority of family owned cars you have to think of one shape, square! Very few cars had sexy curves or even just nice lines. If you thought of a box, added some wheels there you go, a car manufacturers dream.
Now in 2010 these cars are iconic in their own right. It seems as a nation we have developed a passion for nostalgia. Programs like the Sweeny and the Professionals for me isn't about the 'quality' storyline, it's about spotting the great cars you no longer get to see in the background shots.
The Sweeney's Ford Consul GT, Mark 3 Cortina's and Mark 1 Granada's have become its trademark. One of the first things you think of if you mention the Sweeney, other than the ludicrous large shirt collars is one of those beauties. To me they seemed a real 'mans' car but of course only when wheel spinning off or flying sideways round a corner. It was the 1975 Mk 1 Granada 3.0s that stole the show for me, with its box like chassis and dodgy colours, its a great example of what 70's cars were all about.
Take an episode of the Sweeney, you're bound to catch a re-run on ITV4 at some point. If ever I am suffering from a bit of man flu and taken to my bed during the day, nothing beats a bit of Sweeney in the background (Well maybe the professionals does?!) Rather than enjoying the fascinating story line of Regan and Carter chasing the bad guys after a 'blag' just enjoy spotting the great cars in the background. Look out for the magical Hillman Hunters, Austin Maxis and the classic Mercedes-Benz 220. If you are really lucky you will get to see the mighty wedge, I mean Austin Princess or a Morris 1800, Rover 3500 and even a Sunbeam Rapier.
The Professionals was a bit more modern in its motors. How I longed as a little boy to grow up and own a silver Ford Capri 3.0s just like Bodie. Like many others I was put off the Gold version not because of the car but more to do with Doyle's dodgy perm.
The Professionals seemed to boast more exotic motors for the villains like Alfa Romeo Alfettas, Lancia Betas, BMW 3 series and Jenson Healys.
The list will almost be endless of classic 'beauties'. Of course the reality is that they are terrible motors and if you were around at the time when they were a few years old you wouldn't want to be seen dead in most of them. However, for some reason now they seem to appeal and I personally would love a go in some of them, damn I would even love just to see a few of them again but the hands of time (and a whole lot of rust) has not been kind to cars of this age and unless you enjoy wearing your keys and mobile on your belt and relish the prospect of joining a club where you can share your 'passion' it's quite unlikely that you will even catch a glimpse. I guess I will just have to make do with the endless resource that is the internet.
