It was only a matter of time before Goodwood’s annual Automotive Garden Party played host to some genuine movie stunt driving, and what better film than Nick Love’s newest big-screen production, The Sweeney, based on the 1970s hit TV series.
Stunt drivers will take the place of the famous Flying Squad detectives, Jack Regan and George Carter, as their black Ford Focus ST is pitted against a Jaguar XFR up the famous Goodwood hillclimb in an exciting chase sequence to whet the appetite ahead of the movie’s release in September.
Back in October last year, the film set was supplied with six Ford Focus ST prototypes, joining the Ford Mondeo, Galaxy and Transits already in use as unmarked Flying Squad vehicles.
Director and co-writer, Nick Love, whose prior films include The Football Factory and The Firm, said at the time, “It was important for me to collaborate with Ford on The Sweeney as their legacy with the original TV show is so strong – they’re the perfect partner. I like the Ford Focus ST so much, I want one!”
It was important for me to collaborate with Ford on The Sweeney as their legacy with the original TV show is so strong
Ford’s strong link with the 1970s Sweeney TV series saw Regan, Carter and their Flying Squad colleagues using a string of Ford Granada, Consul and Cortina models during the series to make the streets of London a safer place.
The film, which stars Ray Winstone as Jack Regan and Ben Drew (aka Plan B) as George Carter, also features Hayley Atwell (from Captain America), Damian Lewis (Homeland), Steven Mackintosh (Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans) and Paul Anderson (The Firm).
There’s a un-missable gathering of Fords, past and present, at Goodwood this year, including the Le Mans winning GT40s, the Escort RS1600 and RS1800, the RS200, the Sierra RS500 Cosworth, and racing Mondeos. Ford’s presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, is designed to mark the brand’s enviable motorsport heritage, which began as early as the 1920s with none other than the Model T.
Goodwood’s Festival Speed runs during the weekend of June 29 – July 1, 2012, with tickets available in advance (only).
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