Iconic Ford Capri from TV show Minder ‘burnt to a crisp’ in heatwave

AN ICONIC motor that starred in hit 80s TV show Minder came a cropper in the sweltering heatwave.

The classic Ford Capri belonging to Dennis Waterman’s character Terry McCann in the popular Brit comedy-drama was spotted burning to a crisp on the roadside on Friday.

The memorable car featured in the opening titles of the much-loved series.

It sold for a staggering £50,000 at auction in 2016 and was lauded as having done less than 5,000 miles when it was snapped up.

But despite a legendary life on the screen, the white 1977 Capri was spotted by Minder fans meeting its firey end near Gatwick Airport in West Sussex.

It was recognised thanks to its infamous ‘SLE 71R’ number plate.

Firemen were pictured trying to extinguish a blaze coming from the motor's bonnet, which appeared to quickly spread.

Stunned witnesses said the car looked damaged beyond repair.

Motorist Reece Coventry said: “There was a massive queue of traffic and nobody knew what the problem was – until we saw Terry McCann’s motor in flames.

“The bonnet and front wings were all burned to a crisp. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the registration.

"It was instantly recognisable from Minder and such a shame to see it come to an end like that.”

The Capri had only just received a brand-new MOT certificate that very morning, according to the government’s online vehicle registration check service.

It confirms the registration belongs to a white 1977 Ford Capri that has MOT and road tax until July next year.

Minder co-star George Cole, who played Daley, gave the Capri to young McCann in the opening titles as a gift on his release from prison.

Minder, based around London's criminal underworld, originally ran for ten series between October 1979 and March 1994.

A new version was aired in 2009 on Chanel 5 but only lasted one series after a damp reception.

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk