Classic Ford made famous by The Sweeney is one of the rarest in the UK – with just 12 left on British roads
A CLASSIC Ford made famous by 1970s police drama The Sweeney is one of the rarest motors on the road.
And there's only 12 models left in the country.
Produced from 1951 to 1975, the Ford Consul was a popular model with Brits when it first came out.
The best-selling motor quickly became a hit across the country, with it billed as "tailormade for the modern man".
Although its success was short lived, the Consul rose to fame when it was featured in the 1970s British police drama The Sweeney.
Lead character Inspector Jack Regan, played by John Thaw, would regularly jump behind the wheel of the squad car when tackling armed robbery and violent crime across London.
Ford UK discontinued the Consul name in 1975, with the manufacturing focusing its attention to the beloved Cortina.
The car has become one of the rarest motors across the UK since then, with cars lovers searching the market for the unique model.
Depending on its condition, 2.0-litre L models can cost between £10,000 and £15,000.
Peter Smith, who owns one of the last Consuls, said: "It had been sat in a garage since 1982; I think the first owner had a row with his wife about the car and he just stored it as a result.
"It was my last chance before it went to the scrap man.
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"There were a sort of street party as crowds of people were staring at a car that had not moved for over two decades."
The unused car is in immaculate condition after it sat in a garage for 17 years.