Inside fast Ford given to England squad during famous World Cup run & then bought by team’s star striker

FORD once gifted one of the greatest saloon cars to the entire England footie squad during a famous World Cup run.

From Gordon Banks in goal, to Geoff Hurst up front and Les Cocker on the backroom staff, everyone was given a classic Ford Cortina 1600E.

(The ‘World Cup’ 1970 Ford Cortina 1600E has gone up for sale.Credit: SWNS)

(The model was loaned to footie star Francis (Franny) Lee.Credit: SWNS)

(England 1970 Squad and Ford Cortina.Credit: Ford)

(The English World Cup squad posing with a car.Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty)

Thirty of the 1600E models were loaned to the players by Ford for the duration of the tournament.

It was an aspirational motor, which is why every player was happy to pick up their car at the Twin Towers togged out in their club colours.

The cool and stylish Cortina had flashy Rostyle wheels, an upmarket walnut dashboard, prestigious "Executive" badging, lower Lotus suspension and a rorty 1600cc engine.

They also stood out because on the front wings were the crossed flags of Mexico and the Union flag, not the Cross of St George.

On the doors was a logo that bore the legend "Chosen for England".

And just four years after England's win in the 1966 final, the squad featured in adverts beaming happily alongside the cars.

Now, one of the 30 classic motors - loaned to striker Francis (Franny) Lee - is set to go up for auction.

Interestingly, the footie star bought the car for a discount for his wife at the end of the loan period.
Lee once revealed: "This was a top car at the time. When the year was up I recall paying around £600-£700 for it."

The historic Ford Cortina is now expected to fetch anywhere between £50,000 to £60,000.

It comes after a wealthy car enthusiast is selling off his collection of showroom-ready motors that have barely been driven.

The unnamed businessman amassed 26 modern classic cars that he’s bought from new or nearly new - but now all but five are set to go.

(A copy of the original press release stating that Ford loaned 30 cars to the England squad.Credit: Ford)

(Most footballers in England drove Ford Cortinas in the 1960s.Credit: Rex Features)

Ref: Inside fast Ford given to England squad during famous World Cup run & then bought by team’s star striker (thesun)

Photo Credit- Hulton Archive-Getty, Ford, Rex Features, SWNS