9:12 am, November 24, 2011
FORD’s Focus ST hot hatch will take centre stage next year in a new film blockbuster – The Sweeney.
The Blue Oval’s executive design director Martin Smith told Car Dealer in September Ford was preparing six Focus STs to be used by stunt drivers, but he couldn’t name the film.
Ford has now revealed the film will be The Sweeney – the legendary 1970s TV cop show starring John Thaw as Regan, and Dennis Waterman as Carter.
Regan and Carter – to be played by Ray Winstone and Ben Drew – will now be leading a cast of crime-busting officers as they give chase to London’s criminals in black Ford Focus ST hot hatchbacks.
Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director, said: ‘The new Focus ST is a hugely exciting car for Ford with terrific dynamic credibility. It will be a car for real driving enthusiasts, so Regan and Carter won’t be disappointed.’
Last month special early-build Ford Focus ST models were secretly delivered to The Sweeney set, joining Ford Mondeos, Galaxys and Transits also being used as unmarked vehicles.
Director and co-writer Nick Love, whose prior films include The Football Factory and The Firm, said: ‘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!’
Ford’s strong link with the 1970s Sweeney TV series saw Regan, Carter and their Flying Squad colleagues using a string of Ford Granadas, Consuls and Cortinas to make the streets of London a safer place.
Production company Vertigo has the use of six Ford Focus ST models during filming, which is continuing until Christmas.
Next year The Sweeney will be edited ahead of the Focus ST going on sale in the UK in the summer, followed by the film premiere in September.
