Everybody remembers where they were when England won the World Cup… well, almost everybody!
As the nation once again dreams of football coming home, we thought we’d take a look at another Great British success story – the cars driven by some of England’s greatest footballing heroes.
From Bobby Moore’s elegant Jaguar Mk2 to Nobby Stiles’ iconic Mini Cooper, Britain’s World Cup winners had just as much style off the pitch as they did on it.
Here’s a look at the motors that transported football royalty…
Bobby Moore – Jaguar Mk2
World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore was the definition of class. Calm under pressure, immaculately dressed and respected across the world, his dark green Jaguar Mk2 couldn’t have suited him better.
The Mk2 quickly became one of Britain’s most desirable sporting saloons, combining luxury with impressive performance – much like Moore himself.
See one for yourself: We have a beautiful Jaguar Mk2 in our collection!
Nobby Stiles – Mini Cooper
The heartbeat of England’s midfield and famous for dancing around Wembley with the Jules Rimet Trophy, Nobby Stiles was widely associated with a bright red Mini Cooper.
Small, agile and full of character, it perfectly reflected the man behind the wheel.
Why not get behind the wheel of one? We have a Mini Cooper S on our driving fleet!
George Cohen – Vauxhall Viva HA
Reliable, dependable and never one to seek the limelight, George Cohen’s pale blue Vauxhall Viva HA was every bit as understated as the Fulham full-back himself.
The Viva became one of Britain’s best-selling family cars and remains a much loved classic today.
See one for yourself: We have a beautiful Vauxhall Viva HA in our collection!
Geoff Hurst – Rover P6
The only man ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final later became associated with the innovative Rover P6.
Packed with clever engineering and years ahead of it’s time, the P6 became one of Britain’s finest executive cars.
See one for yourself: We have a stunning example of a Rover P6 in our collection.
Sir Bobby Charlton – Ford Cortina
Following England’s World Cup success, Sir Bobby Charlton was presented with a Ford Cortina ahead of the 1970 World Cup campaign. With it’s wood veneer dashboard, Rostyle wheels and sporting performance, the 1600E was one of Britain’s most desirable saloons – a fitting choice for one of England’s greatest-ever footballers.
Get behind the wheel: We have a Ford Cortina on our Drive Dad’s Car fleet, not to be missed!
Sir Alf Ramsey – Wolseley 16/60
England’s legendary manager preferred something a little more refined.
The elegant two-tone Wolseley 16/60 reflected Sir Alf’s calm, measured approach that ultimately brought football home in 1966.
See it for yourself: We have a cracking example of the Wolseley 16/60 in our collection!
A Wembley Connection
Football fans visiting Great British Car Journey should also keep an eye out for Sir Arthur Elvin’s magnificent Daimler Limousine.
Although Sir Arthur sadly passed away before England’s famous victory in 1966, he was the businessman who rescued Wembley Stadium from demolition and transformed it into Britain’s national stadium.
His Daimler remains one of the museum’s most fascinating cars, complete with bespoke touches including extra padding for Lady Elvin’s comfort and a roof raised by almost two inches so Sir Arthur could keep his trademark bowler hat firmly in place.
One you cannot miss! And one of many extremely special stories in the museum!
Why These Cars Matter
What makes these cars so fascinating isn’t simply who owned them. It’s because they represent Britain at its very best. During the 1960s, Britain was building some of the world’s finest cars while producing footballers capable of conquering the world. Jaguars, Minis, Rovers, Wolseleys and Vauxhalls weren’t just transport – they were symbols of a nation full of confidence, innovation and pride.
Come and See British History Come to Life
Whether football comes home this week or not, Britain’s motoring heritage will always have a home here at Great British Car Journey.
With over 150 classic British cars, interactive exhibits and hundreds of incredible stories just waiting to be discovered, why not plan your visit and see these automotive icons for yourself?
Some player-car associations are better documented than others. Where contemporary records are limited, we’ve relied on the strongest available historical evidence and well-established motoring references.