As we approach the final stages of the 22nd FIFA World Cup, we're reminded that, while football might be the world's pastime, only eight nations have won the sport's top title. Those winners have reached the peak of the people's game', but which one of them has provided the best automotive hero to its people? All eight victors have histories of vehicle production, albeit some more extensive than others. In gathering their motoring representatives, we've chosen cars that were relatively affordable in their day and certainly not into the realm of the supercar - that's not quite in the spirit of the game. To keep a reasonably level playing field, we've picked cars that were all on sale in the 1960s or early '70s.
The success of South American teams in the World Cup has required some creativity - the number of Uruguayanbuilt cars in the entire Northern Hemisphere can likely be counted on one hand, after all-but, fortunately for us, the mid-century trend for license-building and import tariff-dodging local subsidiaries gives plenty of close approximations that are more readily found here in the UK. A player making a switch in nationality as they move from junior to senior international football, if you will.
We'll select our overall victor via an eight-nation knockout tournament, judging a winner of each match-up on best-of-seven criteria. So, which nation's champion will win the Classic & Sports Car World Cup?
RENAULT 8 GORDINI
Les Bleus' have a reputation for blowing hot and cold, only able to achieve true brilliance when united by a rare mercurial talent. France's successes, first in the European Championships and then in two World Cups, have coincided with the careers of Platini, Zidane and Mbappé for no small reason. Fortunately for Renault, they hit upon a similar sporting genius in Amédée Gordini, Le Sorcier.
この記事は Classic & Sports Car の January 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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この記事は Classic & Sports Car の January 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
RAY HILLIER
Double-chevron oddity proves a break from the norm for this Crewe specialist
SHORT BACK & GLIDES
Eccentric enthusiast Captain RG McLeod's series of Manx-tailed Bentley Specials reached its zenith with this unique S2 Continental.
People's choice
The diminutive but multi-million-selling Fiat 850 packed a remarkable diversity of form and function into its compact footprint
PLASTIC BREAKS FROM THE NORM
Glassfibre revolutionised niche car-body production, but just occasionally strayed into the mainstream.
A SENSIBLE SUPERCAR
The cleverly conceived four-seater Elite secured Lotus a place at the big players' table, but has it been unfairly maligned since then?
"I had a habit of grabbing second place from the jaws of victory"
From dreams of yachting glory to the Le Mans podium, via a stint at the top of the motorsport tree, Howden Ganley had quite the career
Still going strong
Herbert Engineering staked its reputation on the five-year warranty that came with its cars. A century on, this Two Litre hasn't made a claim
One for the kids
General Motors was aiming squarely at the youth market with the launch of the Pontiac GTO 60 years ago, and its runaway success popularised the muscle-car movement
A NEW BREED OF HERO
Launched at the turn of the millennium, the GT3 badge has already earned a place alongside RS, CS and turbo in Porsche lore.
Brits with SIX appeal
The straight-six engine is synonymous with a decades-long legacy of great British sports cars. Six variations on the sextet theme convene for comparison
