The classic cars driven by Dennis Waterman – including the ill-fated Minder Capri

Actor and musician Dennis Waterman who passed away at the weekend aged 74 was well-known for being one of the most-streetwise hardmen on TV. But he was also seen behind the wheel of some of the most iconic cars the country has ever produced.

His roles in The Sweeney, Minder and New Tricks were all accompanied by magnificent motors.

Those included a Triumph Stag, a Jaguar S-Type and the Ford Capri from Minder which almost met a tragic end.

Some of his most famous cars are below, including that two-litre Capri that passed into folklore.

He’ll certainly always be remembered leaning against a car, looking menacing.

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MinderWaterman’s most famous role as Terry McCann also came with his most famous car, the white 1977 Ford Capri 2 S.The car survived unscathed after filming ended in 1994 and 22 years later it was bought at auction by a private owner for £50,000.

However it very nearly disappeared for good when just two years ago it caught fire by the side of the M25 motorway on the way back from an MOT.

Luckily it was salvaged and restored to former glory by Classic Car Restorations of Canterbury, at a cost of around £12,000.

Meanwhile Arthur Daley’s motor, the 1981 Daimler Sovereign, went at the same auction for around £32,000.

The car was previously given away in the ‘90s as a prize in a TV Times competition, and actor George Cole tried to buy it unsuccessfully.

Following his death, Waterman’s family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain.

“The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”