Wales didn’t reach Mexico ’70 World Cup Tournament. They failed to qualify from a group containing Italy and East Germny. But this didn’t stop three Welshmen representing Wales at the event, in Cardiff City’s Bluebird car.
Alan Rees from Carmarthen, Hywel Thomas of Neath and Washington James from Newcastle Emlyn drove to the Aztec Stadium, Mexico City in a modified Hillman Hunter, which was decorated with Cardiff City’s badge on its bonnet.
They were taking part in the “World Cup Rally”, a 39-day endurance race organised by the Daily Mirror which would take them across the coffee plantations of Brazil, the dirt roads of Argentinian pampas, over the Andes, through the ancient Inca roads and into Ecuador.
The car was funded by proceeds from Cardiff City’s “Golden Goal” competition.
The Wales – Italy qualifying game was my first Wales game.
Is there anymore information on the Mexico Rally?
I actually remember seeing that car from the ‘boys enclosure’ of the original Grange End, it was parked in the corner beneath the old Radio Ninian building.
I also remember Golden Goal tickets being sold outside and costing 1/-(5p)
Thanks for making me feel so old.
Washington James` son was my maths teacher at Llandysul school in the 80`s. He also drove a Hillman Hunter. His nickname was Frankie on account of having a square head and the eyes of a deadman like Frankenstein.
Fantastic Photo! Only 23 cars finished the rally and among them was this Hillman Hunter#83, there were total of 3 Hunters participated. I have made a post with this photo and your write up in my Blog: http://www.PaykanHunter.com
Cheers,
Sorry there were 4 Hillman Hunters in the rally, not 3.