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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
David Meikle & Chiara Pollock

Tributes paid to 'legendary' Celtic fan who drove from Glasgow to Lisbon for 1967 cup final

A Celtic fan who drove a Hillman Imp from Scotland to Lisbon ahead of their historic European Cup final in 1967 has died aged 81.

Jim McGuire led around 100 vehicles taking Hoops supporters on the 4,000 mile journey to Portugal for the clash with Inter Milan.

In 2017, he was part of a film called The Lions Road which told the story of two Celtic fans, Barry Sweeney and Martin Coyle, recreating the famous journey to mark the 50th anniversary of the game on May 25.

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They travelled from Glasgow's Alexandra Parade, where the original journey began, to Lisbon in a special green and white Hillman Imp named 'Jinky' in five days and the film was later released.

McGuire, nicknamed Jim the Tim, passed away last month.

Announcing the news, the team behind the Lions Road said: "A sad day for everyone connected to the Lions Road Film.
"Jim was central to our story, as he, along with fellow reporters John Quinn and George Docherty, drove the original Hillman Imp to Lisbon in 1967 at the head of the famous 'Celticade'.

"Truly, wee Jim was an absolute gentleman and a joy to work with on the project.

"He also brought stories and anecdotes around the trip to the final to life, and it's fair to say we couldn't have made the film without his input and knowledge.

"It's fair to say we also had a great laugh with him and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have got know him and spend time with him and his family.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole McGuire clan at this difficult time."

Tributes were paid to McGuire on social media.

Celtic supporter liaison officer John-Paul Taylor said: "The man who took the iconic Hillman Imp to Lisbon, RIP Jim McGuire."

Agnes McDonald posted: "RIP Jim, a true legend and gentleman."

Christine Martin added: "A true legend, God love him and rest him."

Ken Ross wrote: "Saddened to hear of Jim's passing. His car is iconic.

"The fact he drove it from Glasgow to Lisbon in 1967 is a feat in itself. It shows the determination of Celtic fans to see our team, no matter where we play. RIP Jim."

Celtic won the European Cup final 2-1 with goals from Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers.

Hillman Imp's were built at a factory in Linwood but the factory closed in 1981.

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