Highlights

Purpose-built Mk1 Cortina historic racer, prepared for Pre-66 competition and finished in Alan Mann Racing-inspired livery
Competition history in South Africa, including two races in 2019 with one overall victory, followed by the 2020 Zwartkops Passion for Speed
Highly developed Kent engine bored to approximately 1.7 litres, with twin Weber side-draught carburettors and recent rebuild
Quaife four-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential
Koni adjustable suspension with Wilwood front brakes and rear disc conversion
2019 Historic Technical Passport approving the car for the Pre-66 Historic Saloon category
Imported into the UK from South Africa in 2025 and reportedly completely rust-free

The Appeal

The Mk1 Ford Cortina became a familiar sight on British roads during the 1960s, but its straightforward layout, modest weight and readily tuned mechanicals also made it an effective competition platform. The sporting versions achieved considerable success in international touring-car racing, with Alan Mann Racing amongst the teams to campaign Mk1 Lotus Cortinas in period, creating some of the most recognisable competition Fords of the decade.

This 1965 example has spent its life in South Africa and was built for competition by Ford enthusiast Theuns de Lange before later passing to its next owner, who reportedly restored the bodywork and upgraded a number of mechanical components. The seller acquired the car in 2018 and subsequently campaigned it in the 'Little Giants' class at Zwartkops Raceway, with him reporting two races in 2019, including an overall victory, followed by an appearance at the 2020 Zwartkops Passion for Speed.

Beneath its Alan Mann Racing-inspired livery sits a highly developed Kent engine, bored to approximately 1.7 litres and equipped with twin Weber side-draught carburettors, AP pistons and rods, a gas-flowed cylinder head, race-specification oil pump and electronic ignition. A Quaife four-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential complete the driveline, whilst Koni adjustable suspension and disc brakes at all four corners underline the car's serious competition intent.

Imported into the UK in 2025 after spending its life in the dry inland climate of Johannesburg, the Cortina is also accompanied by a 2019 Historic Technical Passport approving it for the Pre-66 Historic Saloon category. With a fresh engine rebuild, purposeful specification and established competition history behind it, this is a ready-made historic racer with clear scope for further club-level competition.

Key Information

Mileage: 39,929 miles (indicated, unwarranted, odometer inoperative)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
Technical specs: 1.7-litre naturally aspirated Kent inline-four with twin Weber side-draught carburettors, Quaife four-speed manual gearbox and Quaife limited-slip differential
Paperwork: file of paperwork and invoices

The Detail

Finished in fresh Alan Mann Racing-inspired livery
Bodywork described by the seller as being in very good condition and completely rust-free, with some minor stone chips on the front end
Scratches and marks visible on interior metal door card panels
Wear on the steering wheel
Spent its life in Johannesburg, South Africa, before being imported into the UK in 2025 and subsequently stored indoors
Stripped competition interior with a substantial roll cage
Original dashboard retained
Built and raced by South African Ford enthusiast Theuns de Lange
Later acquired by its next owner, who reportedly restored the bodywork and upgraded a number of mechanical components
Purchased by the seller in 2018 and subsequently raced in the 'Little Giants' class at Zwartkops Raceway
Seller reports two races in 2019, including one overall victory, followed by participation in the 2020 Zwartkops Passion for Speed
Kent engine bored to approximately 1.7 litres
Twin Weber side-draught carburettors
AP pistons and connecting rods
Gas-flowed cylinder head
Race-specification oil pump
123 electronic ignition
Exhaust branch manifold
Engine recently rebuilt and described by the seller as producing strong top-end power and revving freely to 7,000rpm
Engine built by South African Kent-engine specialist Johan Coetzee
Quaife four-speed gearbox
Quaife limited-slip differential
Koni adjustable suspension
Wilwood front brakes with rear disc conversion
Seller describes the car as well prepared, reliable and in good mechanical order
2019 Historic Technical Passport supplied, approving the car for the Pre-66 Historic Saloon category
Odometer is inoperative

BEFORE YOU BUY

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