Highlights

Older restoration in attractive Lotus-adjacent colour scheme
Engine rebuild in 2025 costing over £7,800
Five owners, with the previous one for 20 years
Large history file including original adverts
Practical and stylish '60s sedan

The Appeal

In its own way, the Cortina was as influential as the Beetle, perhaps even the Model T. It made car ownership reliable and easy. But unlike either of those cars, there was a Tina for all tastes, from frugal to luxurious and, of course, sporty too.

This 1966 1200 nods to all that with its stylish two-tone colour scheme, front quarter bumpers and fat steelies, clear nods to Colin Chapman’s masterpiece. The paint and the red vinyl interior are the result of an older restoration by the car’s long-term previous owner, one of just five. The work has held up well, with a few points for buyers to note in photos.

Under the bonnet there is a fully rebuilt 1,200cc Kent pre-crossflow engine. The work was done in 2025 and cost close to £8,000, including ancillaries and an upgraded carburettor. The car has covered few miles since completion. With a large history file, this Cortina MK1 offers a great opportunity to capitalise on all the recent mechanical investment.

The seller says:

“Engine professionally rebuilt with an upgraded carburettor. A real head-turner and a pleasure to drive. Previously used as a wedding car, which is testament to the way the car presents.”

Key Information

Mileage: 19,900 miles indicated (total mileage may be higher)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1,198cc Kent pre-crossflow four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Large history file including engine rebuild receipt

The Detail

Older repaint from red to grey with red side stripes similar to Lotus Cortina design
Paintwork presents well for its age with some localised areas to note in photos
Bodywork is straight and generally tidy for its age
Some areas to note in photos such as base of doors and C pillars
Boot floor as shown in photos
Steel wheels similar to Lotus Cortina with chrome hubcaps
Wheel rims, hubcaps and tyres all present well in photos
Chrome front and rear bumpers with front quarter bumpers similar to Lotus
Some ageing to note in the glass seals
Red vinyl interior reported to be an older retrim showing some patina
Some ageing to note in the vinyl seats and door cards in photos
Ageing to note in the dashboard, with radio missing and auxiliary gauges fitted
Engine recently rebuilt with photos provided

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.

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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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