1968 Ford Cortina 1600GT Zetec Conversion

Highlights

  • Restored and modified by Tiger Racing
  • Gorgeous 2L Zetec conversion with Tiger Lotus cam cover
  • Unique two tone red and gold Alan Mann Racing paintwork


The Appeal

The Ford Cortina needs little introduction. Once the UK's most popular car and sold in abundance. 

The MKII saw for some slight design tweaks giving for more space and comfort on board. The 1600GT was a very desirable model and could be bought as a 2 or 4 door saloon or a 5-door estate. 

The 1600 engine gave for a sportier Cortina, especially when configured with the 2-door saloon, meaning less weight and thus improved handling. 

Tiger Racing are a British car manufacturer formed in 1989. Over the years they have produced some extremely competent kit cars and also offer full restorations. 

They have restored various Ford Cortina's and are masters in carrying out the renowned Zetec conversions. 

Tiger Racing certainly know how to get the most out of any vehicle, whether it be one of theirs or a restoration.

The History and Paperwork

  • MOT exempt
  • Originally registered 07/03/1968
  • 53,463 original miles
  • Replacement shell sourced and fitted by Tiger Racing with 95% original panels
  • Less than 100 miles covered by current owner since restoration
  • Selling to make way for another project
  • Full bare metal two tone re-spray in red and gold
  • Low mileage 2L Zetec engine conversion coupled to 5 speed Type 9 quick shifter gearbox
  • Original brightwork and trim
  • Excellent condition overall
  • Kept garaged by current owner when not in use

The Interior

  • Retrimmed black interior in very good condition
  • All new carpets
  • Seatbelts present for front seats
The spacious interior of this MKII Cortina has been thoughtfully restored, making use of any original trim where still in good condition. 

The seats and floor have received new upholstery and carpets. Furthermore, the front seats have seatbelts present, offering more comfort and safety for the driver and front passenger. 

The boot is in very good condition with new carpets, a spare wheel and jack present. 

The original dashboard and gauges are in good original condition, the dash possesses some minor cracks as to be expected with the age. There is a lovely balance of being well restored while retaining the original feel and ambience. 

The all-black trim gives for a non-distracting interior and allows you to really focus on the purpose of this vehicle, to be driven!

The Exterior 

  • Eye catching red and gold Alan Mann Racing colourway
  • 4 matching Toyo Proxes tyres with excellent tread
  • Two tone gold and silver Superlite alloys all around
  • Received a full bare metal respray during restoration
  • Underside has been undersealed
Tiger Racing certainly pulled out all of the stops when restoring this Cortina. 

This quality can be seen in the excellent condition of the paintwork. 

The Alan Mann two tone racing colours of gold and red were chosen and work extremely well with the Superlite alloys. Prior to respraying the replacement body was taken back to bare metal with some very minor welding carried out to ensure the bodywork is in the best condition possible. 

Additionally, the underside has been undersealed to ensure protection against wetter weather and additional peace of mind. 

We are told all of the brightwork is original with the exception of the wing mirrors, overall, the original brightwork is in good condition with some slight scuffs and dings present on the usual areas such as bumpers and front grille. 

As with the part original interior trim, the original brightwork really allures to the 60's, giving a great sense of the history behind this Cortina. 

There are some minor imperfections with the masking of the two-tone paint but these are only noticeable when inspecting from very close distance. 

The Mechanics

  • Upgraded 2L Zetec engine with ERA sump, twin Weber 45's and Nodiz ignition 
  • 5-speed type 9 gearbox with quick shifter
  • New adjustable Gaz shocks, rebuilt differential and new wheel bearings
  • Extremely clean and tidy engine bay
The mechanics of this excellent Cortina have certainly had no expense spared. 

As with the rest of the restoration, the popular Zetec conversion has been carried out in the very capable hands of Tiger Racing. 

Utilising the 2L Zetec engine with some lovely modifications such as twin Weber carburettors and Nodiz ignition, this engine deserves to be heard and experienced throughout the rev range. 

This example also possesses a lovely sounding exhaust fabricated in house by Tiger Racing, which, when combined with the induction sound of the Weber carburettors you can really sense the racing pedigree. 

There is a 5-speed type 9 gearbox with quick shifter, ensuring that the gorgeous engine is not wasted on an average gearbox. 

Furthermore, the suspension has been graced with new, adjustable Gaz shocks and the wheels have received new bearings ensuring smooth handling to match. 

The engine bay and underside are all in excellent condition giving for a truly beautiful sight when opening the bonnet. 

Summary

The Ford Cortina is certainly an iconic vehicle for the UK, being the best-selling car of the 70's. 

This MKII 2 door 1600GT not only offers the spacious interior Cortina's were known for but also an excellent restoration and Zetec conversion. 

Tiger Racing have carried out a marvellous job ensuring the original character of this Cortina has not been lost whilst endowing this vehicle with a truly impressive conversion. 

If you are looking for a more performance orientated MKII Cortina, this Tiger Racing example is certainly well worth considering!


Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1968
  • Make Ford
  • Model Cortina 1600GT (Zetec Conversion)
  • Colour Red and Gold
  • Odometer 53,463 Miles
  • Engine size 2000
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Oxfordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
20 bids
  • Pa•••• £17,000 04/11/22
  • ja•••• £16,750 04/11/22
  • si•••• £16,500 04/11/22
  • ja•••• £16,000 04/11/22
  • si•••• £15,500 04/11/22
  • ja•••• £15,000 04/11/22
  • si•••• £14,500 04/11/22
  • ja•••• £14,000 04/11/22
  • si•••• £13,500 03/11/22
  • ja•••• £13,000 03/11/22
Message C&C Auction Team

The Gallery

The safest way to buy a classic car online

Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller. More about buying with us
Safe, secure payment process

About Max Bids

The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.

Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.

Anti-sniping

Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.

Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.

Auto-bidding increments

  • If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
  • If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
    • Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
    • We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.

Bid Amount Increment
£0 to £9,999 £100.00
£10,000 to £49,999 £250.00
£50,000 to £99,999 £500.00
£100,000 + £1,000.00

Automatically outbid immediately

When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.

You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.

Matching max bids

When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.

Pre-authorisation

We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Problem with your bid

Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.