The Ford Cortina took the market by storm when the first generation was introduced in 1962. Designed to be an affordable, family sized car that could be produced in large numbers, it outsold most of its competition with over a million first generation cars manufactured. The MKII was introduced in 1966 under the slogan ‘’New Cortina is more Cortina’’ and continued to dominate worldwide. 

This Series II 1969 registered 1600E is in great order, having only covered a few hundred miles in the last decade, being stored in a barn, dry and safe for the majority of that time. This true classic is becoming increasingly rare with quality cars hard to find. 

 

Registered 1st October 1969, this MKII Cortina shows as having eight former keepers. The latest, who is based in the Somerset region, has had the vehicle since 2015, keeping it stored undercover in a dry barn surrounded by other classics. It has hardly been driven in the last decade, with the odometer only increasing by 475 miles since 2012. In regards to paperwork, there is very little. 

A couple invoices are present for parts in 2007 but nothing substantial was seen. The car has apparently had some restoration work carried out in the 1980’s but there is nothing other than the car's great condition to support this. The 1600E was the last model to be introduced by Ford as part of the Mark II line up and brought with it many upgrades to the quality and equipment of the car.

 

Affordable but luxurious, the interior of the Series II is a real pleasant environment indeed, especially when you consider the cost of the car from new was in reach of most families. The 1600E added further luxuries inside such as a leather steering wheel, polished wood trim, extra sound deadening, deep pile carpets and reclining seats. 

This car is in great order, with the black leather seats in fine condition with only the smallest of blemishes and the wood trim in almost unmarked condition. There was mention of some restoration work possibly being carried out in the 1980’s which may have included the interior but there’s nothing to back this up. In conclusion, a fantastic interior in more than good condition.

 

Early Cortina’s are without question the most attractive out of all the generations, the Series II changes to the Mark II in 1968 added further allure, then along came the 1600E, the last major model of the Mark II. Additional exterior bading, twin driving lamps and matt black radiator all come as part of the 1600E upgrades which is considered one of the best looking versions of the car to this day. 

The condition of the Ermine White paint is super, with only one small blemish which has been pictured, the chrome bumpers and trim could do with some restoration as some pitting is present. The vinyl roof is also in top order with no sign of any tears or damage. As mentioned before, there may have been restoration work carried out in the past but as there’s no paperwork present we presume it was a project possibly carried out personally. 

Overall, a great looking car in very good condition.

 

The 1600E features a 1599cc Crossflow engine which produces over 20% more power than the previous 1400 option, yet also provides fuel consumption of around 31.5mpg when cruising. The engine was incredibly successful for Ford and featured in various models up until 1982.

The seller tells us that the car runs and drives with no issues. 

The gorgeous car has been sheltered from the world for years and only driven an average of five miles a year for the past decade. It’s in more than good order thanks to being stored in a dry barn as a part of collection and with a little time and energy this car can be the next show winner.