Description
This is just stunning. The subject of a recent full body-off restoration (2016-2021) and mechanical rebuild, this cracking Cortina is genuinely as good underneath as it is on top and drives even better. It comes with a comprehensive set of photographs documenting the principal work and some nice early history too. Ready to go and perfect to show, this pretty car would make a welcome addition to any car collection or indeed, is the perfect family classic to polish-up and enjoy on a Sunday afternoon.
Launched just weeks before the London Motor Show in September 1962, the all-new Cortina was designed by Roy Brown Jr, who had been banished to Dagenham after the massive failure of the Edsel project. His brief here was to design a family car that would sell in large numbers, rivalling the Morris Oxford and Vauxhall Victor. Available initially as either a 2 or 4-door saloon and from 1963, an estate version, various trim levels were offered (Standard, Deluxe, Super and GT) powered by an enlarged Anglia Kent engine bored out to 1198cc. A year later, the 5-bearing 1498cc appeared and in GT form (lowered suspension and tuning) gave 78BHP and in turn the sporting car for Britain`s family man was born. A redesign by Roy Haines in the Autumn of 1966 lead to the introduction of the Mk. II, a longer, wider car with an ever-increasing choices of engine sizes and trim levels. As so, the story of the now legendary Cortina continued with what was to become a 20-year production span and global success.
Our car was supplied new on 9th July 1965 to a gentleman in Harmondsworth who took retirement just 2 years later, moving to Martham in the Norfolk Broads. The original Ford Service Book records annual servicing by the local garage up to January 1971, the Cortina averaging around 5000 miles each year. Sadly, the story goes quiet for a few years albeit we are aware, from old MoT Certificates, that the car remained in North Norfolk (moving to Catfield in the late 1990`s) and later Beccles in Suffolk. Around 2016, this now 51-year-old Ford was undeniably in need of some serious attention and had found it`s way to the workshop of a retired coachbuilder in Northallerton, North Yorkshire. Photographs taking in the August show the Cortina stripped to a bare shell and so began a rolling 5-year restoration programme. All corrosion was cut out and new metal stitched-in (wheel-arches in the main) and the shell was subsequently primed and painted in its original Spruce Green. In February 2018, the 1200 engine was stripped and rebuilt with new piston rings, big end and main bearing shells, timing chain and tensioner pad, water pump, thermostat, core plugs and engine mountings. The car was subsequently re-assembled using as many of the original parts as possible to include glass and trim albeit the original steel wheels were replaced with Rostyles on fresh branded tyres. In July 2021, the Cortina finally went for its first drive in years and whilst filling up at a local petrol station was spotted by a keen classic car enthusiast who offered to buy the car on the spot. A deal was done and the Cortina has been everyday transport since. That said, our new owner has continued to improve the car refurbishing the axles, replacing suspension parts and general fettling. Such work has seen a further £3000 invested in the past 12 months. As such, the Cortina today needs for nothing.
The photographs very much tell the story here. The extent and quality of the body restoration and paintwork is clearly evident - it has been professionally done and is virtually blemish free. Under the bonnet and in the boot, the Cortina is almost “as new” and the underside is just the same. The panel fit too is quite superb with all four doors closing with that almost iconic yet satisfying clunk only Ford doors can achieve. In the cabin, the original green trim has been cleaned-up and retained, dash sympathetically restored and carpets replaced front and rear. Turn the key and the freshly rebuilt 1198cc fires instantly into life sounding sweet and purposeful. On the road, the car is a joy with smooth gear changes, excellent brakes, balanced handling and enough power to cruise happily at 45-50MPH. I have just taken the Cortina to a local show and unsurprisingly, it was very well-received. For many, it is one of the most evocative cars of this era with those of us of a certain generation remembering family members with one and the memories attached. And is drives so well, indicative of a well-restored example that has benefitted from regular use since and the inevitable fettling required.
The Cortina comes with an original sales brochure, its original Ford Service Book (partly stamped-up), old MoT Certificates, sundry bills and receipts, many colour photographs of the car during restoration from 2016, a current V5C and 2 sets of keys. The car is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A properly sorted British icon ready to be enjoyed immediately. Lovely in all respects.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
